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Close-up of a moist red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, topped with red velvet crumbs, showcasing its soft texture and rich color.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24 cupcakes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 303
These Red Velvet Cupcakes are soft, moist, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting! This easy recipe delivers perfect cupcakes in minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2⅓ cups cake flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup salted butter softened (unsalted works too)
  • cups granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs at room temperature
  • 1 egg white at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp red gel food coloring adjust as needed for vibrant red
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk room temperature
  • ½ cup brewed hot coffee or hot water
Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 16 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup salted butter softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (177°C) and line your cupcake trays.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined and lump-free. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the oil and continue mixing until fully incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the egg white, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure the mixture is fully combined.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Adjust the food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
  • With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter should be smooth but not overmixed.
  • Gently mix in the brewed coffee until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  • Evenly divide the batter among the lined cupcake pans. Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for 1 minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Using a handheld or stand mixer paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time scraping down the sides every so often to ensure everything is well mixed.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  • If the frosting feels too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. If it’s too sweet, a small pinch of salt will balance the flavor. The frosting should be soft but not runny.
  • Spread the frosting generously over your cooled cupcakes! Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue without adding too much liquid to the batter. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired color intensity.
Brewed Coffee: The coffee enhances the cocoa flavor but won’t make the cake taste like coffee. If you prefer, you can substitute it with hot water.
Frosting Suggestions: Pair with cream cheese frosting for a classic Red Velvet Cake or use vanilla buttercream for a sweeter option.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Serving Size
 
1 cupcake
Amount per Serving
Calories
303
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
 
0.5
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Cholesterol
 
71
mg
24
%
Sodium
 
267
mg
12
%
Potassium
 
70
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
46
g
15
%
Fiber
 
0.4
g
2
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
651
IU
13
%
Calcium
 
51
mg
5
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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