Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups all purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 cup buttermilk

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 37 reviews

If you’re craving something that is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious, this Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cupcakes boast a perfect balance of tender crumb, subtle cocoa undertones, and a vibrant crimson hue that turns every bite into a celebration. The rich, velvety texture paired with a creamy frosting makes these cupcakes irresistible, whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows several baking ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour. To the right of this is a pale yellow stick of butter. Below the flour bowl and to the left, there is a small white bowl filled with brown cocoa powder. At the bottom center, slightly left, is a small glass bowl with clear liquid, and above it is a small bottle labeled

The magic behind this Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe happens thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, from creating a tender crumb to achieving that iconic red color and just the right hint of cocoa.

All purpose flour: Provides the structure for these moist cupcakes with a tender bite.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly and keeps them light.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture for a silky texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, ensuring every bite is perfectly sweet.
Large egg yolks: Contribute to the richness and tender crumb of the cupcakes.
Red gel food coloring: Gives that signature vibrant red that makes these cupcakes visually appealing.
Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, fragrant undertone that complements the cocoa and red velvet taste.
White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift and enhances the tangy flavor typical of red velvet treats.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, producing a soft, tender cupcake that melts in your mouth.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a muffin pan with paper liners. This simple preparation ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step evenly distributes the cocoa and leaveners, which is crucial for a perfectly uniform texture in every cupcake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is beautifully creamy and fluffy. This aeration is key to light, tender cupcakes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Egg Yolks

Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition to make sure they’re fully blended. Egg yolks lend richness and improve the texture of these cupcakes, making them incredibly moist.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Food Coloring

Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring until the batter is strikingly bright red and smooth. The red gel ensures bold color without affecting the texture or taste.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl so no flour pockets remain, aiming for a smooth and velvety red batter.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners and Bake

Divide the batter evenly, filling each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when touched softly.

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step prevents frosting from melting and ensures clean, beautiful cupcakes.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

A deep red cupcake with a moist texture sits on a stack of two white plates, the bottom plate slightly visible under the top one. The cupcake has a thick layer of creamy white frosting piped in swirls on top, sprinkled with fine red crumbs. Some crumbs are scattered around the cupcake on the top plate. The background shows more similar cupcakes slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface with a soft pink backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe. For an extra touch, sprinkle with toasted pecans, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few fresh raspberries to introduce a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk for a simple, comforting pairing. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cupcakes into mini desserts by topping them with edible gold leaf or fresh edible flowers for an elegant look. You can also arrange them on a tiered cupcake stand for celebrations, elevating their festive appeal and making them the centerpiece of any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration is ideal to preserve the cream cheese frosting, lasting up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost the next day for fresh-tasting cupcakes anytime.

Reheating

For best results, let frozen cupcakes thaw completely at room temperature. If you want a warm treat, microwave an unfrosted cupcake for 10-15 seconds. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes to preserve the frosting texture.

FAQs

What makes red velvet cupcakes different from regular chocolate cupcakes?

Red velvet cupcakes have a unique blend of mild cocoa flavor, buttermilk tang, and a distinct red hue, created by the combination of cocoa, vinegar, and red food coloring, setting them apart from typical chocolate cupcakes.

Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel?

While natural food coloring can work, gel food coloring is preferred for Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe because it provides a more vibrant, consistent red color without altering the batter’s texture.

Why does the recipe use vinegar? Does it affect taste?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cupcakes rise and gives a slight tang that complements the buttermilk’s acidity, enhancing the cupcake’s signature flavor without leaving a noticeable vinegar taste.

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?

You can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which is important for the texture and flavor of the cupcakes.

What frosting pairs best with red velvet cupcakes?

The classic choice is cream cheese frosting because its creamy tang balances the sweetness and richness of Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe perfectly, making each bite heavenly.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing quite like the joy of biting into a perfectly baked red velvet cupcake, and this Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe is your ticket to that delightful experience anytime you want. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a spontaneous kitchen adventure, these cupcakes will bring a warm smile and happy taste buds. Grab your ingredients and whip up a batch soon — you’re going to love every bite!