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Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

Deliciously moist red velvet cupcakes topped with rich and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat any day. These cupcakes feature a tender crumb made with buttermilk and a hint of cocoa, combined with vibrant red gel food coloring and finished with a smooth, fluffy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp (141 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 1/2 tbsp (8 g) cocoa powder, Dutch process
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz. (114 g) cream cheese, cold
  • 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
  • Sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners and set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and pale, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk to the butter mixture on low speed, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
  6. Incorporate Food Coloring: Gently fold in the red gel food coloring into the batter until evenly distributed but do not overmix.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5-10 minutes. Add the cold cream cheese and mix on medium-high speed until combined.
  10. Add Powdered Sugar: Sift in the powdered sugar, adding it a cup at a time. Mix on low speed initially, then increase to high speed and beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
  11. Assemble: Transfer the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Generously pipe the frosting onto each completely cooled cupcake.
  12. Decorate and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for decoration. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Notes

  • Make sure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to avoid tough cupcakes.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if you use liners of different sizes or a different oven.
  • For a stronger red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the batter.
  • Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
  • The frosting can be flavored with a little lemon zest or vanilla extract for a twist.

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes, dessert, baking, moist cupcakes, red velvet cake

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/red-velvet-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/