Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 39 reviews

If you are looking to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as delightful in flavor as it is in appearance, the Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. These cupcakes are perfectly moist, tender, and carry that subtle cocoa flavor paired with the trademark vibrant red color that excites the eyes. Topped with a luscious, velvety cream cheese frosting, this recipe walks you through creating irresistible bites that taste like a slice of happiness. Get ready to bake something that’s bound to become a beloved classic in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center right, there is a white speckled bowl filled with white flour. Below it and slightly to the right, a glass measuring cup holds white milk. To the left of the milk, a white egg rests on the surface. Above the egg, a small white bowl contains white baking soda or powder. Near the center, a small round bowl holds dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Above that, a small white measuring cup is filled with cocoa powder, showing a cracked, dry texture. Next to the cocoa powder, there is a set of three silver measuring spoons stacked together. On the left side, a small white plate holds a rectangular piece of yellow butter. Below that, a small dark bottle, possibly vanilla flavoring, has a red cap. At the bottom left, a white measuring cup is filled with white sugar. The scene is well-lit and clean, with the white marbled background adding brightness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe requires simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender crumb from the cake flour or the tangy richness contributed by the cream cheese frosting.

Cake flour (1 ⅓ cups): Provides a light and tender texture essential for soft cupcakes.
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a subtle chocolate undertone.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Leavens the cupcakes for that perfect rise.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup + ½ cup, softened): Brings richness and moisture both in the cupcake and frosting.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cupcakes while creating a tender crumb.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
Oil (¼ cup): Keeps cupcakes moist and tender over time.
Liquid red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Gives that signature vibrant red color.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons, divided): Adds aromatic warmth and depth to both batter and frosting.
Distilled white vinegar (½ teaspoon): Reacts with baking soda to provide lift and subtle tang.
Buttermilk (⅔ cup, room temperature): Offers a slight tang and moist crumb through acidity.
Cream cheese (8-ounce package, softened): The star of the frosting, delivering smooth tangy creaminess.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreadability.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), and line two standard 12-count muffin pans with 16 cupcake liners. This preparation ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out cleanly, ready for cooling and frosting.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the cake flour and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl, then whisk in the baking soda and salt. Doing this helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa for a tender, uniformly flavored cupcake base.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is vital to incorporate air for a soft texture and to dissolve the sugar properly.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg thoroughly, then blend in the oil, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Scrape down the bowl sides as you go to ensure everything is combined well. Each ingredient contributes to the batter’s richness, color, and balanced flavor.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Buttermilk

Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and toughening the cupcakes.

Step 6: Fill the Liners and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Proper baking time ensures moist but well-cooked cupcakes.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Remove cupcakes from pans carefully and transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely before frosting. This is critical because frosting warm cupcakes can cause it to melt and slide off.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, add the softened butter, and mix until well combined and creamy. Then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This frosting is creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet – the ideal companion to your cupcakes.

Step 9: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost the cupcakes. The beautiful, velvety frosting adds not only flavor but an eye-catching finish that will make these cupcakes irresistible.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up view of a red velvet cupcake resting on a silver cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The cupcake has one thick base layer of rich deep red cake with a slightly textured surface, topped with a swirl of creamy white frosting that stands about half the cupcake's height. Small red cake crumbs are sprinkled on top of the frosting and scattered around the cupcake on the white marbled surface. In the background, several more red velvet cupcakes with the same frosting and crumb decoration are softly blurred, adding depth to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few cupcake crumbs or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can also add a pop of color and bright, fruity contrast to the rich cream cheese.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth latte to balance the sweetness. A light fruit salad can also complement the rich flavors and provide a refreshing palette cleanser between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, display your cupcakes on a decorative tiered cake stand sprinkled with edible flowers or holiday-themed sprinkles. Wrapping cupcake liners with colored parchment or tying a ribbon around each adds a personalized, festive flair that impresses every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and prevent spoilage. They can last up to 3 days when properly covered.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frosting. To freeze already frosted cupcakes, place them on a tray first to freeze solid, then wrap carefully to avoid smudging.

Reheating

Since these cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating once frosted. If you need to warm unfrosted cupcakes, a brief 10-second microwave zap can refresh their softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ⅔ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This acidity helps tenderize the cupcake crumb just like real buttermilk.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

While the red food coloring gives the iconic vibrant hue, you can reduce the amount or use natural alternatives like beet juice powder. Keep in mind the color intensity might be less bright but the flavor remains delicious.

How do I prevent cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened but not melted. Also, gradually add powdered sugar until you reach the desired frosting consistency, and chill the frosting briefly if needed before piping.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

This Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe relies on dairy for texture and flavor, but you can experiment with vegan substitutes like coconut cream cheese and plant-based butter. Results may vary but it’s a great way to customize for dietary needs.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip allows for a beautiful swirl of frosting on top, creating a professional look. Alternatively, a simple spatula spread gives a rustic and inviting finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking from scratch, especially when it’s as satisfying and visually stunning as this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of moist cake and creamy frosting that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon and watch your loved ones fall head over heels for these charming cupcakes!