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Best Red Velvet Heart Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day

Red velvet heart cupcakes - featured image
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These red velvet heart cupcakes are a heartfelt homemade treat perfect for Valentine’s Day. With a tender, tangy crumb and creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re a delicious way to show you care.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) red food coloring
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Red sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)
  • Heart-shaped candy melts or chocolate hearts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt for 30 seconds.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until uniform.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold with a rubber spatula until just combined (20-30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cool, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 2 inches) to press into the center of each cupcake. Push straight down and lift straight up. Gently push the heart piece out and set aside.
  8. Make frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth (2 minutes). Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low, then medium-high for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  9. Spoon or pipe a small amount of frosting into the hole left by the heart cutter. Insert the heart-shaped piece back at a slight angle so the top peeks out.
  10. Pipe a swirl of frosting on top to cover the heart completely or leave partially visible. Decorate with red sanding sugar or chocolate hearts if desired.
  11. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set frosting before serving.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for best texture. Do not overmix batter. Vinegar is not optional—it reacts with baking soda for lift. Cool cupcakes completely before cutting hearts to prevent crumbling. Frosting can be refrigerated if too soft. Cupcakes taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, heart cupcakes, Valentine's Day cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-red-velvet-heart-cupcakes-for-valentines-day/