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Piping fluffy cream cheese frosting onto freshly baked red velvet cupcakes.

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe – A Delicious Classic for Every Occasion


  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Description

Red Velvet Cupcakes are the perfect combination of light, fluffy texture and rich flavor, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes are vibrant in color, with a subtle cocoa flavor and a touch of tanginess that make them unique and irresistible. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, these cupcakes are sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese (softened)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • 4 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • A pinch of salt


Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and vinegar.

  • Gradually mix in the buttermilk and red food coloring until well combined.

  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

2. Bake the Cupcakes:

  • Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting:

  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

  • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.

  • Once all the powdered sugar has been added, beat the frosting on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

  • Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

4. Frost the Cupcakes:

  • Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

  • Optionally, decorate with red velvet crumbs, edible glitter, or small decorations for a festive touch.

Notes

For extra moist cupcakes, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based milk and butter substitute.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 2g