Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are delicious and sweet. Finished with a silky smooth cream cheese frosting, bringing a tangy flavor to balance out the rich cake. This recipe is made completely from scratch for the very best flavor, texture, and freshness.

Homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes are a luscious vanilla cake made with sour cream, eggs, milk, and cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor. This cake was supposedly made famous by the well known Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City, but there are those that consider it a southern recipe.

Wherever it originated, there is no denying its place in the baking world as a well known, and equally well loved, confection.

If you haven’t visited our other cupcakes recipes, you can find them over in Cupcake Corner on the blog. We have a large selection of delicious cupcakes that range from simple and sweet, to decadent and elaborate. Our Lemony Lemon Cupcakes, Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes, and Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are all well loved anytime they make an appearance.

What is the actual flavor of Red Velvet Cupcakes?

These cupcakes are made from a simple vanilla batter with a few tablespoons of cocoa powder added in. Red food dye is also used to create the famous vibrant red color that this cake is known by. Sour cream and cream cheese is also found in this cake batter, bringing a rich texture and slight tanginess.

A cream cheese frosting is standard with red velvet, and adds a beautifully sweet finish to the robust cake.

How to make Red Velvet Cupcakes

To make the best Red Velvet Cupcakes you need to follow some basic baking techniques. Here are our suggestions for how to get the very best moist red velvet cupcakes.

• Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients in two separate bowls to ensure the wet ingredients are fully creamed together.
• Be careful not to over mix the batter. Over mixing will result in dense cupcakes that will likely fall after baking. Mix the batter only until it is combined and creamy.
• Use softened butter and room temperature ingredients. This will give you a creamier batter that will rise and yield soft, fluffy cupcakes.
• Do not overfill the cupcake tins. Overfilling the tins will cause an uneven bake and burned cupcakes edges. Fill the tins to 2/3 full for an even bake.
• Keep an eye on the cupcakes while they bake. Cupcakes can quickly burn in the final minutes of baking, be sure to check them frequently. Cupcakes are done when they have a firm edge, cooked middle, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

What is Cream Cheese Frosting made of?

A standard Cream Cheese Frosting is made from high quality cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of pure vanilla extract. Whip together all of the ingredients in a stand mixer on high to incorporate air into the frosting for a fluffy, creamy consistency. Be careful not to over mix as this will cause the ingredients to separate and break down.

A smooth Cream Cheese Frosting is the iconic finishing touch on these beautiful cupcakes. Making your own frosting is absolutely worth the time and effort, and will elevate the quality and flavor far better than a store bought brand.

Why won’t my Cream Cheese Frosting set?

If your Cream Cheese Frosting is soft and runny the culprit is usually a low quality cream cheese. For the best frosting you want to be using a full fat cream cheese that isn’t watered down. Cream cheese that is whipped or sold in the tubs won’t yield a strong frosting because they have been watered down to make them soft and easy to spread.

Look for a high quality, full fat block cream cheese to make your frosting.

Ways to garnish your cupcakes

The traditional way to garnish these beautiful red cakes is with crumble from the actual cake sprinkled over the frosted tops. However, the beauty of these gorgeous cupcakes is that the red color lends them to be very eye catching and make a statement on any table.

Here are some of our favorite ideas for ways to garnish these beautiful red cakes.

• Top with white pearl sprinkles for a sophisticated and classic aesthetic
• Top with a bright red cherry, raspberry, or any other red fruit
• Make a beautiful candy heart using candy melts or chocolate
• Create delicate fondant designs like roses, hearts, or cherries
• Top with sugared cranberries and rosemary if serving for a holiday party
• Sprinkle with edible luster dust or gold
• Finish with chocolate sprinkles, shavings or curls
• Opt for a luscious chocolate ganache in place of the cream cheese frosting
• Add a chocolate drizzle

Why is Red Velvet made with buttermilk?

Buttermilk is the staple ingredient in traditional Red Velvet. It give the cake it’s tangy flavor, adds moisture, and helps activate the baking soda which leavens the cake. If you are looking to make your cupcakes without buttermilk, this is the recipe for you.

We opted to use sour cream in place of the buttermilk. Sour cream will give your cake all of the same properties that the buttermilk does, and it is readily available in most of our kitchens. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to the milk, allowing it to sit and sour slightly before mixing it into the batter.

Alternatives to red food coloring

Traditional red food dye has been linked to a variety of health concerns, and should always be used sparingly in your diet. If you are looking to avoid red food dyes here is a list of substitutions you can try.

• Pure beet juice is a very popular option with great success in baked goods
• Dry beet powder can also be used to avoid extra moisture in your batter
• Pure pomegranate juice
• Boiled cranberries strained
• Boiled hibiscus flowers strained

How to serve Red Velvet Cupcakes

This stunning cake is always popular due to its vibrant color and rich flavor. It tends to get limited to a few select social events, but it can be served for a variety of occasions and decorated to fit nearly any aesthetic.

• Red Velvet Cupcakes are a really fun valentines treat
• They are a popular option for a romantic anniversary dessert
• Decorate with sugared fruits and dust with powdered sugar for a winter holiday party
• Finish with fresh red fruits like cherries, raspberries, and strawberries for a summer dessert
• Serve for a bridal shower or wedding decorated with pearl sprinkles or gold luster dust

Making candy melt hearts for Red Velvet Cupcakes

Making candy melt hearts is a great way to garnish these beautiful cupcakes for a valentines party, a romantic anniversary dessert, or a sweet way to tell someone you care about them. Candy melts can be found at any big box stores, grocery store, or online. We are using the red Wilton candy melts.

To properly melt the candy melts follow the simple instructions in the printable recipe card. After chilling the toppers for 10 minutes in the fridge, place them as desired on the swirled frosting top.

Your Printable Recipe Card

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