Heavenly Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe for Sweet Treats

Whipping up a batch of decadent red velvet cream cheese muffins always feels like magic in my kitchen.

These crimson-swirled delights carry a subtle hint of cocoa that makes them irresistibly rich.

Soft, velvety textures promise pure comfort with every single bite.

Cream cheese adds a luxurious tang that perfectly complements the sweet muffin base.

Baking these treats fills my home with an incredible aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen.

My friends can never resist grabbing one—or three—when they’re fresh from the oven.

I promise these muffins will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

Baking Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins The Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the mixture becomes silky smooth and creamy. Let the filling rest while you continue preparing the muffins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution and eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Red food coloring
• White vinegar

Stir until the ingredients are completely integrated and the color is a vibrant, rich red.

Step 4: Create Muffin Batter

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Liners

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon a small amount of batter into each liner, filling them about one-third full.

Step 6: Add Cream Cheese Filling

Dollop a small portion of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each partially filled liner. Cover the cream cheese with remaining muffin batter, filling each liner about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful swirl of red velvet and creamy cheese in every bite!

Tips To Nail Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Master the Swirl Technique: Use a small spoon or toothpick to create beautiful, marbled swirls of cream cheese mixture throughout the muffin batter for an attractive presentation.
• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients together until just combined to keep muffins tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Control Cream Cheese Placement: Dollop cream cheese mixture in the middle of each muffin batter and slightly push down to prevent burning or sinking during baking.
• Cooling Is Crucial: Allow muffins to cool completely in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to maintain their delicate structure and prevent crumbling.

Keep Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Fresh

• Refrigerate these delightful red velvet cream cheese muffins in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep them fresh by storing at a consistent temperature between 32-40°F.
• Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap or place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• For longer preservation, freeze the muffins for up to 3 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or sealed freezer bag.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring they maintain their soft, moist texture and delicious cream cheese filling.

What Goes Well With Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

• Complement Sweet Cream Cheese Filling: Pair these rich red velvet muffins with a bold, dark roast coffee that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the cocoa undertones.
• Balance Flavor Profile: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk to neutralize the muffin's richness and provide a smooth, refreshing contrast to the dense texture.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture combination that highlights the muffin's velvety cream cheese center.
• Enhance Taste Harmony: Choose a light, crisp rosé wine that offers a subtle fruity note to complement the muffin's sweetness without overpowering its delicate flavor.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins With A Twist

• Classic Cream Cheese Swirl: Marble the cream cheese mixture through the red velvet batter using a knife, creating beautiful swirls that add extra richness and tangy flavor to each bite.
• Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Upgrade: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling before swirling, introducing delightful chocolate bursts throughout the muffins.
• Nutty Red Velvet Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese layer before baking, adding a crunchy texture and nutty dimension to the classic recipe.
• Berry Cream Cheese Fusion: Mix fresh raspberries or blueberries into the cream cheese filling, creating a fruity complement to the red velvet base that brings bright, fresh notes to the muffins.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins FAQs In One Place

• What makes red velvet muffins different from regular chocolate muffins?

Red velvet muffins have a distinctive deep red color and a subtle cocoa flavor, achieved by adding a small amount of cocoa powder and red food coloring, which gives them a unique taste and appearance compared to traditional chocolate muffins.

• Is cream cheese filling important for these muffins?

The cream cheese filling is crucial as it adds a rich, tangy element that complements the sweet and slightly chocolatey red velvet base, creating a decadent and creamy texture in every bite.

• Can I make these muffins without food coloring?

While food coloring gives red velvet its signature color, you can skip it and still enjoy the delicious cocoa and cream cheese flavors. The muffins will just have a darker, more traditional chocolate appearance.

• Are red velvet muffins challenging to make for beginners?

Not at all! These muffins are relatively simple to prepare. The key is to mix ingredients carefully and not overmix the batter, which ensures a tender and moist final result.

Why Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Are So Loved

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: These red velvet cream cheese muffins deliver bakery-quality treats with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Magic: The combination of rich red velvet and tangy cream cheese filling creates a show-stopping treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches.
• Quick Breakfast or Anytime Indulgence: Prep time is super short, allowing you to enjoy these delectable muffins within 30 minutes – whether you're craving a morning sweet treat or need a speedy dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours baking.
• Versatile Celebration Companion: These muffins work wonderfully for multiple occasions, from casual weekend mornings to special events like birthdays, Valentine's Day, or holiday celebrations where you want something visually stunning and deliciously memorable.

What You Need For Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

• Cream Cheese: Soft and tangy base that creates a rich, creamy center for the muffins.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful red velvet cream cheese muffins blend rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese into a luxurious breakfast or dessert experience. Sweet crimson batter and silky filling promise pure indulgence that will satisfy your deepest pastry cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Whisk the cream cheese mixture until silky and uniform, blending softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract, creating a luxurious filling that will be nestled within the muffins.
2. Sift together dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a hint of salt to ensure a velvety, lump-free base for the muffin batter.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously combine vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, and eggs, whisking until the liquid mixture achieves a consistent crimson hue and smooth texture.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal agitation to prevent overworking the batter, which could result in dense, tough muffins.
5. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, then carefully distribute half the red velvet batter into each compartment.
6. Using a small spoon, delicately dollop the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each partially filled muffin cup, ensuring even placement.
7. Cover the cream cheese center with remaining red velvet batter, completely encasing the filling and creating a surprise center.
8. Slide the muffin tin into a preheated oven, baking until the tops rise and a toothpick inserted near the edge emerges clean with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow muffins to cool in the tin for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and set their delicate structure.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing, which guarantees a silky filling.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for richer, more decadent muffin centers that hold their shape beautifully.
• For a lighter version, swap regular cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese, maintaining the creamy texture while cutting calories.
• Create swirl variations by gently folding the cream cheese mixture into the batter instead of using it as a filling, giving muffins a marbled appearance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg