Description
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are fluffy, moist, and beautifully vibrant cupcakes topped with a rich and creamy frosting, making them ideal for any celebration or sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and clean baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a good base for the cupcakes’ tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter and help with aeration.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Mix in the buttermilk, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, giving the batter its signature red color and subtle chocolate flavor.
- Activate Baking Soda: In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar, then quickly add this to the batter and mix just until combined to help the cupcakes rise and stay tender.
- Add Flour: Gradually incorporate the flour into the batter, stirring gently until smooth without overmixing to maintain fluffiness.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth, creating a luscious base for the frosting.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy for easy spreading.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled entirely, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
