The BEST Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe with Cream Cheese Swirl!

Are you ready to indulge in the perfect treat? These Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Swirl are a classic favorite, and our recipe is designed to bring you the best results! These cupcakes combine the delicious flavor with a soft texture and creamy, tangy frosting. Get ready to bake!

The History and Appeal of Red Velvet

Before we dive into the delicious details, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history and enduring appeal of the Red Velvet Cupcakes. This beloved dessert has a fascinating story. It originated in the early 20th century, with versions appearing in hotel kitchens and department store restaurants. The “red” in the name came from a chemical reaction between the cocoa powder and the acidic buttermilk and vinegar, which intensified the color of the cocoa.

What Makes These Cupcakes Special?

Our recipe for Red Velvet Cupcakes takes a classic and elevates it. We’ve focused on creating a moist, tender crumb and a vibrant red color. The addition of buttermilk and vinegar not only contributes to the red hue but also enhances the flavour and texture, making for incredibly delicious cupcakes. The cream cheese frosting provides the perfect counterpoint to the slight tang of the cake, balancing sweetness with a hint of tanginess.

What You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Red Velvet Cupcakes. Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel recommended for best results)
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best flavor and texture)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these easy steps to make the most delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes:

Making the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This step is key.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Ensure that all the dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The red food coloring is important!
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are fine, but overmixing can result in tough cupcakes.
5. Fill the Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. This helps the cupcakes to rise evenly.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is super important for a good cupcake texture.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Complement:

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Add Sugar and Flavoring: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy. Make sure you sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
3. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. We suggest a generous swirl!

Tips for Baking Success:

• Ingredient Temperature is Key: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop gluten and create tough cupcakes. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
• Quality Red Food Coloring: Use a good quality gel food coloring for the most vibrant color. Liquid food coloring is fine, but you may need to add more.
• Fresh Baking Soda: Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best lift.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.

Variations and Creative Touches:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips to the cupcake batter.
• Sprinkles: Decorate the frosted cupcakes with red, white, or Valentine’s Day sprinkles.
• Cocoa Powder: Consider adding a small amount of cocoa powder to the batter for a deeper flavor.
• Cake Board for presentation: If you’re presenting these Red Velvet Cupcakes professionally, consider using a DuraDelish cake drum to make them even more attractive.

Ready to bake these amazing Red Velvet Cupcakes? This recipe is your ticket to a delicious and beautiful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is designed so you can enjoy it. Enjoy!