Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Sweet dreams come alive with a decadent red velvet cheesecake cupcake that blends creamy richness and velvety texture.

Layers of indulgence melt together in every single bite.

Chocolate undertones create a luxurious backdrop for smooth cream cheese filling.

Subtle hints of cocoa dance through each delicate swirl.

The deep crimson color adds dramatic visual appeal to this irresistible dessert.

Delicate crumbs promise a tender, moist experience that will delight your senses.

You might fall in love with this elegant twist on classic cupcake magic.

Why Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake Is A Sweet Surprise

  • Indulge in Layered Luxury: These red velvet cheesecake cupcakes offer a decadent two-in-one dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake.
  • Wow Guests with Minimal Effort: The recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it surprisingly easy for home bakers to create an impressive and professional-looking dessert that will surprise and delight everyone.
  • Perfect for Special Celebrations: Whether it's a birthday, holiday gathering, or romantic Valentine's Day treat, these cupcakes bring a touch of elegance and excitement to any special occasion with their stunning red color and irresistible flavor combination.
  • Quick and Convenient Baking: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these showstopping cupcakes in under an hour, allowing you to create a gourmet-style dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need For Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and base for the cupcake.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cupcake rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcake moist and tender.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides richness.
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds tangy flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity.
  • White Vinegar: Activates baking soda for better rise.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives classic red velvet signature color.
Cheesecake Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy topping.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes cheesecake layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to cheesecake.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create light, fluffy texture.

Simple Steps For Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and add:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large egg
  • Buttermilk
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • White vinegar
  • Red food coloring

Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and the color is a vibrant red.

Step 3: Create Cupcake Batter

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold and stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this can make your cupcakes tough and dense. The batter should look silky and have a rich, deep red color.

Step 4: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Large egg

Mix until the filling is creamy and well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble Cupcakes

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about 1/3 full with red velvet batter. Add a dollop of cheesecake filling in the center. Top with remaining red velvet batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with red velvet crumbs or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Helpful Notes For Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake

  • Master the Buttermilk Swap: No buttermilk on hand? Create a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled.
  • Prevent Color Bleeding: Add red food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure an even, vibrant red color without streaks or uneven patches in your cupcakes.
  • Boost Cheesecake Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy cheesecake filling that spreads effortlessly.
  • Avoid Overmixing Disaster: Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to maintain a tender, light cupcake texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Perfect Baking Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperature, preventing dry or undercooked cupcakes and ensuring consistent, golden-brown edges.

Storing Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake The Smart Way

  • Preserve these delightful red velvet cheesecake cupcakes by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Keep the cupcakes covered with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to maintain their moisture and prevent them from absorbing other flavors.
  • For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, wrapping each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a sealed freezer bag.
  • When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh frosting before serving to ensure maximum flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings For Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich, velvety cheesecake cupcake finds its perfect match in a smooth vanilla latte. The coffee's warmth and subtle sweetness complement the dessert's decadent red velvet layers.
  • Serve with Chilled Raspberry Prosecco: A crisp, sparkling raspberry prosecco cuts through the cupcake's richness. The fruity, effervescent drink provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy texture.
  • Match with Dark Chocolate Liqueur: A small glass of dark chocolate liqueur intensifies the cupcake's cocoa notes. The deep, smooth liqueur enhances the dessert's chocolatey undertones and creates a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Accompany with Fresh Berries Compote: A light, tangy berry compote offers a bright counterpoint to the cupcake's richness. The fresh, slightly tart fruit sauce cleanses the palate and adds a vibrant layer of flavor.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake Variations Worth Trying

  • Chocolate Chip Velvet Swirl: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness and texture, creating a decadent studded version of the classic red velvet cupcake.
  • Cream Cheese Stuffed Core: Before baking, inject each cupcake with a dollop of pure cream cheese filling, giving a surprise creamy center that bursts with tangy flavor.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to the smooth, velvety cupcake.
  • Raspberry Ripple Remix: Swirl a homemade raspberry compote through the batter before baking, introducing a tart fruity element that complements the rich red velvet base.

FAQs On Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake

  • What gives red velvet its signature color?

The vibrant red color comes from red food coloring, which is mixed with other wet ingredients to create that classic crimson hue.

  • Why do I need both buttermilk and vinegar in this recipe?

The combination of buttermilk and vinegar helps create a tender, moist cake texture by breaking down the proteins in the flour and adding a subtle tangy flavor.

  • Can I make this recipe without food coloring?

While you can skip the food coloring, it won’t have the traditional red velvet appearance. Some bakers use natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a more natural red tint.

  • What makes this different from a regular cupcake?

The unique blend of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar gives red velvet its distinctive taste and texture, which is lighter and more subtle than a standard chocolate cupcake.

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Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake Recipe


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4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red velvet cheesecake cupcakes blend luxurious Southern charm with creamy indulgence. Delicate cocoa undertones and silky cream cheese frosting create an irresistible dessert experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Flavor and Color Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt through gentle whisking.
  2. In a separate spacious mixing vessel, vigorously blend the liquid components, including vegetable oil, granulated sugar, egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vibrant red food coloring until the mixture achieves a uniform, smooth consistency.
  3. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the liquid base, using delicate stirring motions to incorporate the ingredients. Stop mixing the moment the batter appears just combined, taking care to avoid overmixing which can result in dense, tough cupcakes.
  4. Carefully transfer the crimson-hued batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow appropriate rising during baking.
  5. Place the filled cupcake pan into a preheated oven, allowing the delicate red velvet cupcakes to transform into light, airy confections with a rich, distinctive color and tender crumb.
  6. Once baked, remove the cupcakes and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before adorning with a luxurious cream cheese frosting, creating the ultimate red velvet cheesecake cupcake experience.

Notes

  • Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety texture in your cupcake batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to help them blend more evenly and create a consistent mixture.
  • For a natural red color alternative, replace synthetic food coloring with beetroot powder or juice, which adds a subtle earthy sweetness.
  • Adjust food coloring quantity based on desired intensity; start with less and gradually add to control the vibrant red hue of the cupcakes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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