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Best Ever Moist Red Velvet Cupcakes with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A single, vibrant red velvet cupcake topped with a generous swirl of white cream cheese frosting, sitting on a white plate.
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Bake bakery-style red velvet cupcakes at home. This easy scratch recipe yields incredibly moist, soft cupcakes with a classic cocoa flavor, topped with silky, tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully mixed.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  10. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each one generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

  • For the most vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid drops.
  • Buttermilk is essential for the classic tangy flavor and tender crumb in this Southern style cupcakes recipe.
  • To achieve a velvety crumb, mix the batter only until the streaks of flour disappear.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://seventhflavour.com/red-velvet-cupcakes-best-moist-recipe/