Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat, these Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting are your new best friend. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of moist, tender cake with a subtle cocoa flavor, topped off with a fluffy, sweet marshmallow cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a birthday, a special celebration, or just an everyday treat, these cupcakes are guaranteed to brighten your day and satisfy your dessert cravings with their irresistible charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Moist Texture: These cupcakes stay soft and tender, never dry, making every bite a delight.
• Unique Frosting Twist: The marshmallow cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, airy sweetness you won’t find in traditional frostings.
• Classic and Elegant Color: The signature deep red hue of the cake brings an eye-catching pop to any dessert table.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible pantry staples, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: From holidays to casual get-togethers, these cupcakes shine in every setting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines straightforward ingredients that each plays a crucial role in making these cupcakes flavorful, moist, and beautifully red. You’ll love how simple pantry items come together to create such a spectacular dessert.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for a tender crumb.
• Cocoa powder: Just enough to give that subtle chocolate undertone characteristic of red velvet.
• Baking soda and vinegar: These react together to help the cupcakes rise and stay light.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist without weighing them down.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly without overpowering the cocoa or tangy notes.
• Eggs: Bind everything together to create that perfect cupcake texture.
• Red food coloring: Gives the signature vibrant color these cupcakes are known for.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Cream cheese: The base of the frosting that delivers a creamy tangy flavor.
• Marshmallow fluff: The magical ingredient that makes the frosting fluffy, sweet, and perfectly gooey.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for easy piping.

Variations for Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting

Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. It’s incredibly flexible and easy to tweak for fun new spins or to make it your own.

• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free cream cheese and marshmallow alternatives for a plant-based treat.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add chocolate chips into the batter or swirl some melted ganache into the frosting.
• Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm spice flavor.
• Mini Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin pan and reduce baking time for perfect bite-sized delights.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added texture and a nutty crunch.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Gather and measure all your ingredients—having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda to ensure no lumps. This step ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and have a fine crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. The vibrant red color will develop here, bringing that classic red velvet allure.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with vinegar, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make cupcakes dense, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the marshmallow cream cheese frosting.

Step 6: Make the Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in the marshmallow fluff to create a light, glossy frosting that is both tangy and sweet.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Using a piping bag or a spatula, generously frost each cooled cupcake. For an extra touch, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs or mini chocolate chips. Now, your cupcakes are ready to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cupcakes from packed flour.
• Don’t Skip Sifting: Sifting dry ingredients avoids lumps and creates a lighter batter.
• Use Fresh Baking Soda and Vinegar: Their reaction gives a perfect rise and tender crumb.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Customize Your Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives more vivid color without adding liquid.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top your cupcakes with edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant look. Fresh berries or a small drizzle of chocolate can also add beautiful contrast and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a delicate glass of milk to balance their sweetness and enhance the overall tasting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for parties or gift them in decorative boxes with ribbons for a personal touch. You can also serve them alongside colorful fruit salads for a refreshing balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will maintain freshness without drying out the cake or frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frosting for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, microwave them for about 10 seconds before serving, but avoid heating the frosting directly to keep its texture intact.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This will give you delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting without the gluten.

Is there a substitute for marshmallow fluff in the frosting?

You can replace marshmallow fluff with homemade marshmallow creme or even whipped egg whites mixed with sugar if you’re comfortable making meringue-style frosting.

How do I avoid the frosting melting or becoming runny?

Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting and keep the finished cupcakes refrigerated until serving to maintain firmness and prevent melting.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before scooping into the cupcake liners to incorporate any settled ingredients.

What is the best way to get that classic red color?

Using gel food coloring or a concentrated liquid red food dye achieves the vibrant red hue without affecting the cake’s texture. Avoid natural food colors if you want the traditional deep red look.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a dessert that is both stunning and delicious, these Red Velvet Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting are your go-to recipe. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they strike the perfect balance of classic and creative, making every celebration a little sweeter. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch—you’re going to love every bite as much as I do!

Related Posts

• Red Velvet Cake
• Chocolate Chip Biscuits with Raspberry Cream
• Candied Sweet Potatoes

Print