Red Velvet Muffins

Red Velvet Muffins are the perfect blend of rich cocoa flavor, subtle tang from buttermilk, and a soft, moist crumb. With their vibrant red hue, they are a showstopper for holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

I first learned to make these muffins from my grandmother, who loved baking red velvet cakes during the winter holidays. Over time, I tweaked the recipe into these delightful muffins easier to portion, fun to decorate, and just as delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to buttermilk and oil.
Rich Chocolatey Flavor: A perfect balance of cocoa and sweetness.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, dessert, or gifting!

Ingredients (Yields 12 Muffins)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)

Optional Toppings:

• Cream cheese frosting
• White chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
Oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.

Step 4: Combine & Mix

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill & Bake

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the muffin liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm or topped with cream cheese frosting!

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Muffins

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Bringing eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature helps them mix evenly, creating a smoother batter and a better texture.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

3. Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder

Since red velvet has only a hint of cocoa, using high-quality cocoa powder enhances the flavor without overpowering the signature taste.

4. Measure Ingredients Accurately

Too much flour can make muffins dry, while too little can make them dense. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour correctly.

5. Choose the Right Food Coloring

Gel food coloring gives a vibrant red color without altering the batter’s consistency. Liquid food coloring may require more and can thin out the batter.

6. Bake at the Right Temperature

A 350°F (175°C) oven ensures even baking. Too high, and the muffins may dry out; too low, and they won’t rise properly.

7. Don’t Overbake

Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking leads to dry muffins.

8. Cool Properly

Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This prevents soggy bottoms and helps retain moisture.

By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly soft, moist, and flavorful red velvet muffins every time!

What Does a Red Velvet Muffins Taste Like?

Red velvet muffins have a unique flavor that’s a perfect balance of mild cocoa, slight tanginess from buttermilk and vinegar, and subtle sweetness. Unlike regular chocolate muffins, they have a delicate taste that’s not too rich but still indulgent.

Soft, Moist, and Fluffy Texture

These muffins are soft, airy, and moist, thanks to buttermilk and vinegar, which react with baking soda to create a light crumb. They’re not as dense as chocolate muffins but have a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

How Do They Compare to Other Muffins?

What Makes Red Velvet Muffins Special?

• Balanced flavors: a hint of cocoa with a touch of tang.
• Soft, moist texture: fluffy but rich.
• Eye-catching red color: perfect for special occasions.

Red velvet muffins are a delightful treat that’s both elegant and delicious!

Red Velvet Muffin Variations

1. Cream Cheese-Filled Red Velvet Muffins

For a creamy surprise, add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the center of each muffin before baking. This creates a rich, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the soft red velvet base.

2. Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

Make these muffins diet-friendly by using almond milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk and swapping regular flour for gluten-free flour. Use plant-based butter or oil for extra moisture.

3. Adding Chocolate Chips or Nuts

Enhance the texture and flavor by folding in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness or chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.

These variations add a fun twist to classic red velvet muffins, making them even more delicious!

Red Velvet Muffins

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• Author: Chaynez
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These soft, fluffy red velvet muffins have a hint of cocoa and a slight tanginess, making them the perfect treat for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• ¾ cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1 tbsp red food coloring

Optional Toppings:

• Cream cheese frosting

• White chocolate chips

• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.

• Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

• Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.

• Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.

• Fill muffin liners about ¾ full.

• Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

• Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

• Serve plain or with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

💡 Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter.
💡 Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the muffins dense.
💡 Use Gel Food Coloring – It provides a more vibrant red color.
💡 Test with a Toothpick – Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re done!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessets
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal

Keywords: Red Velvet Muffins

FAQs About Red Velvet Muffins

Final Thoughts: Red velvet muffins

Red velvet muffins are a delicious, soft, and fluffy treat with a perfect balance of mild chocolate flavor and slight tanginess. Their vibrant red color makes them visually appealing, and they can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are a great homemade treat. Plus, you can customize them with cream cheese filling, chocolate chips, or even a vegan and gluten-free twist.

Try baking your own red velvet muffins and experiment with different variations to find your favorite!

For more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration, check out Chaynez Recipes, where you’ll find all of our latest recipes and updates in one place. From savory soups to delectable desserts, there’s something for every palate.