There’s something irresistibly festive about Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Each little cake is deliciously tender, with a subtle cocoa note and that famous vibrant red crumb, all crowned with a swirl of tangy, satiny cream cheese frosting. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or a sweet surprise just because, these cupcakes always manage to spark joy and satisfy cravings—especially when you want a treat that feels as special as it tastes.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need a long shopping list for these cupcakes, but every single ingredient plays an important role. Each one creates the signature flavor, dreamy texture, or vivid color that makes Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting so memorable. Here’s what you’ll need and why it counts:

All-purpose flour: Forms the tender structure for your cupcakes and keeps them light and fluffy.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the subtle chocolatey undertone that gives red velvet its unique flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly so they’re never dense or flat.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Makes the crumb moist and adds a wonderful tang that defines red velvet cake.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, enriching both the cupcake and the frosting.
White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for maximum lift and supports that signature red hue.
Red food coloring: Creates the stunning vibrant red color that makes these cupcakes so iconic—gel works best for the boldest color.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cupcakes and frosting a rich, creamy base that’s essential for flavor and texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides just the right level of sweetness to harmonize with the cocoa and tangy cream cheese.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds extra richness.
Cream cheese (softened): Delivers that irresistibly tangy, velvety crown of frosting that’s utterly essential to this recipe.
Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet without any grittiness.
Pinch of salt: Rounds out the frosting flavor, ensuring it’s never too sweet.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This simple step makes sure your cupcakes bake evenly and pop out of the pan perfectly for decorating later—no mess, no fuss!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending the dry ingredients before they go into the batter helps prevent lumps and ensures every cupcake has the same classic red velvet flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine the Buttermilk Mixture

Grab a small bowl and mix your buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vibrant red food coloring. The buttermilk brings the tang, the coloring brings the drama, and together they create the foundation for that signature look and taste of Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your largest mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb, as it builds air into the batter for a tender, bakery-style cupcake.

Step 5: Add the Egg

Crack in your egg and beat until it’s just fully incorporated. You want the batter to look creamy and cohesive. Taking the time to properly mix at this stage sets up the structure for your perfect cupcakes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now comes the fun part! Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed, and only until just combined. This keeps the cupcakes tender and airy, instead of tough or dense.

Step 7: Divide and Bake

Pour or scoop the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners (an ice cream scoop works great for this purpose). Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let your cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack—this helps set the crumb and makes frosting a breeze!

Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pipes beautifully. This luscious frosting is what turns your cupcakes from “great” to jaw-dropping.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously as your heart desires. Use a piping bag for swirls, or a spatula for a rustic look. No matter how you top them, each bite will deliver that classic combo of Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting in every mouthful.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For that extra flourish, top your cupcakes with simple garnishes: a sprinkle of red velvet cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or even fresh berries. Not only do these touches add eye-catching appeal, but they give each cupcake a little personal flair that will have your guests swooning!

Side Dishes

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting truly shine alongside fresh fruit skewers, a frothy cappuccino, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving for a party, try pairing with small glasses of milk or a platter of tart berries to balance all that luscious sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, arrange cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand, nestle them in colorful wrappers, or tie each one in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for the cutest edible gifts. You can even pipe mini hearts or initials onto the frosting for a personalized touch, making these cupcakes just as perfect for weddings as they are for weeknight treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh, the cupcakes perfectly moist, and ready to enjoy for several days—if they even last that long!

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead or save a batch, these cupcakes freeze surprisingly well. Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes tightly wrapped, then thaw at room temperature when ready to use. Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated, or you can even freeze piped cupcakes in a single layer and gently thaw before serving.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature before serving. If you want them ever-so-slightly warm (without melting the frosting!), let them sit out for 20 to 30 minutes, or zap unfrosted ones in the microwave for 8-10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but gel food coloring is recommended because it gives a deeper, brighter red without making the batter too thin. If using liquid, you might need a bit more to match the classic hue of Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for a few minutes. This homemade version will work just as well in your cupcakes.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

How can I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are just softened to room temperature, not overly warm. Beat well and gradually add the powdered sugar for a thick, fluffy frosting perfect for piping onto your Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Do I have to refrigerate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, because of the dairy in the frosting, it’s safest to store these cupcakes in the fridge—especially if your kitchen is warm. Just let them sit out briefly to soften before you serve for the very best texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a truly memorable treat, give these Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting a whirl. They’re beautiful, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to add a touch of celebration to any day. Go ahead—bake a batch and share the love!