Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Are you ready to dive into a world of moist, velvety goodness? Red Velvet Cupcakes are not only visually stunning with their vibrant red hue, but they also boast a deliciously rich flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. These cupcakes are the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to casual family dinners. Imagine surprising your guests with these eye-catching fluffy treats topped with creamy frosting—what a delight!
Fun fact: The striking color of red velvet treats actually has roots dating back to the Victorian era, and while it traditionally uses beet juice or cocoa, our modern version is all about that glorious red food coloring. What makes these cupcakes even more special is how easy they are to prepare! With a quick baking time and simple ingredients, they are perfect for baking enthusiasts of all skill levels. If you love funfetti cupcakes as much as I do, these red velvet beauties are sure to make their way into your regular baking rotation. So, are you excited to whip up a batch? Let’s dive in!
What is Red Velvet Cupcakes?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why is it called Red Velvet Cupcakes?” Great question! The term “velvet” refers to the soft texture and crumb that these cupcakes achieve, while the vibrant red hue draws everyone in. You could say that besides chocolate, nothing better captures hearts than a scrumptious red velvet treat!
And let’s not forget the classic saying: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, with these cupcakes, you’ll undoubtedly win over anyone’s heart (and taste buds)! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create something truly delightful!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe
There are numerous reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for these Red Velvet Cupcakes! First, they are incredibly fluffy and moist, making each bite a heavenly experience. Second, making them at home saves you a visit to the bakery while also ensuring fresh flavor without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget about the cream cheese frosting that pairs harmoniously with the rich chocolate base—it’s the icing on the cake, quite literally! If you’ve ever enjoyed classic chocolate cupcakes, you’ll relish this unique twist. Trust me—you’ll want to make these cupcakes again and again.
How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes
Quick Overview
Making Red Velvet Cupcakes is a breeze! With simple steps and common ingredients, you will have these delicious treats ready in no time. The whole process takes about 30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, resulting in around 12 superb cupcakes that everyone will adore.
Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Cupcakes:
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 50g (1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 120ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk (or 120ml milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 150g (2/3 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 250g (2 cups) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Red velvet cake crumbs
- Sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until creamy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Decorate: Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cupcake. For a final touch, sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs or colorful sprinkles on top.
What to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes With
Red Velvet Cupcakes make a delightful addition to many gatherings! Pair them with a delicious cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for a heavenly experience. They also complement beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a decadent contrast of temperatures and textures. Hosting a party? Consider serving them alongside classic desserts like brownies or chocolate chip cookies to create a well-rounded dessert spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Cupcakes
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The white vinegar enhances the cupcakes’ texture and the chemical reaction with baking soda helps with leavening, resulting in fluffier cupcakes.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with a little lemon juice is a great alternative. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Frosting Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest frosting. It makes a world of difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Red Velvet Cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, they can be refrigerated for about a week. For the best texture, leave them at room temperature for a while before enjoying. You can also freeze un frosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing!
Now that you know how to make these captivating Red Velvet Cupcakes, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy the process and watch the smiles on everyone’s faces as they take a bite of your delicious creation. Happy baking!
s Red Velvet Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 125 g 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 100 g 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 50 g 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 60 ml 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 120 ml 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 120ml milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 150 g 2/3 cup cream cheese, softened
- 100 g 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 250 g 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Red velvet cake crumbs
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until creamy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Decorate: Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cupcake. For a final touch, sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs or colorful sprinkles on top.
