Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins! These little gems are not just muffins; they’re like a delightful hug in food form. Imagine biting into a soft, velvety muffin that’s bursting with rich chocolate flavor, and then—bam!—you hit the creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! I whipped these up for a family gathering once, and they disappeared faster than I could say “red velvet.” The vibrant color and the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen? Wow! You simply can’t resist them. They’re perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a cheeky dessert. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be dreaming about them for days!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (make sure it’s at room temperature for the best texture!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature helps them mix better)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (just a touch for that chocolatey goodness)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (this is what gives our muffins that gorgeous hue!)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for the frosting)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for that perfect sweetness in the frosting)
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Alright, let’s get baking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want those muffins to rise beautifully and bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab two mixing bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it’s where the magic starts!
In your second bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Now, here comes the fun part! Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir it all together, but don’t overmix—just until everything is combined. You want it to be a bit lumpy; that’s totally okay!
Next, line a muffin tin with liners and fill each one about 2/3 full with your muffin batter. This will give them room to rise without overflowing. Pop them into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
Once they’re done, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting—trust me, you’ll want that cream cheese frosting to sit perfectly on top!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Each muffin is packed with flavor, balancing the rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese.
- The vibrant red color makes them a showstopper for any gathering or celebration.
- They stay moist and delicious for days, making them great for meal prep.
- These muffins are a delightful treat for both kids and adults alike!
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality dessert at home.
- They’re versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. It helps create a smoother batter and ensures the muffins rise beautifully!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on those muffins! Ovens can vary, so start checking a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool before frosting: Patience is key! Let your muffins cool completely before slathering on that cream cheese frosting. This will prevent it from melting and ensure a perfect presentation.
- Experiment with the frosting: If you want to switch things up, try adding a splash of lemon juice or vanilla extract to the frosting. It gives an extra zing that pairs perfectly with the muffins!
- Store properly: To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Variations
- Nuts: For a little crunch, try folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. They add a delightful texture that complements the softness of the muffin!
- Chocolate chips: A sprinkle of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips (about 1/2 cup) can elevate the indulgence factor. Just fold them in right before you fill the muffin tins!
- Different frosting flavors: While cream cheese frosting is divine, why not mix it up? Add a bit of orange zest for a citrus twist, or try a chocolate ganache for a rich topping!
- Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the red velvet.
- Mini muffins: Want bite-sized treats? Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes and use a mini muffin tin. Perfect for parties or just snacking!
- Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve created these scrumptious Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh for as long as possible! First things first, make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing them. This prevents moisture from building up and making them soggy—nobody wants that!
To store, place your muffins in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days. But if you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the freezer! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. Wow, right?
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take out however many you want and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a little rubbery! A warm muffin paired with that cream cheese frosting? Yes, please!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins! Keep in mind, nutrition can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you have specific dietary needs. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect in each muffin:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
These muffins are a tasty treat, so enjoy them as part of a balanced diet! Just remember to savor each bite, because they’re as delicious as they are delightful!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Sure! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a buttermilk alternative!
How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to start checking them around the 18-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven!
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins are perfect for making in advance. You can bake them a day or two ahead of when you plan to serve them, and just store them in an airtight container. They also freeze wonderfully, just remember to wrap them up tightly!
What’s the best way to frost the muffins?
Oh, I love this part! Once your muffins are completely cool, you can either use a knife to spread the cream cheese frosting or, for a more polished look, use a piping bag. Just make sure the frosting is nice and creamy for easy spreading!
Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese frosting?
You bet! If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolate cream cheese frosting. It’s a fun way to switch things up while still keeping that delicious cream cheese base!
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet muffins topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill muffin liners 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Let muffins cool.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled muffins before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These muffins freeze well.
- Adjust sugar for less sweetness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins