Valentine Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese (Printable)

Moist, vibrant red velvet cupcakes topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect romantic treat for Valentine's Day or any celebration.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ cup vegetable oil
07 - ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
11 - 1–2 tablespoons red food coloring, liquid or gel

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately 2/3 full.
06 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
09 - Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt.
10 - Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Decorate as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cupcakes have this incredible moist crumb that somehow manages to be both light and rich at the same time, like a little miracle in each bite.
  • The tanginess of the cream cheese frosting cuts through the subtle cocoa flavor in a way that store-bought versions never quite manage to achieve.
02 -
  • The cupcakes must be completely cool before frosting, otherwise youll end up with a melty disaster that no amount of refrigeration can save.
  • The subtle reaction between the vinegar, cocoa powder, and buttermilk is what gives red velvet its distinctive texture, so dont be tempted to skip any of these seemingly minor ingredients.
03 -
  • For the most vibrant red color without using an entire bottle of food coloring, start with room temperature ingredients and use a gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • The secret to perfectly domed cupcake tops is to fill the liners exactly 2/3 full, then immediately put them in the oven while the baking soda is actively reacting.

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