Description
These irresistible red velvet cupcakes are moist, tender, and perfectly balanced with a touch of cocoa and vibrant red color. Topped with a smooth and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Oil and Sugar, Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Add Food Coloring and Combine: Stir in the red food coloring until the batter is evenly colored. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour is fully combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, frost generously with the prepared cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep cupcakes tender.
- Use natural cream cheese and real butter for the best frosting flavor and texture.
- For a stronger red color, you may increase food coloring slightly.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator if not serving immediately; bring to room temperature before serving.
