Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes: A Decadent Dessert Duo
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich flavor of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake center. These beautiful cupcakes are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extra special.
Let’s dive into this recipe and bake up a batch of these decadent delights!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
Decadent and Creamy: The cheesecake filling adds a luscious texture and flavor to the moist red velvet cake.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red cupcakes with a creamy center are sure to impress.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, these cupcakes are beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or whenever you need a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1 ½ cups cream cheese frosting (homemade or store-bought)
- Sprinkles or red velvet crumbs for garnish
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Red Velvet Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the red velvet batter. Add a tablespoon of the cheesecake filling to the center of each. Cover the filling with a small amount of the remaining batter, ensuring the liners are no more than ¾ full.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the red velvet portion comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Frost the Cupcakes (Optional)
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, top them with cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula. Garnish with sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Step 7: Serve
Serve these cupcakes at room temperature and enjoy their rich, creamy goodness.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs ensure a smooth filling and batter.
Don’t Overfill Liners: Filling liners more than ¾ full can cause the batter to overflow.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.
Make It Ahead: These cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and stored unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.
Variations
Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes: Swap the red velvet batter for chocolate cupcake batter.
Mini Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time to 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.
Nutty Twist: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
Marbled Cheesecake Cupcakes: Swirl the cheesecake filling into the red velvet batter for a marbled effect.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or as a luxurious treat. Pair them with:
Coffee or Tea: The creamy richness pairs well with a hot beverage.
Milk: A classic pairing for a decadent dessert.
Champagne: For a sophisticated touch at parties or special events.
Storing and Freezing
Storing: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes are the perfect combination of two beloved desserts: the elegance of red velvet cake and the creamy decadence of cheesecake. They’re visually stunning, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Final Thoughts on Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s indulgent, festive, and unforgettable, Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes are the perfect choice. Their rich flavors and creamy center make them a standout at any gathering or celebration.
Bake a batch today and experience the magic of these irresistible cupcakes!
