Red Velvet Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins
🍳 Bake Time: 18–22 mins
🍽 Yields: 12 muffins
Muffin Batter:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar (helps activate the baking soda & brighten the red)
Cream Cheese Filling:
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping (crumble style):
2 tbsp butter, cold & cubed
1/4 cup flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 liners.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together:
6 oz cream cheese
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Mix the Muffin Batter
In one bowl, whisk:
1 3/4 cups flour
1 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
In another bowl, whisk:
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp vinegar
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined (don't overmix).
4. Assemble Muffins
Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of muffin batter into each liner.
Add 1 tsp of cream cheese filling in the center.
Top with more muffin batter until about 3/4 full.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of crumble topping for texture.
5. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until tops spring back and a toothpick (inserted not through the center) comes out clean.
Cool for at least 10 minutes before eating so the filling sets slightly.
🍽 Serving Tips:
Serve warm or room temp.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little melted white chocolate if you’re feeling extra.