‘Tis the season for festive treats, and what better way to indulge in the holiday spirit than with red velvet peppermint cupcakes. These classic red velvet cupcakes are transformed into a winter wonderland delight with a peppermint twist. The rich cocoa powder, red food coloring, buttermilk, and a hint of vinegar create the perfect base for these decadent treats, while a blend of butter and vegetable oil ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
The real star of these cupcakes is the luscious peppermint cream cheese frosting. Infused with a touch of peppermint extract, it’s a creamy and indulgent topping that elevates these cupcakes to a whole new level of deliciousness. For that extra festive touch, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top and pipe the frosting decoratively using a pastry bag. This recipe yields 24 cupcakes, making it ideal for spreading joy at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 box of red velvet cake mix (such as Duncan Hines)
- 1 can of diet soda (e.g., Diet Pepsi)
- 2 egg whites
For the Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 full-sized candy canes, crushed
Required Tools and Equipment
To create these delectable red velvet peppermint cupcakes, you will need the following tools and equipment:
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag and tips (optional for frosting)
Having these tools and equipment ready and organized will streamline the cupcake-making process and ensure your red velvet peppermint cupcakes turn out perfect every time.
Instructions
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line the cupcake pan with liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Incorporate the desired amount of food coloring for that classic red velvet hue.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk until well combined.
- Mix in the water until the batter is smooth.
- In a small bowl, combine vinegar and baking soda, then add this mixture to the batter and mix well.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners.
Baking the Cupcakes
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Making the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost them with the peppermint cream cheese frosting.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermints on top of the frosting for a festive touch.
- Optionally, decorate with decorative stickers on toothpicks and insert them into the center of each cupcake.
- Enjoy these delightful red velvet peppermint cupcakes, perfect for any occasion or holiday celebration!
Make-Ahead Tips
As someone who loves to plan ahead for special occasions, I have some fantastic make-ahead tips for these delightful red velvet peppermint cupcakes. By following these tips, you can save time and effortlessly enjoy perfectly prepared cupcakes when you need them most.
- Prepare in Advance:
You can make the unfilled cupcakes up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. - Filling Preparation:
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, you can prepare the white mousse filling. Beat the mousse until it is light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium to high speed. - Filling the Cupcakes:
To fill the cupcakes, spoon the mousse mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Alternatively, you can use a large self-sealing plastic bag by snipping off the corner. Insert the pastry bag into the top of each cupcake and squeeze the filling into the center until the cupcake starts to expand. - Adding the Finishing Touches:
After filling the cupcakes, top each one with a small amount of the mousse mixture. If you’re using a plastic bag without a pastry tip, remember to cut a slit into the top of each cupcake before squeezing in the filling. To enhance the festive look, adorn the frosted cupcakes with Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark SQUARES. - Enjoying the Cupcakes:
Once your cupcakes are ready, you can choose to enjoy them immediately or chill them in the refrigerator for a cool treat later.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can easily prepare and store these delicious red velvet peppermint cupcakes, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable baking experience for your holiday celebrations.
Serving and Storage
When it’s time to serve your delightful red velvet peppermint cupcakes, be sure to display them on a festive platter to wow your guests with their vibrant color and delicious flavors. The contrast of the deep red cake and the creamy white frosting sprinkled with candy cane pieces makes for a visually stunning presentation that is sure to impress.
For storage, it’s best to keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator. These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2-3 days to ensure they maintain their freshness and flavor.
If you have made these cupcakes ahead of time, you can freeze them for longer storage. Simply place the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cupcakes thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then frost and serve as desired.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your red velvet peppermint cupcakes stay fresh and delicious, whether for a holiday gathering or a special treat anytime.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, these red velvet peppermint cupcakes are a delightful treat for any holiday occasion. The combination of rich red velvet cake, refreshing peppermint cream cheese frosting, and festive toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors. By following the make-ahead tips and storage suggestions provided, you can ensure that your cupcakes stay fresh and delicious for days to come. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating these delightful treats, and savor every bite of these irresistible red velvet peppermint cupcakes.