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Best Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes: Easy Valentine’s Recipe

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These red velvet heart cupcakes are incredibly moist, perfectly red, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that will make your guests forget their own names. They’re easy to make and perfect for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s parties, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among prepared liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Add vanilla and salt, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread frosting on top. Decorate with red sprinkles or heart-shaped candies if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Do not skip the vinegar—it reacts with baking soda for extra lift and helps the red color stay vibrant. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. If frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before piping. For a natural red color, substitute food coloring with 3 tablespoons of beet puree (texture may be denser).

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, Valentine's Day cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, heart cupcakes

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/best-red-velvet-heart-cupcakes-easy-valentines-recipe/