red velvet cupcakes
Red velvet cupcakes are timeless and classic, captivating taste buds with their vibrant appearance, luscious flavor, and velvety texture. These indulgent treats have become a staple at various celebratory events such as birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible allure of red velvet cupcakes!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- These red velvet cupcakes are so fun!
- They are bright red in color.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make. Only about 15 minutes of prep time.
- They are elegant, sophisticated, and elevated.
- The classic red velvet flavor is delicious.
- I make these for my family often and they adore them! Their favorite part is the unique flavor of the cupcakes.
- I have also served these at birthday parties. They are always a popular choice.
- They are also great for the Christmas holiday season and rainy baking days. They’re also perfect as Valentine’s Day Desserts!
- The cream cheese frosting is velvety smooth!
- Check out these Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies or these Raspberry Cupcakes for another favorite dessert!
All About Red Velvet
Red velvet has exploded in popularity over the years.
Its defining characteristic lies in the vibrant red color, achieved through the reaction between cocoa powder and buttermilk.
While the exact origins of red velvet are subject to debate, it is believed to have emerged in the United States during the early 1900s, with the classic version taking shape.
Nowadays, red velvet has become synonymous with indulgence and celebration. These red velvet cupcakes are so fun for any time of the year!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for homemade red velvet cupcakes. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
Use all-purpose flour. Measure correctly and do not overpack the measuring cups.
Granulated sugar adds just the perfect amount of sweetness.
Cocoa powder adds a light chocolate flavor.
Baking soda leavens these fluffy cupcakes.
Add in a pinch of salt!
Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor. Red velvet is known for its tangy flavor.
Apple cider vinegar helps these cupcakes rise as well.
Vanilla extract adds the classic homemade flavor. Try these Vanilla Cupcakes too!
Add in some red food coloring for that beautiful vibrant color!
To make the homemade cream cheese frosting, beat powdered sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla.
Taste & Texture
Red velvet cupcakes offer a one-of-a-kind taste and texture experience, setting them apart from other cupcake varieties.
The flavor is often described as a subtle chocolate with a hint of tanginess.
The use of cocoa powder imparts a rich and deep flavor profile. The addition of vinegar and buttermilk enhances the texture and provides a delicate tangy flavor.
Their texture is soft, fluffy, and moist.
How to Make
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Step 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about almost 3/4 full.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Step 7
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. Next, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Step 9
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
Step 10
If desired, you can decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles or grated chocolate.
Step 11
Serve and enjoy these delicious red velvet cupcakes!
Tips & Tricks for Success
To ensure your red velvet cupcakes turn out perfectly, keep in mind the following expert tips and tricks for success.
Opt for gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant and consistent red color. Add more food coloring to achieve your desired color. I talk about this more in my red velvet chocolate chip cookies post!
Sift the dry ingredients to eliminate any lumps and create a smoother batter.
Do not mix the batter too long. Mix until just incorporated.
Buttermilk and vinegar are crucial for both the flavor and texture of the cake. Do not substitute.
Allow the red velvet cupcakes to cool completely before applying the frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
How to Serve & Store
Storing
If you are not serving the cupcakes immediately, you can store them to keep them fresh. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
Place the cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out. If you have not added frosting yet, store at room temperature or in the fridge.
If you have frosted the red velvet cupcakes, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to store the cupcakes for an extended period, you can freeze them.
Ensure the cupcakes are unfrosted and completely cooled before freezing.
Place each cupcake in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
Thaw the red velvet cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight when you are ready to use them. Then, bring them to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Red velvet has a delectable flavor! It is sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly chocolaty. For a very chocolaty flavor, make these homemade Chocolate Cupcakes!
Sure! Use store-bought frosting to save time. This Coconut Frosting is another delicious idea!
The buttermilk adds a delicious tangy flavor! This is what makes it taste like red velvet.
Yes, store these red velvet cupcakes in the fridge.
Equipment Needed
Hand Mixer: This hand mixer is great for making frosting!
KitchenAid Stand Mixer: This is my go-to small kitchen appliance. Great for all things baking.
You May Also Enjoy
- Homemade Hostess Cupcakes
- Funfetti Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
- Dark Chocolate Beet Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream
- Funfetti Cupcakes
If you enjoy this homemade red velvet cupcake recipe, please leave a rating and review! You can find more great recipes on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out these Cakes and Cupcakes for more recipes!
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Description
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup low fat buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoons red food coloring optional, liquid
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about almost 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
- If desired, you can decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles or grated chocolate.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious red velvet cupcakes!
Notes
- The buttermilk is key in achieving the classic red velvet flavor. Do not replace.
- Mix the cupcake batter until just combined. Do not mix too much.
- Use the toothpick test to see if the cupcakes are done baking. Once inserted, if it comes out clean or with only moist crumbs, the cupcakes are done!
- Beat together the frosting until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool before piping on the frosting.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Enjoy these red velvet cupcakes! Have you signed up for my newsletter? It features the best desserts, recipes, baking tips and more!
fun cupcakes, as you write, the color alone is wonderful and love red velvet cake, or really anything, so thank you!