Ultimate Red Velvet Cupcakes with Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Ultimate Red Velvet Cupcakes, inspired by a memorable challenge on Bobby Flay's Throwdown. These cupcakes are not just any treat; they are generously sized, designed to serve two people, making them perfect for sharing or for a delightful solo experience. Each cupcake is a feast for the senses, with a moist and flavorful base enhanced by double the cocoa for an intense chocolate taste. The vibrant red hue is achieved with food coloring, ensuring these red velvet beauties are as striking as they are delicious. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that is both rich and creamy, you’ll want to enjoy every bite, using a fork to scoop up the decadent topping. Ideal for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you're in the mood for a sweet treat. Prepare for compliments as these are sure to become your go-to dessert!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
Baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons (sifted with flour)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (sifted with flour)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 tablespoons (sifted with flour)
Vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (none)
Granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups (none)
Buttermilk
1 1/4 cups (none)
Eggs
3 large (beaten)
Red food coloring
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Vinegar
1 1/4 teaspoons (white or apple cider)
Vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
Water
1/8 cup (none)
Cream cheese
1 1/2 lbs (room temperature)
Butter
1 lb (room temperature)
Powdered sugar
2 lbs (sifted)
Vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Set aside.
3
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and buttermilk. Mix until well combined.
4
Add in the eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, vanilla extract, and water. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6
Line a 16-cup cupcake pan with paper liners. Use a large scoop to fill each liner with batter, ensuring even distribution.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
To prepare the cream cheese frosting, in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
10
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, scraping down the sides as necessary.
11
Mix in the vanilla extract until the frosting is thoroughly combined and fluffy.
12
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration for this red velvet cupcake recipe?
These cupcakes were inspired by a memorable challenge on Bobby Flay's Throwdown.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
The recipe yield is enough to fill a 16-cup cupcake pan.
What is unique about the size of these cupcakes?
They are generously sized and designed to serve two people per cupcake.
How is the intense chocolate taste achieved?
The recipe uses double the standard amount of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
Which dry ingredients should be sifted together?
You should sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
What mixer attachment should I use?
A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for both the batter and the frosting.
What are the primary wet ingredients mixed at the start?
The process begins by combining vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and buttermilk.
How is the red color of the cupcakes created?
The vibrant hue is achieved by adding 2 tablespoons of liquid red food coloring to the wet ingredients.
What type of vinegar can be used in this recipe?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
How should the dry ingredients be added to the wet mixture?
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing.
How long should the cupcakes bake?
Bake the cupcakes for 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I check if the cupcakes are finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done.
What is the cooling process for these cupcakes?
Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What ingredients are needed for the decadent frosting?
The frosting requires cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
What should the temperature of the frosting ingredients be?
The cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature for a smooth and creamy consistency.
How much cream cheese is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of cream cheese.
How much butter is required for the frosting?
You will need 1 lb of butter for the frosting.
How much powdered sugar is used in the frosting?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of sifted powdered sugar for the frosting.
Should the powdered sugar be sifted for the frosting?
Yes, sifting the powdered sugar ensures the frosting remains smooth and free of lumps.
When should I frost the cupcakes?
Only frost the cupcakes once they are fully cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
What is the recommended way to eat these cupcakes?
Because they are so rich and decadent, it is suggested to use a fork to scoop up the topping.
How much flour is required for the batter?
The batter requires 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs, which should be beaten.
What is the amount of cocoa powder used?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much sugar goes into the cupcake batter?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
Is there water in the cupcake batter?
Yes, 1/8 cup of water is mixed into the wet ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include red velvet, cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking, and chocolate.
Are these cupcakes suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are ideal for special occasions, holidays, and specifically Valentine's Day.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including those for the batter and the frosting.