Classic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Pan: Line a muffin pan with Valentine’s-themed cupcake liners to give your cupcakes a festive look.
- 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.
- Fill the Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the prepared batter to allow room for rising during baking.
- 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.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- 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.
- 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
