Indulge in the ultimate red velvet cupcakes, where a tender crumb meets a perfect balance of cocoa and vanilla. These cupcakes are irresistibly moist, thanks to buttermilk and a hint of coffee, giving them a rich depth of flavor. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, each bite is a harmony...
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2cups½ all-purpose flour
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspbaking soda
- 1tbspcocoa powder
- 1cups½ sug
Wet Ingredients
- 1cups½ neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1cups½ buttermilk
- 1/2cupcoffee (brewed
- cooled)
- 1tsp½ red food coloring (add more if needed for a vibrant red)
- 1tspwhite vinegar
- 2tspvanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8oz(1 block) cream cheese
- softened
- 1/2cup(1 stick) unsalted butter
- softened
- 1/2cupbrown sugar
- packed
- 3cupspowdered sugar
- sifted
- 1tspvanilla extract
- pinchof salt (optional
- to taste)
How to make Ultimate Red Velvet Cupcakes: Soft, Moist, and Irresistible
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12 cupcake pans with liners.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk to combine evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, coffee, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a hand mixer or whisk. Mix just until the batter is smooth, avoiding overmixing.
Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake pans.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestion: Frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting for a classic red velvet pairing. Decorate as desired, and enjoy!
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Taste and Adjust: If desired, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Tips & Tricks
Frosting Tips:
For easier spreading, make sure the frosting is at room temperature.
If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time to loosen it.
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for tanginess or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Spread generously between the cake layers, over the top, and around the sides. Decorate as desired and enjoy your masterpiece!
