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Red velvet was my grandmother's favorite cake flavor. We do not do red velvet cake, red velvet cheesecake, or red velvet cupcakes very often. Today, we're diving into the world of irresistibly delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes. These moist, vibrant treats are the perfect blend of rich cocoa and velvety goodness, topped with a cloud-like cream cheese frosting. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let's get baking! What you need for these red velvet cake cupcakes For the Cupcakes: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon white vinegar For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 4 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract How to make red velvet cupcakes Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This ensures a smooth batter. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want fluffy cupcakes! Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting. While the cupcakes cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Once the cupcakes are cooled, generously frost each one with the luscious cream cheese frosting. Get creative with your swirls or go for the classic smooth finish. Now comes the best part – indulge in the heavenly taste of your homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes. Share with friends, family, or keep them all to yourself – we won't judge! Fun ways to make these cupcakes unique Surprise Filling: Inject a delightful surprise into the center of each cupcake. Consider a gooey chocolate ganache, a dollop of strawberry jam, or even a cookie dough center. It's a burst of flavor in every bite! Cupcake Cones: Transform your cupcakes into cone-shaped delights! Place ice cream cones in the cupcake tin, fill them with batter, and bake. Top with cream cheese frosting for a playful cupcake cone experience. Cheesecake Swirls: Create a marbled effect by swirling a cheesecake batter into the red velvet batter before baking. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine. Cupcake Pops: Turn your cupcakes into bite-sized pops by placing them on sticks. Dip them in melted chocolate and add colorful sprinkles for a fun and portable treat. Flavored Frosting: Experiment with flavored frostings to complement the red velvet. Try orange zest-infused cream cheese frosting or a hint of mint in your buttercream for a refreshing twist. Candied Bacon Topping: Elevate your cupcakes with a savory-sweet touch. Sprinkle crispy candied bacon on top of the cream cheese frosting. The combination of salty and sweet is irresistible. Edible Flowers or Petals: Garnish your cupcakes with edible flowers or petals for a touch of elegance. Roses, violets, or pansies can add a beautiful and fragrant element to your cupcakes. Boozy Infusion: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur to the batter or frosting. Whether it's a hint of raspberry liqueur, coffee liqueur, or even bourbon, it can bring a delightful adult twist to your cupcakes. Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice your cupcakes in half horizontally and sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream between the layers. Freeze for a delicious Red Velvet Cupcake ice cream sandwich. Tropical Twist: Incorporate tropical flavors by adding shredded coconut to the batter or topping your cupcakes with pineapple chunks. It's a vacation for your taste buds! Feel free to mix and match these ideas or let your creativity run wild. The key is to have fun and create cupcakes that reflect your personal style and taste preferences. Enjoy the baking adventure!