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Fluffy Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Star-Piped Frosting

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A classic red velvet cupcake recipe featuring a tender, fluffy crumb and a tangy cream cheese frosting piped with a star tip for a beautiful swirl. Perfect for birthdays, casual get-togethers, and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp (7g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower preferred)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel recommended)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  4. Stir in buttermilk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix in red food coloring until uniform.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined and smooth.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth (3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
  10. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with frosting. Pipe swirls starting from the outer edge moving inward and upward.
  11. Optionally, sprinkle red velvet crumbs or edible glitter on top. Serve immediately or chill briefly to set frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Fold dry ingredients gently to keep batter airy. Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without thinning batter. If frosting is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before piping. Practice piping on a plate if new to star tips. Check cupcakes at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, star-piped frosting, easy cupcakes, birthday cupcakes, classic dessert