Snickers Layer Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of sinking your teeth into a pillowy-soft, luxurious cupcake crowned with a swirl of melt-in-your-mouth frosting, Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting are as magical as it gets. This classic dessert, known for its striking red crumb and irresistible creamy topping, brings together the cocoa-kissed flavor you crave with a tangy, rich frosting that complements every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a birthday, a gathering, or simply to treat yourself on a Tuesday, these cupcakes promise pure, decadent joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital part in delivering tender crumb, vibrant color, and luscious topping. Gather these items, savor the process, and discover how each component adds a special touch.

• All-purpose flour: Provides a delicate structure and helps the cupcakes hold their iconic shape.
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened): Adds a subtle chocolate note, underpinning that classic red velvet flavor.
• Baking soda: Gives your cupcakes a perfect, gentle rise for a tender, airy crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances all the sweet notes beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, moist texture while keeping everything deliciously tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that light, fluffy finish.
• Large egg: Binds your batter for consistent, bakery-worthy cupcakes.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses both cake and frosting with warm, aromatic depth.
• Buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing crumb, it also offers the signature tanginess you expect in red velvet.
• Red food coloring (liquid or gel): The secret to the stunning, vibrant red color—gel creates a deeper hue, but either works beautifully.
• White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for extra lift and enhances color and flavor.
• Powdered sugar (sifted): Makes your buttercream frosting silky and smooth with zero lumps.
• Milk or cream: Loosens up the frosting for that dreamy, spreadable consistency.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Cuts the sweetness and makes the buttercream sing.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Cupcake Tray

Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with 12 cupcake liners—these will keep your cupcakes from sticking, and they make serving a breeze. Prepping ahead like this helps everything come together smoothly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick mix evenly distributes the leavening and cocoa, so every bite of your Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting is consistent and delicious.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air, leading to cupcakes that are wonderfully tender and soft.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Color

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then drizzle in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. The batter should turn a lively red; adjust with more coloring if you want it extra vibrant!

Step 5: Blend in Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the buttermilk and white vinegar. These ingredients help tenderize the crumb and create that slightly tangy flavor profile that defines classic red velvet.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, a little at a time, mixing just until smooth. Over-mixing can make the cupcakes dense, so stir until just combined.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Pour in milk (or cream), vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat until the frosting is light, airy, and irresistibly fluffy.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe or spread generous swirls of buttercream on top. You can even crumble one cupcake to use as a gorgeous, ruby-red garnish—it looks stunning and adds a delightful textural contrast.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

For a classic finishing touch, sprinkle your Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting with some red cupcake crumbs or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, add a fresh raspberry or a few chocolate shavings on top. These little extras make each cupcake feel like a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

While these cupcakes are the true stars, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit bowls, a hot cup of coffee, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. For parties, a colorful dessert platter with brownies, macarons, or fruit tart slices adds variety and turns dessert into an occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting look stunning displayed on a tiered cake stand, especially at weddings and birthdays. For a personal touch, use different piping nozzles for the buttercream or top each cupcake with a festive topper. Mini cupcakes make adorable party favors when packaged in clear treat bags.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra cupcakes (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to keep the buttercream frosting firm and fresh. Just be sure to let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting freeze surprisingly well! Place unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to two months. The buttercream can be stored separately in an airtight container. Thaw both at room temperature, then frost when ready to serve for bakery-quality results at home.

Reheating

If your cupcakes have been chilled or frozen, let them soften at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the buttercream and alter the cupcake’s texture. Room-temp cupcakes are just right for showcasing those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

What makes red velvet cupcakes different from chocolate cupcakes?

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting use just a whisper of cocoa powder—enough to hint at chocolate, but not overwhelm. The addition of buttermilk and a touch of vinegar gives them their signature tang, setting them apart from standard chocolate cupcakes.

Can I use gel or liquid food coloring?

Both work like a charm! Gel coloring tends to deliver a more intense red, while liquid gives a softer hue. If you want that truly dramatic color, opt for a gel, but the taste and texture will be gorgeous either way.

How do I achieve super fluffy buttercream frosting?

Room temperature butter is your best friend—soft but not melty. Beat the butter thoroughly before adding powdered sugar, and don’t rush the mixing! Add milk or cream a little at a time until you reach the fluffiness of your dreams.

Can I make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes one day in advance and frost them the day of your event for the freshest results. Store any leftovers, fully frosted, in the fridge so they stay moist and delicious.

Why do I need vinegar in red velvet cupcakes?

Vinegar may sound like an odd cameo, but it reacts with baking soda to lift the cupcakes, and helps brighten both the flavor and that beautiful deep red color—truly a secret ingredient for the perfect red velvet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little color and a lot of joy to your dessert table, give Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting a try! They’re as fun to bake as they are to eat, and you’ll love sharing them with friends, family, or even just yourself. Go ahead—indulge in these classic treats and let their vibrant charm win you over.

Print