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Red Velvet Crush Cupcakes – Moist red velvet cupcakes topped with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of red crumbs.

Red Velvet Crush Cupcakes

Moist red velvet cupcakes with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a surprise molten chocolate ganache center—perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Cupcakes, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Piping bag and tip
  • Wire Rack
  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

Ganache Center

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Red Velvet Cupcakes

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder natural unsweetened
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring gel preferred
  • 1 tsp white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese full fat, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • To make the ganache, heat cream just to a simmer and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour until scoopable.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  • Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  • Stir food coloring and vinegar into buttermilk. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to wet ingredients.
  • Fill each liner halfway. Scoop 1 tsp of ganache and place in center of batter. Cover with more batter to fill 2/3 full.
  • Bake for 18–20 minutes, testing near edge for doneness. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
  • For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy. Chill if needed before piping.
  • Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles, cake crumbs, or chocolate curls if desired.

Notes

Use gel coloring for brighter red. Chill ganache and frosting components for easier assembly. Great for birthdays, holidays, or romantic occasions.
Keyword chocolate center, cream cheese frosting, cupcakes, red velvet