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Patriotic Red Velvet Cupcakes

Delightful red velvet cupcakes topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July or any patriotic gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Ingredients
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour King Arthur Flour for best texture
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed cocoa adds deeper flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil Canola oil is a suitable substitute
  • 2 large eggs Use room temperature for better blending
  • 1 cup buttermilk Homemade buttermilk works too
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Pure vanilla recommended
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar Helps react with baking soda for fluffiness
  • 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring Gel food coloring recommended for vibrancy
Frosting Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened, Philadelphia brand preferred
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar Adjust for desired sweetness and thickness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Red, white, and blue star sprinkles For decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vinegar, then blend in red food coloring until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
Baking
  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing to desired consistency.
Decoration
  1. Frost the cooled cupcakes generously and top with festive star sprinkles.

Notes

Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting. Adjust food coloring for desired red hue.