Print

Red Velvet Cream Cheese

Red Velvet Cream Cheese

Introduction

Red Velvet Cream Cheese is a luxurious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of cocoa-infused red velvet with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether enjoyed as cupcakes, cake, or a creamy dessert dip, this treat is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just indulging your sweet tooth. The vibrant red color and velvety texture make it an eye-catching and satisfying choice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Red Velvet Base:

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that defines red velvet.
  • Buttermilk: Contributes to the cake’s moist texture and slight tanginess.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, adding richness and tangy flavor.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the dessert its signature vibrant hue.

Instructions

Prepare the Red Velvet Base:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners or grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Alternate Adding Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
  6. Add Food Coloring and Vinegar: Mix in the red food coloring and white vinegar until evenly distributed.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan or liners. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Vanilla and Sugar: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Beat until light and fluffy.

Assemble:

  1. Frost and Decorate: Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled red velvet cake or cupcakes. Garnish with sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or chocolate shavings, if desired.

Nutrition