Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

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Introduction

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are a decadent fusion of rich red velvet cake and luscious cream cheese filling, offering a perfect combination of sweetness and tang. With their soft, moist crumb and a swirl of creamy, tangy cream cheese, these muffins are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. The deep red color and the indulgent flavor make them a standout treat, whether served at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack.

The first time I made these muffins, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to create such a luxurious flavor in a muffin. Mixing the vibrant red velvet batter and swirling in the cream cheese filling felt like creating little works of art. The aroma of freshly baked muffins—rich, warm, and slightly chocolaty—wafting through the kitchen made them even more irresistible. When I took my first bite, I was hooked; they had the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and just a hint of cocoa.

What I love most about Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins is how versatile they are. They’re a stunning addition to a brunch spread, a thoughtful gift for friends and family, or a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. You can even get creative by adding a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. No matter how you serve them, these muffins are guaranteed to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Perfect for:

  • Brunch gatherings
  • Sweet snacks
  • Holiday mornings
  • Special occasions
  • Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins will become your new favorite treat:

  • Rich, Velvety Flavor: The signature red velvet flavor, with hints of cocoa and vanilla, brings a delightful twist to your typical muffin.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: The creamy, tangy cream cheese filling creates a delicious contrast to the rich muffin batter, giving you a perfect bite every time.
  • Moist and Tender: These muffins stay moist and tender, thanks to the addition of buttermilk and a swirl of cream cheese.
  • Visually Stunning: The deep red color makes these muffins a showstopper, perfect for special occasions or gatherings.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or family, and watch them disappear!

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 12 muffins
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins:

For the Muffins:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Red Food Coloring: The food coloring gives the muffins their iconic red velvet color, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
  • Buttermilk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring the muffins are tender and soft.
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy filling inside the muffin provides a luscious contrast to the rich red velvet batter.
  • Cocoa Powder: A small amount of cocoa powder gives the muffins that subtle chocolate flavor characteristic of red velvet.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins soft and moist, preventing them from drying out during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
  3. Chill the Filling: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to the fridge to chill while you prepare the muffin batter.

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and red food coloring until smooth.
  4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Assemble the Muffins:

  1. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin cup.
  2. Add the Cream Cheese Filling: Add a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin, then top with a small dollop of muffin batter, just enough to cover the cream cheese.
  3. Swirl the Cream Cheese: Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese filling into the muffin batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake the Muffins:

  1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean (except for the cream cheese swirl).
  2. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

  • For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these muffins with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious morning treat.
  • As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet pick-me-up.
  • With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a little whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.
  • For Special Occasions: Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or any event that calls for a sweet treat.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your muffins light and tender, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
  • Use Gel Food Coloring: If possible, use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color.
  • Check for Doneness: Because the cream cheese filling can sometimes prevent the muffins from fully baking, check with a toothpick to ensure they are done before removing them from the oven.
  • Let the Cream Cheese Cool: Be sure to chill the cream cheese filling before using it, as it helps prevent it from melting too much into the batter.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Muffins: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a burst of chocolatey goodness.
  2. Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping on the muffins before baking for added texture and flavor.
  3. Mini Red Velvet Muffins: Make bite-sized versions by using a mini muffin tin and reducing the baking time by a few minutes.
  4. Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins: Swap the red velvet batter for a lemon muffin batter and use the same cream cheese filling for a zesty twist.
  5. Red Velvet Cupcakes: Turn these into cupcakes by frosting them with cream cheese frosting and adding red velvet cake decorations.
  6. Nutty Red Velvet Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
  7. Maple Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract in the cream cheese filling for a warm, maple-flavored muffin.
  8. Red Velvet Cheesecake Muffins: Use a cheesecake filling in place of the cream cheese swirl for a rich, decadent dessert muffin.
  9. Spiced Red Velvet Muffins: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a hint of warmth.
  10. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Muffins: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or oven.
  • Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Electric Mixer
  • Toothpick or Skewer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cooling Rack

FAQ

  1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel? Yes, but gel food coloring tends to provide a more vibrant color.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can make them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
  3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly.
  4. Can I add frosting to these muffins? Yes, you can top them with cream cheese frosting for an even richer treat.
  5. Can I make these without buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are a fun and indulgent way to enjoy the classic flavor of red velvet cake in a convenient, handheld form. With their vibrant red color, tender crumb, and creamy swirl of tangy cream cheese, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delightful snack or a show-stopping treat for a special gathering, these muffins are sure to impress.

The rich flavor of the red velvet pairs beautifully with the creamy cream cheese filling, creating a deliciously decadent bite every time. Easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings, these muffins are destined to become a new favorite.

I can’t wait to see your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your take on these delicious treats. Don’t forget to share your tips or twists in the comments. Happy baking!

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