🛒 Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 🌾 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🧂 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 🌿 1/2 tsp cocoa powder
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 🥛 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🍋 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 🌹 1 tbsp red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 🧈 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 2 cups powdered sugar
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍳 Instructions
Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Combine and Mix:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fill and Bake:
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Using a piping bag or spatula, generously frost each cooled cupcake.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🌹 Extra Color: Add a touch more red food coloring for a deeper hue.
- 🍫 Chocolatey Version: Use extra cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- 🧁 Decorative Touch: Top with sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or fresh berries.
- 🥥 Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and buttermilk substitutes.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair these cupcakes with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. They also make a stunning centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or Valentine’s Day celebrations.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Red Velvet Cupcakes are a timeless dessert that combines a moist, subtly cocoa-flavored cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Their vibrant red color and luxurious taste make them a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
