11 Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipes

Red velvet cupcakes are like having a fancy dessert in cute single-serving size. They’re perfect for parties since everyone gets their own little cake. The classic red color comes from food coloring and the flavor is mild chocolate with a hint of tang from buttermilk. These 13 recipes give you options from traditional versions to modern twists. Most red velvet cupcakes freeze well too, so you can make them ahead for special occasions.

Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These are the original red velvet cupcakes that started it all. The cake has a subtle chocolate flavor with buttermilk that gives a slight tang. The cream cheese frosting is tangy and sweet which balances the cake perfectly. The trick is getting the right amount of red food coloring – you want them red but not neon. These are what people expect when they hear “red velvet” and they never disappoint. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want something special.

Southern Red Velvet Cupcakes

The Southern version often uses a bit more cocoa powder and sometimes includes coffee which deepens the chocolate flavor without making it too strong. Some recipes use white vinegar along with the buttermilk for extra tang. These tend to be more moist and have a slightly denser texture than other versions. They’re usually topped with classic cream cheese frosting but some recipes use ermine frosting which is traditional in the South. These taste like they came from a proper Southern bakery.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes

These combine two favorite desserts – red velvet cake and cheesecake. Some recipes layer the red velvet batter with a cheesecake filling, others swirl them together. The cheesecake part is usually made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar that bakes into a creamy layer. These are richer than regular red velvet cupcakes but so good. They often get a cream cheese frosting on top for triple cream cheese flavor. Great for special occasions when you want something really indulgent.

Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes

The mini size makes these perfect for parties since people can try multiple desserts or kids can have a treat that’s just the right size. They bake faster than regular cupcakes so you gotta watch them carefully. The frosting to cake ratio is different with minis – you get more frosting per bite which isn’t a bad thing! These are fun to decorate and arrange on a platter. Great for baby showers, bridal showers, or any time you want bite-sized treats.

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Adding chocolate chips to red velvet batter gives little pockets of extra chocolate flavor and different texture. The chips usually stay pretty intact during baking unless you use mini chips which distribute more evenly. Some recipes use white chocolate chips which look pretty against the red cake. These are a good option for chocolate lovers who want more chocolate than regular red velvet provides. The kids especially love finding the chocolate chips in each bite.

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

These use plant-based substitutes like applesauce or oil instead of eggs and non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk. The texture is surprisingly close to regular red velvet cupcakes if the recipe is done right. Apple cider vinegar often replaces the tang from buttermilk. The frosting is usually made with vegan cream cheese or butter. These are great for people with dietary restrictions who don’t want to miss out on red velvet goodness. They taste just as good as the regular version.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with White Chocolate Frosting

Instead of the traditional cream cheese frosting, these use white chocolate buttercream which is sweeter and less tangy. The white chocolate frosting looks beautiful against the red cake and gives a different flavor profile. Some recipes include actual melted white chocolate in the frosting while others just use white chocolate flavoring. These are good for people who find cream cheese frosting too tangy. The white chocolate makes them feel more dessert-like and less breakfast-y.

Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes

These use gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour but keep all the other classic flavors. The key is finding a good flour blend that doesn’t make them gummy or gritty. Some recipes use almond flour or a combination of different gluten-free flours. When done right, these taste just like regular red velvet cupcakes. They’re great for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who don’t want to miss out on this classic dessert.

Red Velvet Oreo Cupcakes

These have crushed Oreo cookies mixed into the batter or as a layer in the middle. Some recipes put a whole Oreo in the bottom of each cupcake liner before adding batter. The cookies add crunch and extra chocolate flavor that works well with red velvet. The frosting often has crushed Oreos mixed in too. These are definitely over-the-top but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Perfect for kids’ parties or when you want something really fun and indulgent.

Keto Red Velvet Cupcakes

These use low-carb flour alternatives like almond flour and sugar substitutes like erythritol instead of regular sugar. The texture is different from regular cupcakes but still good if you’re following a keto diet. The frosting is usually made with cream cheese and a sugar substitute. These let people on low-carb diets enjoy red velvet flavor without breaking their diet. The flavor isn’t quite the same as regular red velvet but close enough to satisfy cravings.

Red Velvet Funfetti Cupcakes

These combine red velvet batter with colorful sprinkles mixed in like funfetti cake. The sprinkles add color and fun factor that makes these perfect for kids’ parties. Some recipes use white sprinkles to contrast with the red cake while others go crazy with rainbow sprinkles. The frosting often has sprinkles too for extra festive appeal. These are definitely more party cake than elegant dessert but sometimes fun is exactly what you need. Great for birthdays or any celebration.