Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are the ultimate sweet treat that combines the rich, velvety red cake flavor with a creamy, dreamy cheese filling. They’re soft, moist, and perfectly portioned for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, giving you that cozy, indulgent feeling without the guilt of eating an entire cake.
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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
- Total Time: 35 mins
Description
Soft, moist Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins with a creamy center, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Muffin Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients. Fold wet into dry until smooth.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill muffin cups halfway with red velvet batter, add 1 tbsp cream cheese filling, then cover with remaining batter.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean (avoid piercing cream cheese). Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep muffins soft.
Muffins can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for 2–3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Table of Contents
What Are Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins?
The origin and evolution of red velvet treats
Red velvet treats first gained fame in the United States during the early 20th century. They started as simple cakes with a reddish hue, often made using cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk, which gave them a unique, subtle chocolate flavor and tender crumb. Over time, bakers began experimenting with smaller, individual portions, transforming the classic cake into muffins. The addition of cream cheese filling added a tangy, smooth center that complements the slightly sweet, chocolatey base. Today, these muffins are beloved for their striking color, soft texture, and luxurious cream cheese surprise.
Why red velvet cream cheese muffins are so popular today
These muffins have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They’re a favorite at brunches, bake sales, and family gatherings because they feel homemade yet elegant. Unlike traditional cupcakes, they’re portable, easy to make in batches, and provide a consistent cream cheese center that surprises every bite. Their vibrant red color paired with the creamy white filling creates a festive, inviting look that naturally draws attention. For anyone craving a treat that’s both comforting and slightly indulgent, Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins hit the sweet spot.
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Ingredients for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Essential dry ingredients for the red velvet muffin batter
Making the perfect red velvet cream cheese muffins starts with simple, everyday ingredients. The base is soft, tender, and slightly chocolatey, thanks to all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Baking powder and baking soda give the muffins a light rise, while a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor. The red food coloring is optional but gives the classic red velvet look that makes these muffins so visually appealing.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sifted for fluffier muffins |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Adjust to taste |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 2 tbsp | Provides subtle chocolate flavor |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Helps muffins rise |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | Adds lightness |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Red food coloring | 2 tbsp | Optional but traditional |
Cream cheese filling essentials and easy swaps
The creamy filling is what makes these muffins unforgettable. Softened cream cheese is combined with sugar and an egg for a rich, smooth center. You can substitute light cream cheese for a lower-fat option, but full-fat gives the best texture. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, giving that classic sweet and tangy bite.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Softened to room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | Adjust sweetness if needed |
| Egg | 1 | Helps bind the filling |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds aroma and flavor |
With these ingredients in your pantry, you’re ready to move to the fun part: mixing, filling, and baking these cozy, creamy muffins.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Preparing the red velvet batter the right way
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly thick but smooth.
Mixing and filling the muffin cups without overworking the batter
Step 2: For the cream cheese filling, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and lump-free. Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup halfway with the red velvet batter. Add a dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin. Then, top with the remaining red velvet batter, ensuring the cream cheese is completely covered.
Baking tips for a soft, moist crumb
Step 3: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Let muffins cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. The muffins will have a soft, moist texture and a surprise creamy center that melts in your mouth. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations and Flavor Twists for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Chocolate chip and swirl variations
If you love a little extra chocolate, adding mini chocolate chips to the red velvet batter is a simple upgrade. Sprinkle some into the muffin cups before baking or swirl them into the cream cheese filling for pockets of melty chocolate. Another delicious twist is a marbled effect: gently swirl the cream cheese mixture with the red velvet batter using a skewer or knife. This not only looks elegant but also ensures each bite has a perfect balance of red velvet and creamy filling.
Holiday-inspired red velvet muffin versions
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for festive occasions. For Valentine’s Day, add heart-shaped sprinkles on top. During the holidays, consider topping muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or crushed candy canes for a seasonal touch. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheese—like vanilla, orange, or even pumpkin spice—to give your muffins a unique twist without complicating the recipe.
Storage and Freezing Guide for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
How to store muffins at room temperature or in the fridge
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but storing them properly keeps them soft and flavorful for days. At room temperature, place cooled muffins in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want to extend freshness, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration can slightly dry the muffins, so let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to restore their soft texture.
Freezing tips to keep muffins fresh longer
Freezing is a great option if you want muffins on hand for later. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2–3 months frozen. To thaw, remove the wrapping and leave muffins at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes. For a warm, freshly-baked feel, heat them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs About Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Can I use a substitute for buttermilk?
Absolutely. Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This works perfectly in red velvet muffins.
How do I prevent the cream cheese center from leaking?
Ensure your cream cheese filling is thick and chilled before adding it to the muffin batter. Avoid overfilling the cups, and cover the filling completely with muffin batter.
Can these muffins be frozen?
Yes! Wrap each cooled muffin in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last 2–3 months frozen. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are a cozy, indulgent treat that’s easy to make at home. With their soft, tender crumb and creamy, dreamy center, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try fun variations, these muffins bring a touch of elegance to any table without requiring complicated techniques. With simple pantry ingredients, beginner-friendly steps, and tips for storage and freezing, anyone can create these delightful muffins. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warmth, sweetness, and comfort of homemade red velvet cream cheese muffins.