Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cups cake flour (spooned & leveled, 145 grams); 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder (10 grams); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (60 grams); 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams); 1 large egg, room temperature; ¼ cup oil (canola or vegetable, 60 ml); 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring (15 ml); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar; ⅔ cup buttermilk, room temperature (160 ml); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 grams); 1 (8-ounce) package brick-style cream cheese, softened (226 grams); 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Print Recipe·4 from 15 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in vibrant color and luscious cream, this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These cupcakes boast a perfect balance of moist, tender crumb with that signature hint of cocoa, matched beautifully by a tangy, silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy treat, this recipe brings joy in every bite and a splash of red that instantly cheers up the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a dark grey muffin tray holding twelve evenly spaced white paper liners filled with smooth, deep red cupcake batter. The liners fit snugly inside the tray's round compartments, with the batter reaching just below the edges. The tray rests on a white marbled surface that has subtle grey veins, giving a clean and bright look. The batter has a slightly glossy texture with a few tiny bubbles visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward baking these delightful treats. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the iconic flavor, texture, and stunning red hue that make this recipe so memorable.

Cake Flour: Provides a tender crumb by keeping the cupcakes light and soft.
Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds that subtle cocoa depth essential to red velvet’s unique flavor.
Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly and keeps them fluffy.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Offers richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, creating a perfect balance.
Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
Oil (Canola or Vegetable): Keeps cupcakes incredibly moist and tender.
Liquid Red Food Coloring: Gives that striking red color we all love in red velvet.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Lends a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor.
Distilled White Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help rise and supports the cake’s tender crumb.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the cocoa and cream cheese frosting perfectly.
Cream Cheese: Creates that luscious, tangy frosting that’s classic with red velvet.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy piping and creamy texture.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (180°C) to ensure an even bake. Line two standard 12-count muffin pans with 16 cupcake liners — this prep helps your cupcakes come out clean and keeps them from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the cake flour and cocoa powder, then whisk in baking soda and salt. Sifting isn’t just for neatness — it aerates your mixture, making the cupcakes wonderfully light.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds the foundation for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Scrape down the sides as you go to keep everything well mixed. This combination gives the cupcakes their signature richness and vibrant color.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into your wet mix, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined — overmixing can make cupcakes tough, and nobody wants that!

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about halfway. This helps them rise gracefully without spilling over.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the tops spring back with a gentle touch and a toothpick comes out clean. The delicious aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure anticipation!

Step 8: Cool the Cupcakes

Remove cupcakes carefully from their pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. Proper cooling prevents the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add softened butter and mix until combined, then slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy and spreadable. This frosting is the crowning glory of your cupcakes.

Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread your cream cheese frosting on top. The contrast of rich red cake beneath the creamy white frosting is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a red cupcake with a dark red moist cake layer topped with a thick swirl of creamy white frosting. Red crumbs are scattered on top of the frosting and around the base where the cupcake liner is partially peeled back and spread out flat. The cupcake sits on a white round wooden stand with a slightly worn look. In the background, there are more cupcakes with the same red cake and white frosting but blurred. The surface underneath the stand is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten these cupcakes even more by adding edible pearls, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or finely chopped pecans for a bit of crunch. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar add elegant finishing touches too.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet beauties with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for the classic combo. They also work beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a light salad if serving during brunch hours.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a stunning display. Use colored cupcake liners or themed toppers to match holidays or celebrations. You can even serve the cupcakes in decorative boxes for a lovely gift presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting firm and the cupcakes moist.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To enjoy cupcakes fresh from the fridge or freezer, bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want them slightly warm, microwave carefully for 10 seconds at a time — but avoid heating the frosting directly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with buttercream?

While traditional red velvet cupcake lovers adore cream cheese frosting, you can certainly use a classic buttercream if preferred. Just keep in mind the tangy richness of cream cheese truly complements the cake’s flavor best.

Is there a way to make these cupcakes vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap butter with plant-based margarine, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use non-dairy milk for buttermilk substitute, and ensure the food coloring is vegan-friendly. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!

Why do we add vinegar to red velvet cupcakes?

Adding vinegar causes a reaction with the baking soda, encouraging a tender crumb and fluffy rise, while also enhancing the cake’s unique tangy flavor profile in harmony with the cream cheese frosting.

Can I make these cupcakes without food coloring?

Yes, but the iconic red hue won’t be as vivid. You might get a more natural brownish tint from cocoa powder. Using red food coloring is what gives red velvet its signature eye-catching appeal.

What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?

Use a piping bag fitted with a wide star or round tip for smooth, attractive swirls. Start from the outside edge and work your way to the center for an elegant finish that’s easy to achieve!

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking and sharing the Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with friends and family. Its delightful balance of texture, flavor, and striking color makes it a standout treat for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready for a baking adventure that’s as fun as it is delicious — your taste buds will thank you!