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Easy Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes: Best Valentines Recipe

red velvet heart cupcakes - featured image
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These Easy Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes are soft, tender, and feature a hidden heart surprise inside. Made with simple ingredients and a cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30ml) red gel food coloring
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) 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, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt for about 20 seconds.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring until uniform.
  4. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined (a few streaks of flour are okay).
  5. Add white vinegar and fold gently until bubbles form and batter is smooth.
  6. Divide batter evenly among 12 liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then vanilla and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. To create heart shape: Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to press into center of cooled cupcake, cut halfway through. Remove heart piece, fill cavity with frosting, then replace heart piece.
  11. Frost with remaining frosting using a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for best texture. Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without affecting batter consistency. Don’t overmix batter to avoid tough cupcakes. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Cupcakes taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

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

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