Imagine biting into a luscious red velvet cupcake and discovering a creamy, unexpected treasure hidden inside! These aren't just ordinary cupcakes - they're a decadent experience that will transform your dessert game forever. With a rich, velvety texture, vibrant red color, and a cream cheese surprise that oozes pure indulgence, these cupcakes are guaranteed to become the star of any gathering, from casual family dinners to elegant celebrations.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy for the surprise filling.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 1/3 full with the red velvet batter, then add a small dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Cover the cream cheese filling with remaining red velvet batter, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Frost with additional cream cheese frosting before serving if desired.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
- Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more uniform batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense cupcakes.
- Make sure cream cheese is truly softened for the smoothest filling.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without affecting batter consistency.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before adding any additional frosting.
- For an extra touch, garnish with white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
