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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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