How to Make the Perfect Red Velvet Cupcakes
American · Easy · 40 min · 12 servings
These vibrant Red Velvet Cupcakes are a hugely popular kid friendly treat that kids love for their bright red color and creamy cream cheese frosting. They are easy enough for beginner bakers and make the perfect party cupcakes for any celebration.
Why this recipe works
This Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 whole large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together flour and sugar in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix oil eggs buttermilk and red food coloring together until combined.
Step 2: Combine and Fill
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners filling each about two thirds full.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake at 350 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Pipe or spread the frosting generously on top of each cooled cupcake. Decorate with sprinkles for extra kid friendly fun.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- buttermilk → regular milk mixed with one tablespoon of white vinegar
- red food coloring → beet powder for a natural color alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Frosting the cupcakes before they are fully cooled which causes the frosting to melt and slide off
- Overmixing the batter which makes the cupcakes dense and tough instead of light and fluffy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 4g protein, 40g carbs, 15g fat, 1g fiber.
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