Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Cup (133g) all purpose flour; 1 1/2 Tbsp natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 Cup (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 Cup (150g) white granulated sugar; 1/4 Cup (60ml) vegetable oil; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp distilled white vinegar; 1 tsp red food color gel; 1/2 Cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 1/2 Cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 8 Oz cream cheese, room temperature (brick-style, not the spreadable kind); 4 Cups (480g) powdered sugar; 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste; 2 Tbsp sprinkles (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes boast that iconic vibrant red color paired with a subtle cocoa flavor and the most luscious cream cheese frosting you can imagine. Perfectly moist with a tender crumb, every bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cupcakes bring warmth, joy, and a bit of classic Southern charm right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark gray metal muffin tray holds twelve white paper liners, each filled partially with smooth, bright red batter that has a thick texture and slightly rounded tops. The muffin tray rests on a soft pink cloth, placed over a white marbled countertop. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl with more of the same red batter inside, showing swirled patterns made by a silver spoon resting in it. Also visible are two white salt and pepper shakers standing upright near the bowl. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the batter and the clean white of the paper liners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing complicated here—just simple, essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your cupcakes. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cocoa hint that ties into the red velvet tradition to the cream cheese that adds that silky, tangy frosting glow.

All purpose flour (1 cup / 133g): The base that gives structure and tenderness to the cupcake crumb.
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (1 1/2 Tbsp): Just enough to enhance that signature velvety flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly, giving them a light, fluffy texture.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 57g), room temperature: Adds richness and moisture for a soft bite.
White granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150g): Sweetens just right, ensuring a tender, moist cupcake.
Vegetable oil (1/4 cup / 60ml): Keeps the cupcakes wonderfully moist and soft.
One large egg, room temperature: Provides structure and binds ingredients effortlessly.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): A warm, sweet undertone that enhances the entire flavor profile.
Distilled white vinegar (1 tsp): Reacts with the baking soda for a light rise and brightens flavor.
Red food color gel (1 tsp): Gives that unforgettable vibrant red hue that’s visually delightful.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup / 120ml), room temperature: Brings moisture and a slight tang, tenderizing the crumb perfectly.
Unsalted butter for frosting (1/2 cup / 113g), room temperature: Creamy base for that dreamy frosting texture.
Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): The star of the frosting with its rich, tangy, and smooth profile.
Powdered sugar (4 cups / 480g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreadability.
Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Adds complexity and boosts sweetness in the frosting.
Salt (1/4 tsp, to taste): Balances the sweetness and enhances the cream cheese flavor.
Sprinkles (2 Tbsp, optional): Adds fun and colorful finishing touches.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lining your cupcake tin with paper liners. This recipe yields 14 beautifully sized cupcakes, so make sure your liners are ready to go before you dive into mixing.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside ensures they are evenly distributed when added to the batter, which helps your cupcakes bake evenly and taste just right.

Step 3: Combine Red Buttermilk

Pour the red food color gel into the buttermilk and stir until fully blended. This step creates that classic red velvet hue and infuses the batter with moist, tangy goodness that we’ll see in every scrumptious bite.

Step 4: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the unsalted butter on high for about two minutes until light and fluffy. Then add the vegetable oil and sugar, beating together on medium-high speed for an additional two minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure nothing gets left behind!

Step 5: Add Egg and Flavorings

Turn the mixer to low, add in the egg, and mix until combined. Follow with the vanilla extract and distilled white vinegar, mixing on low speed for 30 seconds. These flavor builders add depth and the perfect lift to your cupcakes.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry and Red Buttermilk Mixtures

Add the dry flour mixture all at once into the bowl and mix on low until just incorporated. Then pour in the red buttermilk mix, continuing to mix on low until the batter is smooth and uniform in color. Don’t overmix—this helps maintain a tender texture.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooling the cupcakes completely before frosting is essential, so be patient—it’s worth it!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on high speed until light, fluffy, and lump-free, which takes about five minutes. Slowly add the powdered sugar a little at a time, making sure everything is thoroughly mixed after each addition. Finally, incorporate the vanilla extract and salt on low speed for another 30 seconds.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once your cupcakes are cooled, fit a piping bag with a Wilton Tip 4B and fill it with your cream cheese frosting. Pipe lovely swirls onto each cupcake for that professional, irresistible finish. If you like, sprinkle on some sprinkles to add an extra pop of color and fun.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A woman's hand with pink nail polish holds a small cupcake wrapped in a shiny silver liner. The cupcake has three layers of smooth white frosting, swirled into a peak. On top, there are small colorful sprinkles in purple, pink, blue, and yellow, along with larger pink decorations shaped like a ball and a heart. The background is a soft pale pink with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the classic choice to add a playful, colorful touch, but you can also opt for finely chopped nuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even delicate edible flowers. Each garnish brings a unique look and a fun surprise when you bite into the cupcakes.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cup of rich coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a fresh fruit salad. The slight tang of the cream cheese frosting acts as a perfect match to the sweetness and vibrancy of fruits like strawberries or raspberries.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cupcake display pop by arranging them on a tiered stand or showcasing them with themed cupcake wrappers. You can even decorate the frosting with personalized toppers or messages for parties, making these cupcakes the centerpiece of any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and safe to eat. They will stay perfectly moist and flavorful for up to 3 days when properly covered.

Freezing

If you want to save cupcakes for longer, freeze them without frosting in a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely at room temperature, then frost with fresh cream cheese frosting for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed cupcakes warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the crumb slightly and revives that fresh-baked feel. If already frosted, remove the frosting before warming or just enjoy them chilled to keep the frosting perfect.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the red food color gel, but keep in mind that the cupcakes will have a natural brown hue due to the cocoa powder. The red color is iconic and visually striking but does not affect the overall delicious flavor.

How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?

Simply add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes to curdle, then use it as a perfect buttermilk substitute for this recipe.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer works just fine for creaming the butter and cream cheese and mixing the batter. Just be sure to play close attention to texture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

What tips do you have for piping the cream cheese frosting?

Use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 4B tip or any open star tip to get those beautiful swirls. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off works as a quick alternative.

Are these cupcakes suitable for freezing already frosted?

It’s better to freeze unfrosted cupcakes to maintain the best texture. Frosting can separate or become less fluffy after freezing and thawing. Always frost cupcakes fresh after thawing for a perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a cupcake that looks as good as it tastes, and this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe hits all the right notes. Moist, tender, and luxuriously frosted with rich cream cheese buttercream—it’s a classic that never disappoints. I hope you bake a batch soon and enjoy every bite as much as I do!