Classic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Classic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Moist red velvet cupcakes topped with rich, creamy frosting and a touch of sparkling sugar make for a stunning and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• Red velvet cake mix
• Valentine’s cupcake liners
• Cream cheese frosting
• Red sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven and line a muffin pan with Valentine’s cupcake liners.
2. Step 2: Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions.
3. Step 3: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
4. Step 4: Bake the cupcakes as directed on the cake mix box, then transfer them to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
5. Step 5: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with cream cheese frosting and pipe a swirl onto each cooled cupcake.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes lightly with red sanding sugar for a festive finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter.
• Use cream cheese frosting made from scratch for a fresher taste and richer texture.
• Swap the red sanding sugar for crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a natural color and tangy twist.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They will last up to 3 days refrigerated. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them un-frosted in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

It’s best to freeze the unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly. Thaw completely before frosting and serving. Frosted cupcakes do not freeze well due to the cream cheese frosting.

Classic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

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Classic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes combine the rich, moist texture of red velvet cake with the smooth tanginess of cream cheese frosting, topped with festive red sanding sugar. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these cupcakes are easy to make using a boxed cake mix and simple decorating techniques.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• Valentine’s cupcake liners

Frosting & Decoration

• Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade, about 2 cups)
• Red sanding sugar, for garnish
• Piping bag fitted with a star tip

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a muffin pan with Valentine’s-themed cupcake liners to give your cupcakes a festive look.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the instructions on the box, usually combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water.
3. Fill the Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the prepared batter to allow room for rising during baking.
4. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake as directed on the box recipe, typically around 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
6. Pipe the Frosting: Transfer cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of frosting on top of each cooled cupcake for a decorative finish.
7. Add Garnish: Sprinkle red sanding sugar over the frosting to add sparkle and an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

• You can make your own cream cheese frosting using softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a fresher taste.
• If you don’t have Valentine’s cupcake liners, regular liners work just as well – decorate the frosting to fit your theme.
• Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for freshness.

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, Valentine’s cupcakes, easy cupcakes, classic dessert