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Perfect Fourth of July Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Fourth of July Red Velvet Cupcakes - featured image
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These red velvet cupcakes feature a tender crumb and a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July with a festive red, white, and blue theme. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel type)
  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Blue star-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter (for decoration)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease well.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Stir in red food coloring and vinegar until batter is vibrant red and smooth.
  7. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling about ⅔ full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and salt, beat until fluffy.
  11. Frost cooled cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag. Decorate with blue star sprinkles or fresh berries.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning the batter. Chill frosting if too soft to pipe. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, Fourth of July, patriotic dessert, easy cupcakes, homemade frosting

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/perfect-fourth-of-july-red-velvet-cupcakes-recipe-easy-homemade-frosting/