Velvety Red Velvet Cupcakes

Soft, moist, and beautifully vibrant, these Red Velvet Cupcakes are a timeless classic. With a delicate balance of rich cocoa, smooth vanilla, and a hint of tanginess from buttermilk, every bite melts in your mouth. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for celebrations or as an indulgent treat. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this foolproof recipe guarantees bakery-quality results.

Yield: 12 Cupcakes

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (8g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Batter:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.

Step 2 – Add Wet Ingredients:

4. Mix buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring in a small bowl.

5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.

Step 3 – Bake:

6. Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter.

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 4 – Make the Frosting:

9. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.

10. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract.

11. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.

Nutrition Info (Per Cupcake):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 16g
• Sugar: 30g

Pro Tip: For a more vibrant red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid!