Decadent Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of these Decadent Red Velvet Cupcakes, crafted from a simple red velvet cake mix elevated with a hint of chocolate pudding for extra moisture and depth. Each bite is a harmonious blend of velvety cake topped with a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and sweet. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply a delicious treat for yourself. Beware, these cupcakes are so delightful that you'll find yourself going back for seconds—so it might be wise to hide a few for later! Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping dessert that's easy to whip up and incredibly satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
red velvet cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (Follow package instructions.)
chocolate instant pudding
1 (4 ounce) box (Mix with cake ingredients.)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Soften to room temperature.)
powdered sugar
1 lb (about 4 cups) (Measure out for frosting.)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (Soften to room temperature.)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Divided for cake and frosting.)
whipped topping
1 cup (Homemade or store-bought (Cool Whip).)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the red velvet cake mix box.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix and the chocolate instant pudding mix.
3
Add the required water, oil, and eggs as directed by the cake mix instructions. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4
Mix everything until well combined. Note that the batter will be quite thick—this is normal; be assured you haven't messed anything up!
5
Prepare your muffin tins by greasing them well or lining them with cupcake liners.
6
Fill the muffin tins slightly over half full with the batter, being careful not to overfill, as the cupcakes will rise significantly during baking.
7
Bake the cupcakes according to the time specified on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the tins for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
10
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing carefully to avoid a sugar cloud. Continue to beat until fully combined and smooth.
11
Fold in the whipped topping until the frosting achieves a thick and creamy consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
12
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese mixture, either by spreading with a knife or piping it on for an elegant finish.
13
Enjoy your decadent treats and consider hiding a couple for later!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these cupcakes particularly decadent?
These cupcakes are elevated with a hint of chocolate pudding for extra moisture and depth, paired with a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting.
What size red velvet cake mix box is required?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce box of red velvet cake mix.
What secret ingredient adds extra moisture to the cake?
Adding a 4-ounce box of chocolate instant pudding mix ensures the cupcakes stay moist and flavorful.
How much vanilla extract is needed in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract is used, divided between the cake batter and the frosting.
Is the cupcake batter supposed to be thick?
Yes, the batter will be quite thick once mixed; this is normal and expected for this recipe.
How should I prepare the muffin tins?
You should either grease the muffin tins well or line them with cupcake liners.
How full should I fill each muffin tin?
Fill the muffin tins slightly over half full, being careful not to overfill as they rise significantly.
At what temperature should I bake the cupcakes?
Follow the temperature instructions specifically indicated on the red velvet cake mix box.
How do I check if the cupcakes are finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they are done.
How long should the cupcakes cool in the tins?
Let them cool in the muffin tins for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What ingredients are in the homemade cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, softened butter, powdered sugar, and whipped topping.
How much cream cheese is required for the frosting?
You will need one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
How much butter is needed for the frosting?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
How much powdered sugar is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 1 lb of powdered sugar, which is approximately 4 cups.
How can I avoid a 'sugar cloud' when mixing the frosting?
Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix carefully to prevent the sugar from flying into the air.
What is the purpose of adding whipped topping to the frosting?
Folding in whipped topping helps the frosting achieve a thick and creamy consistency.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
Add milk or cream a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, you can use either homemade whipped topping or a store-bought version like Cool Whip.
How much whipped topping is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whipped topping.
When is it safe to frost the cupcakes?
Ensure the cupcakes are completely cool before applying any frosting to prevent it from melting.
How should I apply the frosting to the cupcakes?
You can generously frost them using a knife to spread it or pipe it on for a more elegant finish.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box.
What wet ingredients are added to the cake mix?
Add the water, oil, and eggs as directed by the cake mix package instructions, plus vanilla.
Does this recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of pudding mix is used?
The recipe uses chocolate instant pudding mix, specifically a 4-ounce box.
How many main ingredients are in the ingredient list?
There are 7 main ingredients: cake mix, pudding, cream cheese, sugar, butter, vanilla, and whipped topping.
Is this recipe suitable for baking novices?
Yes, it is designed to be easy to whip up and guarantees a show-stopping result for any skill level.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include red velvet, cupcakes, dessert, cream cheese frosting, chocolate pudding, and easy baking.
Why should I hide a few cupcakes for later?
The cupcakes are so delightful that you might find yourself going back for seconds until they are all gone!
What is the primary flavor profile of this dessert?
A harmonious blend of velvety red velvet cake with a hint of chocolate and a sweet, creamy cheese frosting.