Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups all purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 cup buttermilk

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If you are searching for a truly delightful treat that combines rich flavor, vibrant color, and a moist, tender crumb, this Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes boast a perfect balance of subtle cocoa notes and a hint of tang from the buttermilk that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a beige muffin tray filled with 12 red velvet cupcakes, each in a white paper liner. Each cupcake has a smooth, slightly rounded top with a deep red color, showing small cracks and a soft texture on the surface. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, highlighting the contrast between the bright red cupcakes and the neutral background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that classic texture and flavor. From the all-purpose flour that forms the base to the red gel food coloring that gives these cupcakes their iconic look, every element is essential.

2 1/3 cups all purpose flour: Provides structure for soft, tender cupcakes.
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich, subtle chocolate flavor foundational to red velvet.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise for a light, airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Creates a moist crumb and adds richness.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the tender texture.
4 large egg yolks: Bind the batter together and add richness.
2 tablespoons red gel food coloring: Delivers the signature vibrant red color without altering texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm aroma and enhances other flavors.
1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help rise and tanginess that complements the sweetness.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a hint of tartness essential for red velvet’s characteristic flavor.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your muffin pan with paper cupcake liners to ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and release easily after baking. Setting up your tools and oven properly is a simple step that guarantees perfect results every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This combination creates the dry base that gives the cupcakes their subtle chocolate undertone and perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture looks fluffy and creamy. Then, add the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is vital for achieving a smooth batter with great volume.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring to the creamed mixture. Mix until you get a bright, uniform red batter. Each of these ingredients enhances flavor while the vinegar and coloring maintain that classic red velvet tang and hue.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until a smooth red batter forms. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl’s sides to ensure no pockets of flour remain—this guarantees an even crumb throughout.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. You’ll know they’re done when the cupcake tops spring back gently to the touch.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This step is important so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off, letting you enjoy beautiful, stable cupcakes.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

A close-up of a red velvet cupcake with two main layers: the bottom layer is dark red and moist with a rich texture, while the top layer is a thick swirl of creamy white frosting sprinkled with fine red crumbs. The cupcake sits on a stack of three white plates with some red crumbs scattered around it. In the blurry background, there are more red velvet cupcakes with the same frosting on a white cake stand and around it, set against a soft pink backdrop with hints of white and pink flowers. The surface beneath the plates has a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Red Velvet Cupcakes are stunning on their own, but the right garnishes can elevate them even more. Consider finishing each cupcake with a swirl of classic cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with a few festive red sugar crystals or a light dusting of cocoa powder for elegance and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your cupcakes with light sides like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk makes a perfect drink pairing that complements the cupcakes without overpowering their delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, display your cupcakes on a tiered stand decorated with edible gold leaf or delicate edible flowers. Wrap individual servings in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for easy gifting, or serve them with personalized cupcake toppers for birthdays or holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness longer, store them in the refrigerator where they can last up to 5 days without drying out or losing flavor.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze really well! After they have cooled completely and if you haven’t frosted them yet, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them great for advance preparation.

Reheating

To enjoy your cupcakes fresh after freezing, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving. If you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave on low power works wonders without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, you can substitute with regular food coloring, but gel food coloring is preferred because it provides a richer, more vibrant red without adding extra liquid to the batter, which helps maintain the perfect cupcake texture.

Why is there vinegar in the recipe?

The white vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create small bubbles that help the cupcakes rise, giving them a tender crumb and slight tang that balances the sweet and cocoa flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that baking times and textures might vary slightly, so watch your cupcakes closely as they bake.

What frosting pairs best with Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe?

Cream cheese frosting is the classic match for these cupcakes, as its tanginess perfectly complements the sweet, cocoa-infused cake, but you can also try buttercream or even mascarpone frosting for a delicious twist.

How long do the cupcakes last without frosting?

The unfrosted cupcakes can stay fresh for about 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving to keep the cream cheese or buttercream frosting fresh and from becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe that brightens up any gathering or quiet moment of indulgence. Every step, from gathering simple ingredients to savoring that first bite, brings joy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your kitchen will soon be filled with irresistible aromas, and you’ll have plenty of reasons to celebrate with friends and family over these gorgeous, delicious cupcakes.