Red Velvet Cupcakes Cream Cheese (Printer-Friendly Version)

Moist red velvet cupcakes with rich cream cheese frosting and festive star sprinkles.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
07 - ½ cup vegetable oil
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 tablespoon red food coloring

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

17 - blue star sprinkles

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly combined to ensure even leavening and consistent crumb.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, ensuring all are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
03 - Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently, scraping the bowl to prevent overmixing, which can cause dense cupcakes.
04 - Divide batter evenly among lined cupcake tins to about two-thirds full. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
05 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter using a mixer until creamy and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
06 - Pipe or spread frosting generously over cooled cupcakes and finish with blue star sprinkles for a festive touch.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Use room temperature ingredients for optimal texture and smooth frosting. Avoid overmixing batter to maintain tenderness. Portion batter with an ice cream scoop for even cupcakes.
02 - Chilling cupcakes before frosting in warm environments prevents frosting from melting and helps maintain shape.