Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s something classic and irresistible about Red Velvet Cupcakes. With their soft, moist crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re a treat that always gets attention—and the best part is, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
This recipe keeps it simple without sacrificing flavor, using pantry staples and clear steps to help you get great results every time. Whether you’re baking for a casual celebration or just want something sweet and nostalgic, these cupcakes are a solid choice.
I’ve made them for birthdays, holidays, and even just a quiet weekend at home, and they always hit the spot. Simple, delicious, and ready to share.
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Equipment You Will Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Standard muffin tins
- Cupcake liners
- Stand mixer
- Spatula
- Baking / cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop or spoon
- Piping bag with a large star tip
Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 24-26 minutes
- Yield: 36-40 cupcakes
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
Red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a couple standard muffin tins with cupcake liners, set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar. Cream for about 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides often.
- Add in the eggs and mix to combine.
- Add in the sour cream, milk, red food coloring and vanilla. Mix well, scraping down the sides often.
- Add in the remaining dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Mix well, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Use an ice cream scoop or similar to divide the batter between the prepared lined cups, filling about 1/2 – 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 14-16 minutes or until the centers are set. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- For the frosting – in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Mix until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix on low until combined.
- Bump up the speed to medium and whip until smooth and fluffy.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Set aside.
- Sacrifice one or two cupcakes to crumble up and sprinkle the crumbs on top of the frosting, set aside.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe a dollop of frosting onto each cupcake. Sprinkle with the cake crumbs.
Notes
- Storage: Cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Category: Sweet Treats
Step-By-Step Process
Red Velvet Cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want a dessert that feels a little special without much fuss. They’re easy to transport, always a crowd-pleaser, and pair beautifully with just about any celebration.
If you like recipes that are both simple and party-ready, you’ll find plenty more to try on the blog. There’s always something sweet, fun, and easy waiting for your next get-together.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out the Ferrero Rocher Cupcakes and Raspberry Chocolate Cupcakes – both are easy and fun to make.
© Little Party Pixie 2025
