Description
Treat yourself to the ultimate dessert indulgence with this Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake recipe—a dreamy fusion of two iconic treats in one. These cupcakes are soft and fluffy with that signature hint of cocoa, filled with a creamy cheesecake center, and finished with a generous swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re looking for quick dessert ideas, easy recipes for a party, or a new baking project for the weekend, this cupcake checks every box. It’s visually stunning, irresistibly rich, and surprisingly easy to make. One bite and you’ll understand why this is a go-to for anyone who loves both cheesecake and cupcakes.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cupcake Batter:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp red food coloring
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp white vinegar
Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, stir together egg, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Form the batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Assemble cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin. Add 1 tbsp red velvet batter, 1 tsp cheesecake filling, then top with another tbsp of red velvet batter.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Frost and garnish: Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with red velvet crumbs if desired.
- Optional chilling: Chill cupcakes for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor and texture.