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Perfect Vampire Bite Red Velvet Cupcakes: Easy Homemade Treat

red velvet cupcakes - featured image

These Perfect Vampire Bite Red Velvet Cupcakes are tender, moist, and perfectly balanced with a subtle cocoa flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting. They are the ultimate themed treat for Halloween or any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons red gel food coloring
  • 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins with 24 paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.
  4. With mixer on low, drizzle in vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring.
  6. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk mixture in two parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold batter from bottom up until fully incorporated. Batter will be deep red and fairly thin.
  8. Divide batter evenly among prepared liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tops should spring back when lightly touched.
  10. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes.
  12. With mixer on low, gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
  13. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Do not overbeat.
  14. Once cupcakes are completely cool, fit a piping bag with a star tip and fill with frosting. Pipe a generous swirl onto each cupcake.
  15. For vampire bite effect, use a small knife or finger to remove a small ‘bite’ mark from the side of the frosting.

Notes

Use gel or paste food coloring for deep red color. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification. Do not overmix batter to avoid tough cupcakes. For stable frosting, use full-fat cream cheese and do not overbeat. If frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before piping.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, vampire bite cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes