Red Velvet Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes features moist, vibrant red cocoa-infused cake topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting and a delicate sprinkle of red velvet crumbs, delivering a rich and visually striking dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
- Cupcake/muffin pan
- Cupcake liners
- Ice cream scoop or spoon (for batter portioning)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
- Piping bag (optional, for frosting)
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For decoration:
- Red velvet cake crumbs
Ensure you use unsweetened cocoa powder specifically to achieve the signature mild chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness. Red food coloring is essential for the vibrant red hue that defines the red velvet profile; liquid food coloring works best for even distribution. Buttermilk contributes to the cupcake's moist texture and subtle tang, so avoid substituting it with regular milk for authenticity. When making the cream cheese frosting, use softened cream cheese and unsalted butter to create a smooth, creamy texture that complements the cake's richness. Your Red Velvet Cupcake copycat from Sprinkles Cupcakes will closely match the original by focusing on these ingredient details and techniques.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Portion batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners using an ice cream scoop or spoon (fill about 2/3 full).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula or piping bag.
- Sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs on top for decoration.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Red Velvet Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes copycat menu replicates the signature moist, red-hued cake infused with cocoa and crowned with tangy cream cheese frosting. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. In case red food coloring is hard to find, using natural beet juice or a blend of red gel food coloring can achieve similar vibrant hues. When measuring flour, avoid packing it too tightly to maintain the cupcake's light texture; sifting the flour with cocoa powder is highly recommended. Your frosting will spread more smoothly if the cream cheese and butter are well-softened before mixing.
Tips
Ensure the buttermilk is at room temperature before mixing to promote even batter consistency. Avoid overmixing the dry and wet ingredients to keep cupcakes tender and fluffy. Use an ice cream scoop for uniform batter portions, which helps cupcakes bake evenly. When frosting, ensure cupcakes are fully cooled to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and losing its texture.
Nutritions
Red Velvet Cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes contain a combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil, providing carbohydrates, fats, and moderate protein from eggs. The cream cheese frosting adds calcium and fat from cream cheese and butter, while powdered sugar contributes additional carbohydrates. Each cupcake delivers a rich source of energy but also contains added sugars and fats that should be enjoyed in moderation. To balance your diet, consider pairing these vibrant cocoa-infused treats with nutrient-rich foods throughout your day.
Storage
Store your Red Velvet Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their moist texture and frosting freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, allowing cupcakes to return to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor. Avoid freezing frosted cupcakes, as this can alter the texture of the cream cheese frosting and cake crumbs.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice to achieve the same tangy moisture in the cupcakes. For a healthier twist, try using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, which adds subtle flavor and richer texture. To enhance the red hue naturally, consider using beetroot powder or juice in place of artificial red food coloring. Your cream cheese frosting will benefit from adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and intensify the flavor.
Allergies
Red Velvet Cupcakes contain common allergens such as eggs, dairy (cream cheese and butter), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The use of buttermilk and cream cheese makes this dessert unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. If you have allergies, you should carefully review the ingredients to ensure your safety when enjoying this treat.
Why this recipe?
Sprinkles Cupcakes' Red Velvet Cupcake is celebrated for its moist, tender crumb paired with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness. The use of high-quality cocoa and buttermilk creates a distinctive flavor profile that appeals to both traditional and adventurous dessert lovers. You can recreate this iconic treat at home, capturing the same exquisite texture and taste while customizing ingredients to your preference. Making a copycat version offers a rewarding baking experience and the satisfaction of enjoying a favorite bakery item fresh from your oven.