Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is perfect for every occasion. The cupcakes are soft, moist and beautifully red. Topped with creamy, rich cream cheese frosting, they are irresistible. You do not need to be a professional baker to make them.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps that anyone can follow. If you want to learn how to make Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting, you are in the right place. The guide also shares tips, variations and storage advice to get perfect cupcakes every time.

The Secret Behind This Delicious

The secret to perfect red velvet cupcakes is balance. The cake should be tender, soft and lightly chocolatey. Using buttermilk gives the cake a moist and fluffy texture. The right amount of red food coloring ensures a vibrant red color. The cream cheese frosting must be smooth and slightly tangy, balancing the sweetness of the cake.

Do not overmix the batter or the cupcakes can become dense. Baking at the correct temperature ensures even rise and a soft crumb. Decorating with frosting while cupcakes are cool prevents melting and keeps them neat.

Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Recipe Card info

  • Recipe Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Servings: 12 cupcakes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Course: Dessert / Snack
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Equipment List

To make these cupcakes easily, you need basic kitchen tools.

  • Muffin tray
  • Paper cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients You Need for Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

These Ingredients for Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting are simple and easy to find.

For the Cupcakes:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Red food coloring
  • Vanilla extract
  • White vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light in texture.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix well for a smooth batter.

5. Add Red Coloring and Vinegar

Add red food coloring and vinegar to the batter. Stir gently until fully incorporated.

6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter. Mix gently, do not overmix.

7. Fill the Cupcake Liners

Spoon batter into lined muffin tray, filling each 3/4 full for even baking.

8. Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool the Cupcakes

Remove cupcakes from oven. Let them cool in the tray five minutes, then transfer to a rack.

10. Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

11. Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar to the frosting. Mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.

12. Add Vanilla

Stir in vanilla extract for flavor. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

13. Frost the Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to frost evenly.

14. Decorate (Optional)

Sprinkle red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or heart sprinkles for extra decoration.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Replace some flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Try cocoa-free red velvet for a lighter chocolate taste.
  • Use cream cheese frosting flavored with lemon or orange zest for a twist.
  • Store frosting separately if preparing cupcakes in advance to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories320 kcal
Fat18 g
Carbohydrates36 g
Protein4 g
Sugar25 g
Fiber1 g

Serving Suggestions

Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are perfect for birthdays, parties, or casual tea time. Pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. They also make a great gift when wrapped nicely in a cupcake box. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. Adding a fresh strawberry on top enhances both taste and appearance.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerate for up to five days to keep frosting fresh. Frost cupcakes just before serving for the best texture. You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then frost as desired. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the frosting and make cupcakes soggy.

Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is perfect for every occasion. The cupcakes are soft, moist and beautifully red. Topped with creamy, rich cream cheese frosting, they are irresistible. You do not need to be a professional baker to make them.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert / Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Red food coloring
  • Vanilla extract
  • White vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream cheese softened
  • Unsalted butter softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light in texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix well for a smooth batter.

Add Red Coloring and Vinegar

  • Add red food coloring and vinegar to the batter. Stir gently until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

  • Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter. Mix gently, do not overmix.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

  • Spoon batter into lined muffin tray, filling each 3/4 full for even baking.

Bake the Cupcakes

  • Bake in preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cupcakes

  • Remove cupcakes from oven. Let them cool in the tray five minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Prepare the Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add Powdered Sugar

  • Gradually add powdered sugar to the frosting. Mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Add Vanilla

  • Stir in vanilla extract for flavor. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Frost the Cupcakes

  • Once cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to frost evenly.

Decorate (Optional)

  • Sprinkle red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or heart sprinkles for extra decoration.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Replace some flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Try cocoa-free red velvet for a lighter chocolate taste.
  • Use cream cheese frosting flavored with lemon or orange zest for a twist.
  • Store frosting separately if preparing cupcakes in advance to maintain freshness.
Keyword Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

FAQs about Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Can I use boxed cake mix for red velvet cupcakes?
Yes, you can, but homemade gives better flavor and texture with richer cream cheese frosting.

Why is my cupcake too dense?
Dense cupcakes usually happen if batter is overmixed or if flour is measured incorrectly.

Can I use light cream cheese for frosting?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese makes frosting creamier and more flavorful.

How do I make red velvet cupcakes without food coloring?
Use natural beetroot juice or powdered freeze-dried beetroot for natural red color.

Can I decorate in advance?
Yes, you can frost a day ahead, but store in refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is easy, fun, and perfect for all occasions. With simple steps and easy ingredients, you now know how to make Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese Frosting that are soft, rich and visually stunning.

The combination of tender red velvet cake with tangy cream cheese frosting always impresses. Try it for birthdays, holidays or weekend baking, and these cupcakes will surely become a favorite treat in your home.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.