Fluffy and moist, these buttery red velvet cupcakes are my favorite. The tangy cream cheese frosting puts them over the top!
Over the past year, the most requested recipe on my blog is… red velvet cupcakes. I have tried-and-true recipes for chocolate cupcakes and vanilla cupcakes, but red velvet cupcakes were missing. To be honest, I was never a huge fan of red velvet up until a few years ago. Is it chocolate? Is it vanilla? The flavor always leaves me confused.
But I began to fall in love with it when I bit into a lavish 3 layer slice of red velvet cake at my friend’s wedding. It was so unworldly moist, very buttery, full of vanilla flavor with a hint of chocolate goodness. And the tang from the cream cheese frosting was the perfect compliment to the indulgently sweet red velvet crumb underneath.
Simply put? That red velvet cake was the bees knees.
I have never been able to recreate something like it! I’ve felt like a red velvet failure for the past 3 and a half years. I’ve tried a lot of “good” red velvet cupcake and cake recipes– some great– but nothing that deserves a spot in my archives. When I received the billionth request from a red velvet loving reader (thank you for the nudge, Nancy!), I knew it was time to put on my big girl red velvet pajama pants. Ick! I don’t wear velvet pants.
In the midst of all my pumpkin pie shenanigans last week, I also worked like a mad scientist on a red velvet cupcake recipe. And I am praising the heavens that I finally nailed it. NAILED IT! These cupcakes are absurdly amazing. And I’m not just saying that. My husband who “hates” red velvet inhaled 2 before his dinner of buffalo wings and french fries. The metabolism of a 20 something man, ladies and gents.
I’m getting off topic. So, let me tell ya a thing or two about these here cupcakes.
What makes red velvet stand out from say, chocolate cupcakes, is its wonderfully buttery flavor. I love that about red velvet. And during some recipe testing, I threw that flavor aside because all I could concentrate on was “make this cupcake moist, sally.” And we all know oil brings so much moisture to cupcakes! But with oil we (1) don’t have that natural buttery flavor and (2) the cupcakes aren’t as light and soft. Something creamed butter imparts into cakes and cupcakes. Furthermore, I often find that too much oil weighs baked goods down.
So, let’s use both. Oil – “the moist maker” (name that quote!) and creamed butter – a tried and true way to a fluffy cupcake crumb.
The cocoa. We’re using that so the red velvet cupcakes can have a hint of chocolate. To me, red velvet is more of a vanilla cake than a chocolate cake. So I use only 4 teaspoons of cocoa to give the cupcakes that subtle chocolate flavor. It’s perfect.
Though I typically love throwing brown sugar into just about everything I bake, I leave it out of these red velvet cupcakes. I don’t want 1 hint of molasses flavor overtaking the vanilla, butter, and chocolate flavors. Simple white sugar is enough.
Baking Science // Nerd Alert…
Buttermilk is a must when it comes to red velvet. Slightly tangy, lots of moisture, and ultra creamy. You really cannot make these red beauties without it. Besides what buttermilk does to the taste and texture of these red velvet cupcakes, it also helps to activate the baking soda. So does the vinegar. Don’t get scared, a touch of vinegar is normal in red velvet desserts– and no, you cannot taste it. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar. The vinegar also makes the red… redder.
I almost forgot to mention the flour. What may have thrown off all my red velvet cupcake testing was the flour. Cake flour is key to an ultra light cake, but I (and you, I’m sure) don’t really keep cake flour in the pantry. So, I usually develop my cake and cupcake recipes with all-purpose. Well. The moment I added cornstarch to all-purpose flour to make DIY cake flour was the moment I knew this recipe would be the winner. What’s cake flour and why is it so extraordinary? Cake flour is a low protein flour (about 8%) and has a very fine texture. A lower protein count = less gluten forms when you mix it into a batter, thus producing a cake with a fine, soft crumb. Think, angel food cake. In a nutshell, cake flour produces a noticeably lighter cake crumb than all-purpose and red velvet cakes are known for their soft, light texture. Rather than buying cake flour, reduce all-purpose flour slightly and add cornstarch.
That was much longer than I intended it to be. Oy.
Though the red velvet cupcake itself is pretty impressive, my favorite part about this cupcake is its combination with cream cheese frosting. My frosting is like a cloud from cream cheese heaven. Incredibly creamy, tangy, sweet, smooth, and luscious. It’s my favorite cream cheese frosting recipe and has never steered me wrong.
You’re going to love ’em. Red velvet lovers, now we rejoice.
More Red Velvet to Love:
- Red Velvet Cake
- Red Velvet Cookies
- Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Follow me on Instagram and tag #sallysbakingaddiction so I can see all the SBA recipes you make. ♥
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Red Velvet Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 14 cupcakes
- Category: Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fluffy and moist, these buttery red velvet cupcakes are my favorite. The tangy cream cheese frosting puts them over the top!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature and separated
- 1 and 1/3 cups (166g) all-purpose flour* (spoon & leveled)
- 1/4 cup (32g) cornstarch*
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 teaspoons (7g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- liquid or gel red food coloring*
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature*
- cream cheese frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners. This recipe makes 14 cupcakes, so you will have 2 cupcakes to bake in a 2nd batch.
- With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat 2 egg whites on high speed in a medium bowl until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. See photo at the bottom of this yellow cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting post for a visual. Set aside.
- Sift the flour and cornstarch together to make sure it is evenly combined. Whisk this, along with baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy – about 1 minute. Add the sugar and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamed together fairly well. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the oil and beat on high for 2 minutes. The butter may look “piece-y” and not completely combine with the oil. This is normal and ok.
- Add 2 egg yolks and the vanilla. Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the vinegar and the food coloring– until you reach your desired color. I use 2 Tablespoons. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Fold whipped egg whites into cupcake batter with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. The batter will be silky and slightly thick. (If there are still pieces of butter – and there were in 1 test batch for me – again, this is ok. They will melt inside as the cupcakes bake. Making them even more buttery.)
- Spoon batter into cupcake liners filling 1/2 – 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 20-21 minutes or until the tops of the cupcakes spring back when gently touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake; your cupcakes will dry out. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting. Frost cooled cupcakes immediately before serving. I used a Wilton #12 tip; I don’t recommend a star tip. This frosting is a little too thin.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Cupcakes can be made ahead 1 day in advance, covered, and stored at room temperature. Frosting can also be made 1 day in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Decorate/assemble cupcakes immediately before serving. Leftover cupcakes keep well covered tightly at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 3 days. Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cake Flour: I use a combination of sifted flour + cornstarch to produce cake flour – if you keep cake flour in the pantry, use 1 and 2/3 cups (about 195g) instead of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Here is all you need to know about the homemade cake flour substitute.
- Food Coloring: The amount of red food coloring is up to you. I tested with varying amounts. To get the dark red color you see here, use 2 Tablespoons of liquid food coloring. Dye the batter until you are pleased with the color. Of course, you don’t have to dye the batter at all if you don’t want to. I haven’t tested this recipe with a natural alternative.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is required for this recipe. You can make your own DIY version of buttermilk if needed. Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup. Then add enough whole milk to the same measuring cup until it reaches 1/2 cup. (In a pinch, lower fat or nondairy milks work for this soured milk, but the cupcakes won’t taste as moist or rich.) Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes. The homemade “buttermilk” will be somewhat curdled and ready to use in the recipe.
- Layer Cake: Here is my recipe for Red Velvet Cake.
- Mini Cupcakes: For around 36 mini cupcakes, line mini cupcake pans with liners or spray with nonstick spray. Prepare cupcakes and frosting as directed. Bake mini cupcakes for 12-13 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Why Room Temperature Ingredients? Here’s everything you need to know about the importance of room temperature ingredients.
- Be sure to check out my 10 tips for baking the BEST cupcakes before you begin!
Keywords: red velvet cupcakes
I made these and the cupacke tasted okay – nothing special. I followed the ingredients exactly and had all fresh ingredients. It felt like somethign was missing – not very flavourful
These were a hit! I was nervous making them the first time with whipping the egg whites but it was much easier than expected. Made these for a baby shower and they were gobbled right up! Thank you Sally for a wonderful and easy to follow recipe!
★★★★★
Hi Sally! If I am making my own buttermilk, should I omit the 1/2 tsp of distilled vinegar or keep it in? Thanks!
Hi Felicia! Yes, leave the 1 tsp of vinegar in the cake batter, even if making your own buttermilk. Happy baking!
I made these and my cupcakes didn’t turn out red. I’m not sure what happened. I liked the batter color before adding the dry ingredients. they were yummy though!
Hi Hattie, did you choose to add food coloring? We recommend gel food coloring for best results — and it takes quite a bit to make these a vibrant red. Next time, you can try adding a drop or two more. We’re glad you still enjoyed this recipe!
I made these cupcakes and cream cheese frosting exactly as written. Everything was just right. I will definitely make it again.
These cupcakes are the bomb. They were super airy and moist, huge hit with the coworkers. I’ve never made cupcakes before and I’m super happy with the result. The cream cheese frosting is dangerously delicious. I’ve made it once already to go with your cinnamon rolls, and, WOW. Thanks for the recipes! 🙂
★★★★★
I love this website and adore the work that Sally puts into every single recipe, thank you so much! Just a tip for Aussies – don’t put 2 tablespoons of the gel paste you get at the supermarkets they end up tasting super super bitter and cannot be eaten, use professional gel paste from specialty cake supply shops
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This recipe calls for AP flour and cornstarch. Can you use cake flour instead?
Hi Peggy, we use a combination of sifted flour + cornstarch to produce cake flour here, but if you keep cake flour in the pantry, use 1 and 2/3 cups (192g) instead of the specified all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
Hi Sally. I’ve made this more than once and they came out great ever time! Love it sooo much. But I wonder if there’s a way I can incorporate raw beet instead of powder to replace the coloring? Thanks much Sally!
Hi Sol! You can use beet powder for a natural alternative – we’re unsure of how much you’ll need.
As I read over then this recipe, I thought that it was a lot of work. HOWEVER, even though I likely over-mixed the batter, the results are absolutely worth it and amazing! Moist, flavorful and pretty. Add the frosting and it’s a flavor bomb. I want to make chocolate lava center cupcakes for my granddaughter using this recipe. She will get a kick out of them.
★★★★★
I made them yesterday and they turned out to be pretty amazing!! The colour was great, the cupcakes were soft amd moist, had great flavour. I followed your cream cheese frosting recipe, just halved them and that was awesome too. Thank you. I just had a question, there are many recipes where we beat the yolks and whites together. What diffrence does it make whike doing so separately?
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Hi Kasturi, great question! Beating the egg whites incorporates air and promises a velvet-rich texture — which differentiates red velvet cakes from others. It’s our #1 tip for creating the best red velvet texture. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the cupcakes!
Great cupcake recipe!! I actually initially made the cupcakes from someone else’s recipe and the cupcakes turned out super dense. I threw those away and turned to your recipe. It all went together well. Great directions! They came out super light and moist. Will definitely make these in the future.
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I made these cupcakes today. They have great flavor and texture; however, mine are not red. They’re more of a weird plum color. I’m not quite sure what went wrong. I actually go more of a traditional route with my Red Velvet and I used Ermine frosting. I will make these again, but I have to figure out why they had a weird color.
★★★★★
Hi Sally,
Can I ask, when do we beat the egg whites separately and when do we beat with the yolks.
Hi Paul, you’ll use the egg whites in Step 2 (beat on high speed until soft peaks form) and the egg yolks in Step 5 (add 2 egg yolks and the vanilla). You’ll fold in the whipped egg whites later on in Step 5. Happy baking!
My granddaughter & I made these last week What a mess. We carefully measured etc followed your recipe and ended up with a mess. The cupcakes rose and then sank . I wish I could post the picture I took
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Hi Sally! Can I refrigerate leftover cupcake batter?
We don’t recommend it, Maria. Cake batter should be baked as soon as it’s mixed together (when the leaveners are activated) or it won’t rise.
Hi,
I just made these yesterday and they were delicious, but since it was just me and my boyfriend I decided to only make half the recipe and freeze the remaining batter. I’m so mad at myself- I read under notes in the recipe that I could freeze them for 2-3 months, of course I read it wrong and thought it meant the batter could be frozen ♀️ Is there anything I can do to make sure they bake correctly when I make them?
Hi Megan, unfortunately the raising agents will activate too soon and the cupcakes most likely won’t rise when you bake them.
Hi, love your recipes! Wanting to make these but I live at high altitude. What are the chances they’ll still turn out if I don’t do any of the high altitude adjustments? I’m afraid I’ll mess it up because there are other components like vinegar and such. Thank you!!
Hi Paige, I wish I could help, but we have no experience baking at high altitude. I know some readers have found this chart helpful: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html
HI Paige, I just made these in Denver at 5280 ft. I found it to be a very “forgiving” recipe for my altitude. Just used a “dash” less baking soda and did not change anything else. They were perfect.
★★★★★
Hi Sally. Will you please let me know if I can replace cornstarch with cornflour? I can only get the latter in the UK. All the best, Charlotte
Hi Charlotte, Yes! Cornstarch in the US is often called corn flour in the UK (as long as it’s the white powder, and not the coarser yellow ground corn) 🙂
I baked these for thanksgiving and couldn’t help myself, I had to try one! These were delicious, but kinda dry. I baked them for only 19 minutes because I always check a couple minutes before the recipe tells me to so I can prevent this from happening. What do I do to avoid this? I followed the recipe exactly except I added 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla and I don’t think this will affect that at all. I do that in most recipes.
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Hi Maddie, Any chance you are using a convection/fan oven? In our experience the flow of air from convection/fan ovens causes baked goods to bake unevenly (dry on the outside) and also pulls moisture out of the air. If using convection the general rule of thumb is to lower your oven by 25 degrees F. Also be sure you are not over measuring your flour – use the spoon and level method instead of scooping.
Sally! I followed your red velvet cake recipe to a T for July 4th and it came out PERFECT! Now I want to try Orange red velvet cupcakes for halloween…. I was thinking of doing orange food coloring instead of red, then adding some orange zest into the mixture to add flavor.
How much zest would you recommend I add into the mixture? Would the zest ruin the mixture/recipe?
What can i do to make the frosting a little thicker so that i can use a star piping tip? (Except for adding extra confectioners sugar, i dont want to make the frosting too sweet )
Hi Maria, It’s difficult to make cream cheese frosting thicker without adding more sugar. If you do add more sugar you can also add more salt to offset the sweetness. We recommend using buttercream or Swiss meringue hold more intricate shapes like a star tip. If you wish to try cream cheese frosting you can fill your piping bag and place the filled bag into the refrigerator to help firm it up before piping.
Made this recipe and found it quite finicky at first, in the sense that it involved many seperate stages (which means a lot more dishes), but I must say the result was perfection. I did add extra cocoa because I usually like my red velvets richer in flavour with it, and I used plain Greek yoghurt because I had no buttermilk and it still came out perfect! Thanks for sharing your recipe! Will be making these again!
★★★★★
Hello Sally!
I intend to come up with a small batch, like a half dozen perhaps. Will it work just fine if I halved the recipe? Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Yes, you can cut this recipe in half. Happy baking 🙂
Hi, Sally! Would you recommend using this recipe to bake a 2 layer 6-inch cake? If yes, for how long? Planning to bake it this weekend. Thank you! 🙂
This batter fits perfectly into three 6-inch layers. You can follow the directions in this post for 6 Inch Cakes.
Hi Sally! My 9-year-old daughter is a big fan of yours and has done quite a number of your recipes. She baked these red velvet cupcakes today, and they turned out absolutely delicious. Thanks!
Can I use sour cream in place of buttermilk? Thank you!
You definitely can. The cupcakes will taste a little denser though.
My 14 year old makes a red velvet cake from an old cookbook of my mom’s. She asked me to make her cake for her birthday and I couldn’t find the recipe so I decided to try a new one, and this came out excellent. I used the modifications since I didn’t have cake flour on hand or buttermilk. I followed the techniques which I have never tried before- beating the egg whites. I cooked mine about 3 minutes less because I know my oven cooks hot/fast and they didn’t come out dry. The cupcake was moist, thick and fluffy. I topped it with the cream cheese icing and pecans and its absolutely wonderful! Thank you!
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Hi! I am planning on baking these for a wedding and I was just wondering if you feel that liquid food coloring works better than gel? I have both types so just looking for your opinion! Thanks!!
Hi Lauren, Gel food coloring is better! You get much brighter colors with gel without having to add as much.
Just love yr recipe. I’m 1st baking red velvet cupcakes …it was really yummy n turned out well. I followed excatly yr ingredients
★★★★★
Followed recipe exactly, cake was very dry. Sadly I’ve enjoyed many recipes from this site but, not this one. Won’t be making this one again.
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