Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins! They’re not just muffins; they’re little bites of joy that bring a splash of color and flavor to any occasion. The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with that rich, velvety texture, perfectly complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting. I remember the first time I made these for a brunch with friends – the way their eyes lit up as they took their first bites was priceless! Honestly, these muffins are incredibly easy to whip up, and the combination of buttermilk and a hint of cocoa powder gives them a unique twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just because you deserve a little treat.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins. I always recommend using quality ingredients for the best flavor, so let’s dive in:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened, for that subtle chocolate flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (this really brings out that signature red velvet hue!)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easy frosting)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for that perfect sweet cream cheese frosting)
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Preheat and Prepare
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your muffin tin and line it with those cute little paper liners. I love using colorful ones to add a pop of fun! This step is super important because it helps with easy removal and makes clean-up a breeze.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until everything’s well blended. This is where the magic starts, and it’ll smell amazing already!
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk (make sure it’s at room temperature, trust me, it helps), 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. You’ll want a smooth mixture here—just think of it as a vibrant celebration of color! It should look divine and slightly thick.
Combining Ingredients
Now, here’s the crucial part: gently fold your wet ingredients into your dry mixture. Use a spatula and combine them just until you see no dry flour—don’t over-mix, or your muffins could end up tough! We want them fluffy and tender, so be patient and keep it light.
Baking the Muffins
Time to fill those muffin liners! Spoon the batter in until each one is about 2/3 full. This allows room for them to rise beautifully. Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and they have that gorgeous dome shape. Let them cool in the tin for a bit before transferring to a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Once your muffins are completely cool (this is crucial!), it’s frosting time! In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be spreadable but not runny. Frost those beautiful muffins generously and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—these muffins come together in no time!
- Moist and flavorful with that signature red velvet taste that everyone adores.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or just because you want to treat yourself.
- Ideal for sharing with friends and family; they’re sure to impress and disappear quickly!
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the buttermilk and cream cheese; it really helps with mixing and texture. Also, don’t skip the step of gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together—over-mixing can lead to dense muffins, and nobody wants that! If you’re unsure about baking time, check for doneness a minute or two early; ovens can vary. Lastly, let those muffins cool completely before frosting; it prevents the cream cheese from melting away. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat! Each muffin contains approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and the actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your indulgence!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, you can experiment with a vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a different twist. Just keep it sweet and creamy!
Do I need to chill the batter before baking?
Nope! There’s no need to chill the batter. Just mix and bake right away for those fluffy, delicious Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins!
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. They should turn out just as tasty!
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer—these muffins freeze like a dream!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Of course! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. They’ll make your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins even more delightful!
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins: 5 Irresistible Delights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet muffins topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill muffin liners 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Let muffins cool.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled muffins before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These muffins freeze well.
- Adjust sugar for less sweetness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins