Best Homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes

Name: Best Homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your baking game with these best homemade red velvet cupcakes. Light, fluffy, and beautifully rich in flavor, these cupcakes are topped with a lusciously creamy cream cheese frosting that complements the vibrant red hue perfectly. Ideal for celebrations, dessert tables, or simply as a treat to brighten your day, this recipe will impress everyone with its stunning appearance and delicious taste.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-17T04:46:49.697Z

The story of red velvet cupcakes dates back to the 1920s, and they have become a classic in the world of baking. With their rich color and velvety texture, these cupcakes are sure to make any occasion special.

The Origin of Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake has a storied history that dates back to the 1800s. Its distinctive color was originally achieved with cocoa powder and vinegar, which reacted to create a reddish hue. Over the years, this cake has transformed into a beloved dessert, especially in the Southern United States, where it became synonymous with celebration and good times.

The smooth texture and luxurious appearance of red velvet cupcakes have made them popular for various occasions, from birthdays to weddings. Pairing this iconic flavor with cream cheese frosting elevates the experience, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that can captivate any palate.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

Baking can be a science, so it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for more precision, especially when measuring flour. Additionally, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing; this will help create a lighter, fluffier texture in your cupcakes.

Mixing the dry and wet ingredients should be done with care. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so stop mixing once just combined. Utilizing an ice cream scoop can help ensure that each cupcake has an even amount of batter, leading to uniform baking and presentation.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These red velvet cupcakes can be served as is, but feel free to get creative! Consider adding sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra festive touch. You can also place small fondant decorations, like hearts or stars, to match a specific theme or occasion.

Another fun idea is to turn these cupcakes into a dessert platter with a variety of flavors. Include chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon cupcakes to entice your guests' taste buds further. This variety will complement the rich flavor of red velvet and create a visually stunning dessert table that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and mix well.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Scoop the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each cup about ⅔ full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and milk as needed.

Frost and Serve

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy your delicious homemade red velvet cupcakes!

Storing Your Cupcakes

To keep your red velvet cupcakes fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep them longer, it’s best to refrigerate them. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.

If you've made a large batch or have leftovers, freezing is an excellent option. Place the frosted cupcakes in a single layer in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Explore Flavor Variations

While red velvet is a classic flavor, don't hesitate to experiment! Try adding chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the batter for an added crunch and decadent flavor enhancement. You can also adjust the level of cocoa powder for a more robust chocolate flavor, making your cupcakes uniquely yours.

For those seeking to make a lighter version, consider reducing the sugar and incorporating some mashed banana or applesauce into the batter. This substitution will also keep the cupcakes moist while adding a subtle fruity flavor that pairs nicely with the cream cheese frosting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use less food coloring?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of food coloring, but the cupcakes may not have the same vibrant red color.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.