Fluffy Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe: A Divine Treat

Sweet aromas of red velvet cream cheese muffins waft through kitchens, promising decadent moments of pure bliss.

These tender, rich muffins blend deep crimson cake with smooth, tangy cream cheese in every delectable bite.

Chocolate undertones dance alongside velvety textures that melt seamlessly on your tongue.

Soft and moist, these treats bring elegance to morning breakfasts or afternoon coffee breaks.

Each muffin emerges from the oven with a beautiful rustic charm that beckons eager taste buds.

The subtle hint of cocoa and luxurious cream cheese filling create an irresistible combination that elevates simple baking into an art form.

Prepare to indulge in a recipe that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients Breakdown for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

• Cream Cheese: Silky base for luscious filling, select full-fat block style for richest texture and smoothest blend.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances cream cheese's tanginess, use fine granulated for seamless incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth, choose pure extract for authentic flavor complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure for tender muffins, look for unbleached variety for best baking performance.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate undertone unique to red velvet, Dutch-processed offers deeper color and smoother taste.
• Baking Powder: Creates gentle lift and airiness, ensure freshness for optimal rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness, use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, tender crumb and prevents dryness, select neutral-flavored oil for clean taste.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Buttermilk: Contributes tangy flavor and tender texture, can substitute with milk and vinegar if needed.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides signature vibrant red hue, gel coloring offers more concentrated color.
• White Vinegar: Activates baking soda for better rise and tender texture, use distilled white vinegar.

Must-Have Tools for Red Velvet Muffin Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for preparing the cream cheese filling.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Crucial for beating cream cheese mixture until silky smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Muffin tin: Standard 12-cup pan needed for baking muffins.
• Muffin liners: Optional, but helpful for easy removal and clean serving.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping bowl sides and folding ingredients gently.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.

Baking Red Velvet Muffins from Start to Finish

• Whip Cream Cheese Filling

Blend softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Let the mixture rest while preparing other components.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to create an even blend.

• Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla in a separate container. Ensure all elements are thoroughly integrated.

• Create Muffin Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry mixture. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

• Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon half the batter into lined muffin tins. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin, then cover with remaining batter.

• Bake to Perfection

Place muffin tray in preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

• Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely before enjoying your delightful red velvet treats.

Muffin Tips for Red Velvet Lovers

• Cream Cheese Swirl Magic: Add a generous dollop of cream cheese mixture right in the center of each muffin batter for a delightful surprise when you bite into it.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Boost Option: Fold in extra chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks into the batter for an intensified chocolate experience.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the cream cheese filling and muffin batter separately the night before, then assemble and bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast treat.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crushed pecans, additional chocolate chips, or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before baking for extra texture and visual appeal.

Red Velvet Muffins: Best Ways to Serve

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve these red velvet muffins alongside a cold glass of milk for a classic sweet pairing that balances the rich cream cheese filling.
• Brunch Brilliance: Elevate your weekend brunch spread by arranging these muffins on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Coffee Shop Charm: Create a coffeehouse experience by serving these muffins warm with a freshly brewed cappuccino or espresso, letting the cream cheese filling melt slightly for extra indulgence.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual muffins in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that will impress friends and family with your baking skills.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Muffins

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream cheese filling up to 2 days before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. This smart prep strategy saves time on busy mornings and lets flavors develop more deeply.
• Freezer-Friendly Delight: These muffins freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to maintain their soft texture and delicious taste when thawed.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store finished muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their fresh-baked warmth and softness.
• Quick Serving Tip: Let muffins sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and achieve the perfect tender crumb. This simple step allows the cream cheese filling to soften and become extra creamy.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Red velvet cream cheese muffins combine classic Southern charm with irresistible bakery appeal. Homemade pastries offer rich cocoa notes and tangy cream cheese filling that elevate morning breakfast or afternoon tea treats.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip cream cheese mixture into a silky, uniform consistency, integrating sugar and vanilla extract to create a luxurious, smooth filling without any lumps.
2. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together, eliminating potential clumps and creating a homogeneous dry mixture.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Thoroughly blend vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and white vinegar until the liquid achieves a vibrant, consistent crimson color.
4. Batter Assembly: Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring minimally to preserve a tender muffin texture, mixing just until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5. Muffin Tin Filling and Cream Cheese Insertion: Line muffin tin with paper liners, fill cavities two-thirds full with batter, create a gentle center indentation, and carefully pipe cream cheese filling into these wells.
6. Batter Topping: Cover cream cheese centers with remaining red velvet batter, ensuring partial concealment while maintaining filling visibility.
7. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven, baking until muffins rise beautifully, edges crisp slightly, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Serving: Rest muffins in the tin briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, allowing flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir wet and dry ingredients minimally to maintain a tender, soft muffin texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Achieve Vibrant Color: Use gel-based red food coloring for more intense color and avoid watery consistency that might impact batter structure.
• Ensure Smooth Cream Cheese: Beat cream cheese filling at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky, uniform mixture without cracks.
• Proper Filling Technique: Create a small well in batter center before adding cream cheese filling, ensuring even distribution and preventing overflow during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 48mg