Bake classic red velvet cupcakes with a hint of cocoa and tangy cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes are perfect for celebrations and bring a touch of joy to your kitchen.
Author:Chloe Thompson
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes plus cooling time
Yield:12 cupcakes
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk (if using) until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
For a richer red color, you can use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
You can add a few drops of red food coloring to the frosting if you want a more intense color.