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Best Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes: Easy Guest Favorite

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These incredibly moist and tangy red velvet cupcakes are shaped like hearts and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect show-stopping dessert for any gathering, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12-14 paper liners. If making heart-shaped cupcakes, lightly spray a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter with non-stick spray and place one in the center of each liner.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Whisk in buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill each liner about ⅔ to ¾ full. If using cutters, spoon batter inside the cutter, filling about ⅔ full.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If using cutters, remove them after the 5-minute cooling period.
  7. For frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add vanilla and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low until incorporated. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe frosting onto each cupcake using a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Decorate with sprinkles or fresh raspberries if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Do not overmix the batter. If frosting is too soft, chill for 15-20 minutes before piping. Cupcakes can be baked a day ahead; store unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, cupcakes, heart-shaped, cream cheese frosting, Valentine's Day, party dessert

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/best-red-velvet-heart-cupcakes-easy-guest-favorite/