Red velvet recipes hold a special place in my heart, and today I’m excited to share a delightful twist on this classic favorite – red velvet muffins. These fluffy treats are the perfect way to start a sweet Valentine’s Day morning with their hint of chocolate, vibrant red hue, and decadent cream cheese filling. While I haven’t yet shared my red velvet cake recipe, these muffins bring all the beloved flavors in a convenient handheld form.
Red velvet enthusiasts will adore these muffins, which combine a rich muffin base with a luscious cream cheese center and a crunchy sugar topping. Whether you’re a fan of red velvet desserts like brownies, biscotti, or cookies, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite. Stay tuned for a delicious breakfast option that captures the essence of red velvet in every bite.
Ingredients
Red velvet muffins are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of red velvet cake in a handheld form. Below are the main ingredients and optional add-ins you will need to make these delicious muffins.
Main Ingredients
- 4 ounces (114 grams) cream cheese
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon (68 grams) cake flour
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (43 grams) salted or unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (57 grams) salted or unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 grams) vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup (213 grams) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 large egg whites (use one of the yolks for the cream cheese filling)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 ½ tablespoons red velvet emulsion
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) cake flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon table salt OR ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch process)
- ¾ cup (170 grams) buttermilk, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (57 grams) heavy whipping cream
Optional Add-Ins
Here are some optional ingredients you can add to customize your red velvet muffins:
- Additional chocolate chips for extra richness
- Sparkling sugar for a crunchy topping
- Other favorite baking chips or nuts for added texture and flavor
These ingredients will come together beautifully to create scrumptious red velvet muffins that are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare these delicious red velvet muffins, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure your baking process goes smoothly. Here are the items you should have on hand before you begin:
Mixing Bowls:
Having a set of mixing bowls in various sizes is essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients efficiently. Opt for sturdy, easy-to-clean bowls to make your baking process more manageable.
Whisk or Electric Mixer:
A whisk or an electric mixer will help you blend your ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed batter. Choose the tool that works best for you based on your preference and equipment availability.
Muffin Tin:
A muffin tin is necessary for shaping and baking your red velvet muffins. Make sure to line the muffin tin with paper liners or grease it properly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the muffins.
Cooling Rack:
After baking your red velvet muffins, allow them to cool properly on a cooling rack. This ensures that the bottoms of the muffins do not become soggy from trapped steam, resulting in perfectly textured muffins.
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so make sure to have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand. They will help you precisely measure out your ingredients for consistent and delicious red velvet muffins.
Rubber Spatula:
A rubber spatula is great for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and folding in delicate ingredients without overmixing the batter. It ensures that all the ingredients are well incorporated for a uniform texture.
Oven Thermometer:
An oven thermometer is handy for ensuring that your oven is at the correct temperature for baking. This tool helps prevent under or overbaking your red velvet muffins, resulting in perfectly cooked treats every time.
By gathering these essential tools and equipment before you start baking, you’ll set yourself up for success in creating delectable red velvet muffins that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease two 12-cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Mix in eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla.
- Stir in baking soda and vinegar.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Cool the cupcakes in the pan set over a wire rack and then arrange them on a serving platter for frosting.
- Allow the muffins to cool and use a teaspoon-sized scooper to scoop the center of each muffin halfway down.
- In a bowl, mix room temperature cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pipe the filling into the center of each muffin and slightly up to the top.
- Enjoy the gooey cream cheese filling in each delicious red velvet muffin!
Directions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delightful red velvet muffins. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of these scrumptious treats!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients, such as eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a generous amount of red food coloring. The color should be bright to achieve that classic red velvet look.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the batter is lumpy. Be careful not to overmix as it can result in tough muffins.
Filling the Muffin Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your muffin pan by lining it with cupcake liners or spraying it with baking spray.
Fill each muffin cup about one-third full with the red velvet batter. Next, divide the cream cheese filling evenly among the muffin cups, placing a tablespoon in the center of each. Finally, cover the filling with more red velvet batter, ensuring it encases the cream cheese filling.
Baking the Muffins
Before baking, generously sprinkle the tops of the muffins with coarse sugar for added sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean when they are ready.
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before transferring them to cool completely. These red velvet muffins are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature – a perfect treat any time of the day.
Serving and Presentation
Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating your family, these red velvet muffins are not only delicious but visually stunning too. The vibrant red color of the muffins combined with the creamy white frosting makes for an impressive presentation that will surely delight your guests.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top each muffin with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs for an extra touch of elegance.
- Fresh Berries: Garnish the muffins with a mix of fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries for a pop of color and a fruity contrast to the rich red velvet flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Add a touch of decadence by garnishing the muffins with delicate chocolate shavings. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of chocolate to adorn the muffins.
- Edible Flowers: For a unique and sophisticated presentation, consider topping the muffins with edible flowers like pansies or violets. They not only add a beautiful aesthetic but also a subtle floral note to the muffins.
- Sprinkle Medley: Create a festive look by sprinkling a medley of colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the muffins. This adds a playful touch that’s perfect for special occasions.
Enhance the visual appeal of your red velvet muffins with these garnishing ideas to make them not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Storage Tips
When it comes to keeping your red velvet muffins fresh, there are a few key tips to ensure they stay delicious for longer. Whether you plan to enjoy them over several days or want to freeze some for later, these storage tips will help maintain their flavor and texture.
How to Keep Muffins Fresh
Once your red velvet muffins have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. For optimal taste and texture, store the muffins in the refrigerator. If you plan to consume them within a day or two, keeping them at room temperature is acceptable, but refrigeration is recommended for longer preservation.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
To freeze your red velvet muffins, individually wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, allow the muffins to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To enjoy them warm, reheat the muffins in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. This method will help retain the muffins’ moisture and flavor, ensuring a delicious treat every time.
Conclusion
Red velvet muffins are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet recipe, offering a convenient and portable way to enjoy this beloved flavor. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. Customizable with optional add-ins and a luscious cream cheese filling, they are sure to impress. Remember to store your muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Freezing and reheating instructions ensure that you can enjoy these delectable treats whenever the craving strikes. Try out these red velvet muffins for a delicious and satisfying treat that will surely become a favorite!