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!

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, Valentine’s Day, and rainy baking days.
  • 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.

Ingredients for red velvet cupcakes.

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.

Light chocolate dry mixture.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.

Red mixture in bowl.

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.

Red cupcake batter.

Step 5

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about almost 3/4 full.

Cupcake pan with red dough.

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.

Cream cheese frosting in bowl.

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.

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.

Red cupcakes with frosting.

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

What does red velvet taste like?

Red velvet has a delectable flavor! It is sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly chocolaty. For a very chocolaty flavor, make these homemade Chocolate Cupcakes!

Can you use store-bought frosting?

Sure! Use store-bought frosting to save time. This Coconut Frosting is another delicious idea!

What does the buttermilk do?

The buttermilk adds a delicious tangy flavor! This is what makes it taste like red velvet.

Do you need to keep them in the fridge?

Yes, store these red velvet cupcakes in the fridge.

Group of red velvet cupcakes.

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

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!

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Red velvet cupcakes.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Addison LaBonte
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These classic red velvet cupcakes are so tasty and sweet!  You will fall in love with the moist cake and velvety smooth frosting.  These are great for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, holidays, and every special occasion!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)

Frosting

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about almost 3/4 full.
  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.
  7. 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.
  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.
  9. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
  10. If desired, you can decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles or grated chocolate.
  11. 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.

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