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Red Velvet Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

Delight in these classic Red Velvet Cupcakes topped with a rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting and decorated with charming red candy heart toppers. Perfectly moist and tender cupcakes with a vibrant red hue balance the subtle cocoa flavor, complemented by smooth, indulgent frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/4 cup (163g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar
  • 1 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp (14g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp red food coloring
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 6 tbsp (86g) salted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (57g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorations

  • Sprinkles
  • 3 oz red candy melts

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, natural unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Stir well to mix all dry ingredients.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, white vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
  4. Combine Batter: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Add Hot Water: Slowly pour in the hot water while mixing on low speed, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated batter. Scrape the bowl sides to combine any remaining ingredients.
  6. Fill Liners and Bake: Pour the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool Cupcakes: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Frosting Start: Beat the cream cheese and butter together with a mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  9. Add Frosting Ingredients Part 1: Mix in half of the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Add Frosting Ingredients Part 2: Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix thoroughly until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Frost Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with an Ateco tip 808, pipe swirls of frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
  12. Apply Sprinkles: Lightly press sprinkles onto the sides of the frosted cupcakes using a small bowl of sprinkles for even coverage.
  13. Melt Candy Melts: Melt the red candy melts in a small bowl following package instructions until smooth.
  14. Create Candy Toppers: Pipe melted candy into heart shapes of varying sizes using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 4 tip. Allow hearts to harden completely.
  15. Decorate Cupcakes: Add a couple of hardened candy hearts on top of each frosted cupcake as toppers.
  16. Refrigerate and Store: Refrigerate the cupcakes until ready to serve. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days for best freshness.

Notes

  • To achieve the best vibrant red color, use high-quality red food coloring.
  • Room temperature cream cheese and butter are essential for a smooth frosting consistency.
  • Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Use fresh eggs for optimal texture and rise in cupcakes.
  • Store cupcakes in the refrigerator but bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet, Cupcakes, Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert, Baking, Celebrations, Party Treats

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Find it online: https://dishesbyharry.com/red-velvet-cupcakes-with-chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/