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Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes: Perfect Easy Valentine’s Treat

red velvet heart cupcakes - featured image
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These red velvet heart cupcakes are soft, tender, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect Valentine’s Day treat that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Red sprinkles or heart-shaped candies (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Make 12 foil balls by rolling 3-inch squares of aluminum foil into tight balls. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center.
  4. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a foil ball into the center of each cupcake about halfway down to create a heart-shaped indent. Let cool completely in the pan, about 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil balls once the cupcakes are completely cool.
  10. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and salt, then beat again. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low until incorporated. Beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  11. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a border around the heart indent on each cupcake, starting from the outside and working inward.
  12. Decorate with red sprinkles or heart-shaped candies. Let frosting set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are key for a tender crumb. Don’t skip the vinegar—it reacts with the baking soda for lift. Press foil balls gently to avoid tearing the cupcakes. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/red-velvet-heart-cupcakes-perfect-easy-valentines-treat/