These red velvet cupcakes are soft, moist, and irresistibly delicious, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the subtle cocoa flavor of the cupcakes. With their striking red color and light, fluffy texture, these cupcakes are sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion. The combination of butter, oil, and buttermilk makes these cupcakes extra tender, while the tang from the vinegar and cream cheese adds a perfect balance to the sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this red velvet cupcake recipe because it combines the best of both worlds: the rich texture of a traditional cake and the fluffiness of a perfect cupcake. The cocoa powder adds just a hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the cupcake’s signature taste. The cream cheese frosting is smooth and tangy, balancing the sweetness of the cupcake itself. Plus, the bright red color makes these cupcakes a festive and eye-catching treat, perfect for parties, holidays, or simply indulging your sweet tooth!
Perfect for Any Occasion
These red velvet cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to serve an impressive dessert. Their vibrant red hue makes them a great option for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any festive occasion. They also work beautifully as a classic, elegant dessert for dinner parties or afternoon tea. The combination of light, fluffy cupcakes with a creamy, tangy frosting is sure to win over everyone at the table.
Decoration Tips
To make these cupcakes look as good as they taste, pipe the cream cheese frosting in swirls on top of each cupcake using a piping bag with a star tip. For an added decorative touch, you can sprinkle some red velvet cake crumbs or edible glitter on top of the frosting. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a more decadent presentation. Display the cupcakes on a cake stand or arrange them in a decorative box for a gift-worthy treat.
Ingredients for the Cupcakes:
- 1¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tbsp (9 g) cornstarch
- 1½ tbsp (7 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp (43 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (70 g) unflavored vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200 g) white sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp white vinegar
- 1¾ tbsp red liquid food color
- ⅓ cup (75 g) buttermilk, room temperature
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2¼ cups (285 g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (168 g) cold cream cheese
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tbsp lemon juice
Cupcake Method:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners. - Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. - Cream the fats and sugar:
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add eggs and wet ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, vinegar, red food coloring, and buttermilk until well combined. - Fold in dry ingredients:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense. - Fill and bake:
Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Frosting Method:
- Whip the butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add powdered sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing until smooth and well combined. - Add cream cheese and flavorings:
Add the cold cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until the frosting is smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix. - Frost the cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the frosting onto each cupcake.
Enjoy your classic red velvet cupcakes with rich cream cheese frosting—a perfect treat for any occasion!