Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Classic Favorite Made Easy

These red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are soft, moist, and bursting with classic flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!

Red velvet cupcakes have that wow factor, don’t they? Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because, these rich, red beauties always manage to impress. With a tender crumb, a hint of cocoa, and that unmistakable cream cheese frosting, this is one recipe that never goes out of style.

I’ve been baking these cupcakes for years for my family, and they never last long! Even my two teenage boys (who usually go for chocolate everything) request these whenever we have a get-together. This version is soft, fluffy, and has the perfect balance of tang and sweetness—and the frosting is Silky, creamy, and lick-the-spoon good.

Let’s dive into the surprisingly simple steps to make the best red velvet cupcakes right at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these red velvet cupcakes from scratch. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this recipe a convenient choice for any baking session.

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1+ teaspoon red gel food coloring (adjust for desired shade)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (add more for a thicker consistency)

Pro Tip: Using gel food coloring gives you a richer red color without thinning the batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan (or two) with cupcake liners. This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes, so be sure to have enough pans or bake in batches.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and creates a smoother cupcake texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl (or stand mixer), blend the eggs, oil, buttermilk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes, until the batter is well blended. Stir in the red food coloring to your desired hue.

Step 5: Add the Vinegar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and baking soda (it will fizz!). Quickly pour it into the batter and mix for 30 seconds.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

 

Use an ice cream scoop to fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely (30–40 minutes) before frosting.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

This dreamy frosting is super simple, but the flavor and texture are unbeatable!

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sugar

Scrape down the sides, add vanilla extract, then mix in the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time. Continue beating until creamy and fluffy. If you prefer a firmer consistency, add more sugar.

Chill the frosting slightly before piping if needed.

Decorating Tips for Red Velvet Cupcakes 

These cupcakes are beautiful even with a simple swirl of frosting, but here are a few fun ideas:

• Classic Look: Sprinkle a few red velvet cake crumbs on top for a bakery-style finish.
• Festive Fun: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays.
• Elegant Touch: Pipe frosting with a star tip and add edible pearls or gold dust.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here are a few tools that make baking these red velvet cupcakes easier (Amazon affiliate links included):

• 12-Cup Muffin Pan
• Cupcake Liners
• Ice Cream Scoop (for an even batter)
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Piping Bags & Tips Set

These tools not only save time but help ensure consistent, professional-looking results!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

• Super moist and fluffy
• No weird ingredients or box mixes
• Perfectly balanced cocoa + vanilla flavor
• Classic cream cheese frosting that’s smooth and not too sweet
• Great for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or weekend treats

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in the fridge: Due to the cream cheese frosting, store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Make ahead: You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them the next day. The unfrosted cupcakes can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

MORE DELICIOUS SWEET TREATS TO TRY!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies 

Red Velvet Kiss Cookies – Easy and Fun for the Holidays!

Easy Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Caramel Popcorn Cupcakes Recipe

Red Velvet Berry Cobbler Recipe – Easy & Festive Summer Dessert

My Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Always use room-temperature ingredients for the batter and frosting—it helps everything blend more smoothly.
• Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the batter and get that vibrant red hue.
• Don’t overbake—check at 20 minutes and use the toothpick test!
• Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting, or your cream cheese frosting will melt.

There’s a reason red velvet cupcakes are a timeless favorite. They’re rich without being too heavy, and the tangy cream cheese frosting balances out the sweet cake perfectly. This recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers but gives professional results every time.

 

So whether you’re baking a batch for a party, sharing with your family, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!), these cupcakes won’t disappoint.

If you like this red velvet cupcakes recipe  – be sure to give it a review below! If you decide to try it, tag me on Instagram @hipmamasplace. I would love to see your creations! 

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