Name: Homemade Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 package Red Velvet Cake Mix (such as Duncan Hines®); 1.25 cups water; 0.33 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Delight in these intensely moist Red Velvet cupcakes, each harboring a hidden heart of creamy, tangy cream cheese. A minimalist's dream, these beauties require no frosting, letting the cake's vibrant flavor and the filling's luxurious texture shine through. Simple to create and subtly sweet, they're the perfect treat for any occasion.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

5 mins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 24 regular-size muffin cups with paper liners. (5 minutes)

02

Step

5 mins

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Set aside. (5 minutes)

03

Step

5 mins

Prepare the Cake Batter: Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package directions, using the water, vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. (5 minutes)

04

Step

10 mins

Assemble and Bake: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the red velvet batter. Drop about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup. (10 minutes)

05

Step

25 mins

Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. (25 minutes)

06

Step

30 mins

Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (5 minutes)

07

Step

Chill: Store the cooled cupcakes covered in the refrigerator to maintain their moistness and the filling's consistency. (10 minutes)

08

Step

Garnish: Before serving, dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, if desired. (2 minutes)

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the cream cheese filling to enhance the sweetness.
Ensure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
If you prefer a more pronounced red velvet flavor, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the cake batter.
These cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, as the cream cheese filling firms up nicely.
To prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners, lightly spray the inside of the paper liners with cooking spray before filling.