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Perfect Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Cupcakes Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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These perfect red velvet heart-shaped cupcakes feature a moist, ruby-red crumb paired with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (160g), sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (180ml), room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml), neutral flavor
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease heart-shaped cupcake molds or line a regular muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar.
  4. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Spoon batter into molds, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  8. Frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or knife. Chill frosting if too soft before piping.
  9. Optionally, decorate with red sugar crystals, edible glitter, or mini heart sprinkles.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for best texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cupcakes. Chill cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. If heart-shaped pans are unavailable, use regular liners and pipe heart shapes with frosting. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and adjust liquids. For dairy-free, use dairy-free milk with lemon juice and dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/perfect-red-velvet-heart-shaped-cupcakes-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/