Ina Garten’s Perfect Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe: Decadent Joy

Red velvet cupcakes embody a rich, decadent dessert that instantly elevates any gathering.

These crimson-hued delights combine sophisticated flavor with visual drama through their signature deep color.

Subtle cocoa undertones create a complex taste profile that surprises and delights.

Soft, tender crumb meets luxurious cream cheese frosting in a perfect culinary marriage.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this iconic treat for its elegant simplicity.

The magic lies in carefully balanced ingredients that transform ordinary baking into something extraordinary.

Sweet memories and joyful moments await you when you whip up these irresistible cupcakes: grab your mixing bowl and prepare for deliciousness!

What Makes Red Velvet Cupcakes So Irresistible

• Delightfully Decadent Texture: These cupcakes boast an incredibly moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth, creating a luxurious eating experience that sets them apart from ordinary bakery treats.
• Foolproof Baking Method: Ina Garten's precise recipe makes these red velvet cupcakes simple to prepare, with clear step-by-step instructions that guarantee success even for novice bakers looking to impress their friends and family.
• Dramatic Visual Appeal: The vibrant red color and classic frosting create a showstopping dessert perfect for special occasions like Valentine's Day, birthdays, or holiday gatherings that demands attention and delights the senses.
• Rich Flavor Complexity: The combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a hint of vinegar develops a deep, nuanced taste that balances sweetness with a subtle tangy undertone, elevating these cupcakes from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Baking Staples That Bring Out the Red

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cupcakes, with a soft and tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep red color to the classic red velvet cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.

• Buttermilk: Gives tanginess and helps create a moist, tender crumb with its acidic properties.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature vibrant red color of red velvet desserts.
• Vinegar: Activates the baking soda and adds subtle tangy depth to the cupcake flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone and complements the other flavors.

• Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a light, soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients, add structure, and contribute to the cupcakes' moisture.

How to Get Perfect Cupcakes Every Time

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Liquid Components

• Buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• White vinegar
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully blended.

Step 6: Merge Ingredient Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients and liquid mixture to the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners

Scoop batter evenly into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting or your favorite Red Velvet frosting.

Tips to Keep Them Soft and Vibrant

• Temper Ingredients for Perfection: Warm butter, eggs, and buttermilk blend seamlessly, creating a smooth, silky batter that ensures tender, moist red velvet cupcakes.
• Master the Gentle Mix: Fold ingredients with a light hand, stopping just as they combine. This technique prevents tough, dense cupcakes and maintains that signature delicate texture.
• Precision in Flour Measurement: Scoop flour gently with a spoon, then level it off. Packed or over-measured flour can transform your cupcakes from dreamy to dry in seconds.
• Toothpick Test Mastery: A few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick signal perfectly baked cupcakes. Remove them from the oven at this golden moment to lock in moisture.
• Cooling is Crucial for Frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating. Patience prevents melting frosting and ensures a picture-perfect, professional finish.

Store Cupcakes Without Losing the Magic

• Preserving Freshness: Wrap each cupcake separately in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn. Place them in a sturdy freezer-safe container, ensuring they don't get crushed. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Counter Storage: Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Shield them from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their soft texture and prevent drying out. Use a cake dome or container with a tight-fitting lid for best results.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Care: Always refrigerate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting immediately after decorating. These delicate treats will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Red Velvet Remixed with Bold Ideas

• Chocolate Chunk Sensation: Add chunks of dark or milk chocolate to the batter for extra richness and melty pockets of flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Option: Create a cream cheese filling by swirling softened cream cheese through the batter before baking for a tangy surprise.
• Nutty Red Velvet Style: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture and deep, earthy undertones.
• Espresso Enhanced Version: Mix in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate notes and add depth to the cupcake's flavor profile.

One Last Bite Before They’re All Gone

Red Velvet Cupcakes from Ina Garten offer an enchanting culinary experience that bridges classic comfort with gourmet sophistication.

Luxurious crimson hues peek through delicate paper liners, promising indulgence in each carefully crafted bite.

Sweet buttermilk and subtle cocoa create complex flavor profiles that dance across palates with elegant charm.

Kitchen enthusiasts can elevate their baking skills through this meticulously designed recipe that celebrates nostalgic Southern traditions.

Creamy frosting complements rich cake textures, ensuring maximum sensory delight with minimal preparation complexity.

Baker friends: dive into this recipe, share your gorgeous dishs on social platforms, spark conversations with passionate baking communities, and inspire fellow culinary adventurers to explore these irresistible cupcake masterpieces.

Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Red Velvet Cupcakes bring classic Southern charm to dessert tables with rich cocoa and cream cheese frosting. These elegant treats combine deep crimson color and velvety texture, promising a delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk, shaken
• 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 pounds (113 grams or 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

Sweetener:

• 1.5 cups (300 grams) sugar
• Red Velvet Frosting

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare the oven environment by heating to 175°C / 350°F and strategically arrange paper liners inside the muffin tin.
2. Sift the essential dry components – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – into a compact mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform texture.
3. Craft the liquid mixture by blending buttermilk, vibrant red food coloring, tangy vinegar, and aromatic vanilla extract within a precise measuring container.
4. Execute the creaming technique by whisking butter and sugar in a stand mixer, transforming the ingredients into a luxurious, aerated substance over approximately one minute.
5. Introduce eggs systematically, integrating each one thoroughly to maintain a smooth, consistent batter composition.
6. Orchestrate the final batter by gently incorporating dry and wet ingredients in alternating cycles, commencing and concluding with dry elements, and utilizing a rubber spatula to guarantee complete integration.
7. Distribute the batter evenly using a 5.5cm / 2¼-inch ice cream scoop, ensuring each muffin cup receives a precise volume of mixture.
8. Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and monitor for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness through a clean toothpick test at the cupcake’s center.
9. Allow cupcakes to cool completely within the tin before adorning with preferred Red Velvet Frosting, transforming them into delectable treats.

Notes

• Frosting requires completely cooled cupcakes to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, professional finish.
• Toothpick test reveals perfect baking: Moist crumbs mean your cupcakes are done, while a clean toothpick signals potential overbaking.
• Flour measurement matters tremendously: Gentle scoop-and-level technique prevents dry, dense cupcakes that disappoint.
• Gentle mixing keeps batter light: Stop stirring the moment ingredients combine to maintain delicate, tender texture.
• Warm ingredients create magical batter: Let butter, eggs, and buttermilk reach room temperature for seamless blending and superior results.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 303 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 312 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 76 mg