Description
Classic Red Velvet Valentine Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating love. These moist, tender cupcakes feature a hint of cocoa and a vibrant red hue, topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to melt hearts on any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and evenly blended.
- Blend wet and dry: Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rise and texture.
- Bake cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes: Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Using a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating well to create a fluffy frosting.
- Frost cupcakes: Once cooled, frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate as desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- For a more vibrant red color, use gel-based food coloring instead of liquid.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, stirred and rested for 5 minutes.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
