Description
Moist red velvet cupcakes with a rich cocoa flavor topped with smooth cream cheese frosting for a classic, elegant dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract. Add milk as needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Pipe or spread the frosting over the cooled cupcakes and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs for the best texture.
Do not overmix the batter or the cupcakes may become dense.
Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting.
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg