Red Velvet Cupcakes

Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 18 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1 tsp vanilla; 8 oz cream cheese (frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar (frosting)

Tender red velvet cupcakes with swirled cream cheese frosting

By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 20 min

Servings: 18

Difficulty: Medium

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Red velvet cupcakes are stunning — that deep crimson crumb topped with a swirl of white cream cheese frosting. The flavor is subtle chocolate with a hint of tang from buttermilk and vinegar.

Don't over-mix the batter. The reaction between the buttermilk, vinegar, and baking soda creates a tender crumb.

Pipe the cream cheese frosting in a high swirl for the bakery look.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
8 oz cream cheese (frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar (frosting)

Instructions

1
Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
2
Mix buttermilk, eggs, oil, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
3
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just smooth.
4
Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
5
Cool completely. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar for frosting. Pipe swirls on top.