Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes​

Growing up, Sundays at Grandma’s house always meant something special was baking. The aroma of vanilla and a hint of cocoa would waft through the air, signaling that a treat was coming. For me, nothing quite captured that feeling of warmth and love like a perfectly moist red velvet cake.

Now, as a mom of three, I love recreating those cherished memories in my own kitchen. That’s why I just had to share our absolute favorite recipe: Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes. These aren’t just any cupcakes; they are a bite of pure joy, simple enough for a busy weeknight baking session, yet decadent enough for any celebration.

They bring everyone together, and truly, isn’t that what food is all about? Making a batch of these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes fills our home with happiness, and I can’t wait for you to experience that too. This recipe for Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes has become a staple, adored by my kids and their friends alike.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• You’ll utterly adore these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes! First off, they bring that classic Southern charm right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. This recipe for Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes delivers an incredibly moist crumb and that signature subtle cocoa flavor we all crave.
• It’s truly one of the best red velvet cupcake recipes out there. Moreover, the individual portioning of cupcakes makes them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just a sweet treat without the commitment of a whole cake. As a mom, I appreciate how simple the steps are, meaning even my older kids can help out, fostering a love for baking.
• Finally, the iconic cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the rich flavor of these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes, making every bite heavenly. You will keep coming back to this reliable Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes recipe.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Making these delightful Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes requires a few pantry staples and a couple of key ingredients for that signature red hue. Gather your ingredients before you start; it makes the whole process smoother. For the best Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes, use good quality cocoa powder and fresh buttermilk.

For the Cupcakes	For the Cream Cheese Frosting
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour	8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar	½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking soda	3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon salt	1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder	1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional)
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ounce red food coloring (liquid or gel)
1 tablespoon white vinegar

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

You can certainly adapt this Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes recipe to fit your needs or preferences. For instance, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Regarding the red food coloring, feel free to use a gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue with less liquid, or even a natural beet powder for a subtler, less artificial color if you prefer. You could also try making these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes with a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla for a slightly different flavor profile. For a fun twist, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Alternatively, turn these red velvet cake cupcakes into mini red velvet bites by using a mini muffin tin and adjusting baking time. These small changes still result in delicious red velvet cake cupcakes.

Just as you can customize these red velvet treats to your liking, Paula Deen’s culinary versatility extends to many beloved Southern dishes. If you’re looking for another comforting classic that embodies Southern hospitality and flavor, you’ll love the richness of this Paula Deen Potato Casserole: Southern.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these straightforward steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare Oven and Muffin Tins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two standard 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners. This prepares your tins for the Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. This mix gives the Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes their distinct color and moisture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. A few lumps are okay.

5. Fill Muffin Tins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes cool in the muffin tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

9. Frost: Once the red velvet cake cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy your homemade Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes!

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• To ensure your Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips. Always use room temperature ingredients, especially for the butter, eggs, and cream cheese. This helps everything blend smoothly and creates a more uniform batter and frosting.
• When adding the red food coloring, opt for a good quality gel food coloring over liquid if possible, as it provides a deeper, richer red without adding excess moisture to your Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes. Furthermore, do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in dense, tough cupcakes instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.
• Mix until just combined. For perfectly domed red velvet cake cupcakes, fill the liners only two-thirds full. Finally, always allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the delicious cream cheese frosting to melt and slide right off, ruining your beautiful Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes.

• Achieving perfectly moist and flavorful cupcakes requires attention to detail and quality ingredients, much like perfecting any other delightful dish. For those who appreciate rich textures and vibrant flavors in their sides or desserts, learning to make an Amazing Sweet Potato Puree: A Complete Guide offers another level of culinary satisfaction.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

These Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly store them to savor later. Due to the cream cheese frosting, these red velvet cake cupcakes need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Before serving, I recommend taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour beforehand, allowing the cupcakes and frosting to come closer to room temperature. This softens the frosting and enhances the cake’s moist texture. You can also freeze unfrosted red velvet cake cupcakes for up to 2-3 months.

Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting. This is a great way to prep ahead if you’re making a big batch of Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

These Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes are a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right beverage or side can elevate the experience. For a comforting classic, a tall glass of cold milk is simply perfect. If you’re serving them at an afternoon get-together, a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a nice hot tea complements their rich flavor wonderfully.

For a touch of elegance, consider a sparkling cider or even a light prosecco for a grown-up occasion. During the holidays, these red velvet cake cupcakes also pair beautifully with a festive eggnog. Whatever you choose, these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes will be the star of the show.

While these red velvet cupcakes are a delightful standalone treat, thinking about complementary dishes can elevate any meal or gathering. For a truly classic Southern spread, consider adding an Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole: Classic to your menu, a perfect accompaniment for holidays or family dinners.

FAQS

How do I get my red velvet cupcakes perfectly red?

For the most vibrant red, I highly recommend using a high-quality gel food coloring. It’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you need less, and it won’t thin out your batter. Add it slowly until you achieve your desired deep red hue for your Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes.

Can I make these Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the red velvet cake cupcakes a day in advance. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature.

Prepare the cream cheese frosting and store it separately in the refrigerator. Frost the Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes just a few hours before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.

What’s the best way to frost these red velvet cake cupcakes?

For a classic look, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top of each red velvet cake cupcake. If you want a more decorative swirl, fit a piping bag with your favorite tip (like a large star tip) and pipe the frosting onto the cooled Paula Deen Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes.

Red velvet cake, characterized by its distinctive red-brown hue, mild cocoa flavor, and tangy cream cheese frosting, has roots in the Southern United States and became particularly popular during the 20th century. The creation of such iconic desserts, often attributed to home cooks and regional chefs, highlights a rich tradition of Southern cuisine.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

*Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

Nutrient	Amount (Estimated)
Calories	350 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrates	45g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	35g
Protein	4g