Heavenly Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent red velvet cheesecake cupcakes have become my absolute weakness during lazy weekend afternoons.

Sweet cream cheese nestles perfectly within rich cocoa-infused cake layers.

Soft crimson swirls promise indulgent textures that melt deliciously on your tongue.

Delicate yet bold, these miniature desserts combine classic Southern charm with modern bakery elegance.

Passionate bakers understand how unexpected flavor combinations can create extraordinary culinary experiences.

Creamy centers and velvety crumbs guarantee pure satisfaction with every single bite.

You’ll want to share these irresistible treats with everyone you know.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm up completely. Place cupcake liners in a standard 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring each cup is evenly lined.

Step 2: Create Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Egg

Beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off.

Step 3: Mix Red Velvet Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• White vinegar
• Egg
• Red food coloring

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon red velvet batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full. Pipe a dollop of cheesecake mixture into the center of each cupcake.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least one hour to set the cheesecake filling.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Optional: Top with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.

Tips for Baking with Bold Color and Flavor

• Boost Color Vibrancy: Add extra red food coloring for a deeper, more intense red velvet hue without altering the cake's texture.
• Prevent Cracking Cheesecake: Gently tap the filled cupcake pan on the counter to release air bubbles and ensure a smooth cheesecake layer.
• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free filling.
• Customize Toppings: Sprinkle crushed cream cheese frosting, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries on top for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Store Smartly: Keep cupcakes refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.

Proper Storage and Reheating Info

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the fridge to maintain their texture and prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying for the best flavor and soft texture.

Best Drinks and Treats to Pair With

• A silky vanilla latte balances the rich, tangy cheesecake layers with its creamy sweetness, cutting through the dessert's intensity while enhancing the red velvet's chocolate undertones.
• Crisp, bubbly champagne mixed with a splash of raspberry liqueur provides a bright, tart contrast to the cupcakes' dense texture, creating a luxurious dessert experience that elevates the flavor profile.
• A robust, slightly sweet port wine with deep chocolate notes perfectly complements the red velvet's cocoa hints, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing that brings out the cupcakes' complex flavors.
• A light, aromatic mint tea cleanses the palate between bites, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheesecake and helping to balance the dessert's decadent nature.

Flavor Swaps and Additions to Consider

• Gluten-Free Wonder: Swap all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version of these decadent cupcakes.
• Vegan Velvet Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a plant-based treat.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the rich red velvet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Utilize coconut cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives to transform this recipe into a lactose-free dessert that everyone can enjoy.

Your Red Velvet Cupcake Questions, Answered

• What gives red velvet its distinctive color?

The vibrant red color comes from food coloring, traditionally a small amount of red food gel or liquid that provides the signature bright red hue to the cake batter.

• Is red food coloring necessary for this recipe?

While food coloring creates the classic red look, you can skip it if you prefer- the cupcakes will still taste delicious and have a more natural light brown appearance.

• Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that has xanthan gum, which helps maintain the cupcake’s texture and structure.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake filling from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and let the cupcakes cool gradually to prevent cracks in the cheesecake topping.

Why Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes Steal the Show

• Create elegant, bakery-style desserts that look professionally made, impressing guests without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Ideal for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or casual weekend gatherings, these cupcakes bring a touch of sophistication to any event.
• Modify decorations with different frosting swirls, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzles to match themes or personal preferences, making each batch unique.

What You’ll Need for These Mini Cheesecakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential base that gives structure to the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds the signature red velvet chocolate flavor and deep color.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the cupcake batter.
• Buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and helps create a tender, light texture.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the classic vibrant red color of red velvet.

• Cream Cheese: The key ingredient for a rich, creamy cheesecake-like filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and helps create smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• White Vinegar: Activates the baking soda and adds subtle tanginess.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cheesecake cupcakes blend rich cocoa and creamy cheesecake in a sinful dessert sensation. Chocolate lovers will savor each luxurious bite of these elegant, mouthwatering mini treats that promise pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (7 grams) cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin, ensuring even spacing and creating a sturdy base for the delicate red velvet cheesecake cupcakes.
2. Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), allowing sufficient time for thorough and consistent warming.
3. Combine the vibrant red velvet cake batter, mixing dry and wet ingredients until smooth and achieving a rich, velvety crimson color.
4. Prepare the cream cheese filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until perfectly creamy and free of lumps.
5. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the red velvet batter, creating a stable foundation for the cheesecake layer.
6. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each partially filled cupcake, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Add a final layer of red velvet batter on top of the cream cheese, completely covering the filling and creating a beautiful marbled effect.
8. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven, positioning it in the center for uniform heat circulation.
9. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, watching for a slight bounce back when gently pressed and ensuring the cheesecake center is set.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, optionally decorate with cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Ensure room temperature ingredients blend smoothly and create a more uniform batter texture.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper, richer red velvet flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
• When filling cupcake liners, alternate layers of red velvet batter and cheesecake mixture to create a beautiful marbled effect.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg