Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese (Printable)
Tender red velvet cupcakes with smooth cream cheese frosting, ideal for any special occasion or sweet indulgence.
# What You Need:
→ For the Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
07 - 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
08 - 1 large egg, at room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon red food coloring
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
03 - In a separate large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth and uniform.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
05 - Divide batter evenly among prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
06 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
07 - Let cupcakes rest in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely before frosting.
08 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy.
09 - Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and smooth. Blend in vanilla extract and salt.
10 - Once cupcakes have cooled completely, apply frosting generously using a spatula or piping bag for decoration.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture is incredibly moist without being dense, almost like eating a cloud
- Cream cheese frosting balances the subtle chocolate with just the right tangy sweetness
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend together smoothly and prevent lumpy frosting
- Overmixing the batter leads to tough cupcakes, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
03 -
- Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting for the silkiest texture
- Chill the frosted cupcakes for 15 minutes to set the frosting before serving