Introduction
There’s something undeniably special about the combination of red velvet and cream cheese that makes these muffins a real showstopper! Each bite offers a vibrant burst of flavor, a moist and tender crumb, and a luscious cream cheese center that just begs to be devoured. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just a sweet snack, these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg (for cream cheese filling)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to keep everything neat and tidy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder, ensuring that all the dry ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract together until everything is fully blended and beautiful.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth. Then, add in the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
- Now it’s time to assemble! Spoon a small dollop of the red velvet batter into the bottom of each muffin liner. Follow it with a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling, and top it off with more red velvet batter.
- Using a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the red velvet batter for that gorgeous marbled effect.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of indulgence, feel free to top the muffins with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or even a light drizzle of chocolate ganache once they’ve cooled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Swirling the cream cheese filling into the muffin batter is a fun way to create a visual treat. Just be gentle to maintain the lovely red and white marbling. Using room-temperature cream cheese will help achieve a smoother mixture for the filling and prevent any lumps.
FAQ
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and keep it refrigerated. Just bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat!
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are not just a feast for the eyes but a true delight for the taste buds. With their soft, rich texture and the perfect balance of flavors, they make for an irresistible treat any time of the day. So, get your mixing bowls ready and experience the joy of baking these charming muffins that are sure to become a family favorite!