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Easy Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes

red velvet heart cupcakes - featured image
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These easy red velvet heart cupcakes are a festive Valentine’s Day treat that balances ease with genuine flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like buttermilk and cocoa, they feature a tender crumb and rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for busy bakers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) butter, softened
  • 2 to 3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line heart-shaped cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring.
  6. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix only until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating on high until fluffy.
  11. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with heart sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cupcakes. Gel food coloring provides more vibrant color without thinning the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, valentine's day baking, heart cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, easy baking, holiday treats

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-red-velvet-heart-cupcakes-best-20-valentine-baking-idea/