Red Velvet Cupcakes

Featured in Sweet Treats from My Kitchen.

Moist red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. This American classic features a velvety chocolate batter and creamy topping. Makes 12 cupcakes.
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:27:27 GMT
Red Velvet cupcakes Pin it
Red Velvet cupcakes | magichouserecipes.com

These seductive cupcakes enchant not only with their vibrant red color, but also with their unique, velvety texture. The perfect balance between delicate cocoa and creamy cream cheese frosting makes them an unforgettable taste experience that will make the hearts of all dessert lovers beat faster.

My first encounter with Red Velvet cupcakes was in a small bakery in New York, and since then, the fascination for these special little cakes has never left me.

Carefully Selected Ingredients

  • Butter: Unsalted variety for controlled flavor
  • Cocoa powder: High quality powder for authentic taste
  • Buttermilk: Ensures special tenderness in the batter
  • Cream cheese: Full fat version for creamy frosting
  • Vanilla extract: Natural extract for intense aroma
Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes - Heavenly Fluffy! Pin it
Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes - Heavenly Fluffy! | magichouserecipes.com

Detailed Preparation

Batter Preparation:
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Slowly incorporate egg. Carefully work in cocoa and color paste. Do not overmix batter.
Chemical Reaction:
Mix baking soda with vinegar. Immediately incorporate into the batter. Continue processing quickly. Gently fold in air bubbles.
Baking Process:
Fill liners evenly. Maintain exact temperature. Perform toothpick test. Allow to cool completely.
Frosting Production:
Process ingredients at room temperature. Whip until airy. Check consistency. Pipe artistically.

In my bakery, these cupcakes have become the absolute bestseller. The velvety texture in particular delights time and time again.

Creative Decorations

Decorate the cupcakes with various piping techniques. Classic rosettes are created with a large star tip. Red sugar pearls or gold dust add festive shine. Small chocolate hearts or handmade fondant decorations make each cupcake unique.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe can be wonderfully refined. A cherry filling provides fruity surprises. White chocolate pieces in the batter create exciting textures. An espresso note in the frosting harmonizes perfectly with the cocoa. For holidays, a version with champagne frosting is suitable.

Professional Storage

The finished cupcakes keep refrigerated for up to three days. Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen. Store the frosting separately in the refrigerator and whip again before using. Room temperature makes them particularly moist.

Time Management

You can prepare the batter the day before. Bring all ingredients to room temperature in advance. Pipe frosting just before serving. This organization guarantees perfect results. Plan for cooling times.

Red Velvet Cupcakes - The Perfect Mix of Cocoa & Vanilla Pin it
Red Velvet Cupcakes - The Perfect Mix of Cocoa & Vanilla | magichouserecipes.com

Festive Occasions

Red Velvet cupcakes are perfect for Valentine's Day and weddings. With adapted decoration, they fit any celebration. As a gift, they make an elegant impression in a beautiful box. They are also a highlight for dessert buffets.

After countless variations and experiments, this version has proven to be the perfect balance between traditional Red Velvet flavor and modern interpretation. The combination of velvety texture and creamy frosting makes these cupcakes a timeless classic that delights both beginners and experienced bakers. I find it particularly fascinating how the vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor together create a unique taste experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is the red food coloring necessary?
No, the cupcakes taste just as good without it. The red color is only important for the traditional appearance.
→ Why use buttermilk?
Buttermilk makes the batter especially moist and reacts with the baking soda for more fluffiness.
→ Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the frosting keeps refrigerated for 2-3 days. Just stir briefly before using.
→ How long do the cupcakes keep?
In an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
→ Can I freeze them?
Yes, but without frosting. Well wrapped, they will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese

Classic red velvet cupcakes with creamy cream cheese frosting - moist, chocolatey and beautifully red, perfect for any celebration.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cupcakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cupcakes

01 ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
02 ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
03 1 large egg, room temperature
04 ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
05 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 ½ cup (130ml) buttermilk
07 1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
08 1 teaspoon baking soda
09 1½ teaspoons white vinegar
10 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring

→ Cream cheese frosting

11 2½ cups (300g) powdered sugar, sifted
12 3½ tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter, softened
13 ½ cup (125g) cream cheese, room temperature

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to form a thick paste. Add this chocolate-red paste to the butter mixture and beat until evenly combined.

Step 02

Add the flour and buttermilk to the batter, alternating between the two and beginning and ending with flour (about 3 additions of flour, 2 of buttermilk). Mix just until combined after each addition. In a small cup, stir together the baking soda and vinegar – it will fizz. Quickly fold this mixture into the batter. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.

Step 03

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. The cupcakes must be completely cool or the frosting will melt.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated, then on medium-high until light and fluffy. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip (or your preferred decorative tip) and pipe swirls onto each cooled cupcake. If desired, decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or small red decorations.

Notes

  1. You can adjust the amount of red food coloring depending on how vibrant you want your cupcakes to be. For a more natural option, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of beet powder, though the red color won't be as intense.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Piping bag
  • Wilton 1M piping tip or other star tip

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy products
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 315
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~