Indulge in Our Dreamy Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe: Ina Garten’s Style

Soft, decadent red velvet cupcakes sparkle with a luxurious Ina Garten red velvet cupcakes recipe that promises pure dessert magic.

These crimson-hued delights blend rich cocoa with velvety cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat.

Each cupcake emerges from the oven with a tender crumb and deep burgundy color that beckons sweet lovers.

The delicate balance of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that elevates any gathering.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that complements the subtle chocolate undertones.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these elegant cupcakes with simple techniques and carefully selected ingredients.

Get ready to impress everyone with a bakery-worthy dessert that tastes like pure indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 24

What Goes Into Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake's structure, ensuring a tender and soft crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth and rich color to the classic red velvet flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cupcakes.

• Buttermilk: Provides moisture, tenderness, and a slight tanginess that complements the red velvet profile.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the iconic vibrant red hue that defines red velvet desserts.
• White Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help cupcakes rise and achieve a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertones that elevate the overall flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness, creates a smooth texture, and helps incorporate air during creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, tender crumb when creamed with butter.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add structure, and contribute to the cupcakes' moisture.

Must-Have Tools for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, beating eggs, and mixing batter smoothly.
• Paddle Attachment: Specifically designed for the stand mixer to ensure even mixing.
• Measuring Jug: Perfect for combining wet ingredients accurately.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for sifting and mixing dry ingredients.
• Muffin Tin: Necessary for baking and shaping cupcakes.
• Paper Liners: Prevents sticking and makes cupcakes easy to remove.
• Ice Cream Scoop (5.5cm/2¼-inch): Helps distribute batter evenly into muffin cups.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down sides and fully incorporating ingredients.
• Toothpick: Checks cupcake doneness by testing the center.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and well-mixed.

How to Bake Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes Step by Step

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty temperature and line your muffin pan with cute paper liners, getting ready for some baking magic.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a bowl and gently sift together all your powdery ingredients, creating a silky smooth mixture that will give your cupcakes incredible texture.

• Liquid Mixture

In a separate container, whisk together the liquid components that will bring moisture and vibrant color to your delightful treats.

• Butter and Sugar Magic

Using a mixer, transform butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud-like mixture that will serve as the foundation of your delectable cupcakes.

• Egg Integration

Gently fold eggs into the butter mixture, creating a rich and creamy base that promises irresistible flavor.

• Batter Creation

Carefully combine dry and wet ingredients, stirring until just mixed to ensure a tender and light cupcake texture.

• Cupcake Filling

Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin liners, filling each one with love and anticipation of the delicious result.

• Baking Moment

Pop the cupcakes into the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, filling your kitchen with an incredible aroma.

• Cooling and Finishing

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adorning them with a luscious frosting that will make them absolutely irresistible.

Pro Tips & Flavor Twists for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Pro Tips & Twists
• Measure ingredients exactly using digital kitchen scales for consistent, bakery-quality cupcakes every single time.
• Adjust red food coloring quantity to create deeper or lighter red shades without compromising taste or texture.
• Substitute buttermilk with a quick homemade version by mixing regular milk with white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Remove butter and eggs from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure smoother mixing and better ingredient integration.
• Experiment by adding small amounts of espresso powder or dark chocolate to intensify the rich, complex flavor profile of your red velvet cupcakes.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes That Impress

• Serve Up Sweet Delights: Cupcake Presentation Ideas
• Dress with Cream Cheese Swirls: Top each cupcake with elegant cream cheese frosting peaks using a piping bag, creating beautiful decorative swirls that enhance the red velvet's rich color.
• Garnish with Chocolate Accents: Sprinkle mini chocolate shavings or chocolate curls delicately across the frosted cupcakes, adding a luxurious and sophisticated touch to your dessert.
• Create Party-Perfect Displays: Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand or decorative platter, alternating heights and angles to make a stunning centerpiece that will impress guests at birthdays, weddings, or special celebrations.
• Personalize with Edible Decorations: Add festive sugar pearls, edible glitter, or small chocolate hearts on top of the frosting to customize the cupcakes for different occasions and make them extra special.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Refrigerate with Care: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding frosting.
• Room Temperature Tip: Serve cupcakes at room temperature for the best taste and texture. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavors.
• Frosting Fresh Trick: Apply frosting just before serving to keep the cupcake tops crisp and prevent sogginess. This ensures maximum flavor and picture-perfect presentation every time.

Heavenly Ina Garten Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Red velvet cupcakes by Ina Garten deliver classic Southern charm with rich cocoa flavor and cream cheese frosting. Bakers can create these elegant desserts that delight with their deep crimson color and luxurious texture.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups (300 grams) sugar
• 0.25 cups (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, shaken
• 0.25 lbs (113 grams or 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp liquid red food coloring
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• red velvet frosting

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F and line muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a mixing bowl, ensuring smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Liquid Mixture: Combine buttermilk, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract in a separate container, creating a vibrant liquid base.
4. Creaming Process: Utilize stand mixer to whip butter and sugar until light and fluffy, achieving a pale, aerated texture.
5. Egg Integration: Gradually add eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky, uniform batter.
6. Batter Assembly: Alternately fold dry and wet ingredients into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Gently mix using a rubber spatula to preserve air bubbles.
7. Baking: Portion batter into muffin cups using an ice cream scoop, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full.
8. Oven Technique: Bake for 25-30 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should emerge clean and crumb-free.
9. Finishing Touch: Cool cupcakes completely in the tin before generously frosting with Red Velvet Frosting, creating an irresistible dessert.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent cupcake texture and taste; baking is a science that requires accuracy.
• Color Control: Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red hue without altering the batter’s consistency.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can result in dense, tough cupcakes instead of light, tender ones.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg