Valentine Red Velvet Cream Cheese (Printable)
Moist, vibrant red velvet cupcakes with luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.
# What you'll need:
→ For the Cupcakes
01 - 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ cup vegetable oil
07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
11 - 1½ tablespoons red food coloring
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, large eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
04 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
05 - Distribute the cupcake batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake emerges clean.
07 - Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - To prepare the frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
09 - Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
10 - Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each with the prepared cream cheese frosting. Optionally, decorate with festive sprinkles or edible hearts for a special touch.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This recipe delivers an incredibly moist, tender crumb that just melts in your mouth, making every bite a delight.
- The striking ruby-red color paired with that dreamy cream cheese frosting makes these cupcakes an absolute showstopper, perfect for any occasion.
02 -
- Always ensure your cold ingredients, especially the eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese, are at room temperature; this allows them to emulsify properly for the smoothest batter and frosting.
- Resist the urge to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients meet; overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough, dry cupcakes.
03 -
- To ensure uniform cupcakes and consistent baking, use an ice cream scoop or a large cookie scoop to portion your batter into the liners.
- Don't be tempted to frost warm cupcakes, as the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off; patience while cooling is truly a virtue here.