Celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion with these irresistible Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins. These soft, moist muffins are bursting with the rich flavors of red velvet cake and the creamy goodness of cream cheese filling. They are the ultimate sweet treat that brings the romance of Valentine’s Day right to your kitchen. Whether you're baking for a loved one or treating yourself, these muffins are sure to impress.
These muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a charming dessert to share with someone special. They combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with a smooth, tangy cream cheese center, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
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Soft and Moist – The perfect muffin texture that melts in your mouth
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Deliciously Sweet – A perfect balance of chocolatey red velvet flavor and cream cheese filling
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Perfect for Valentine’s Day – Ideal for a sweet gift or romantic gesture
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Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps to follow
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Kid-Friendly – Everyone will love the sweet surprise of cream cheese inside
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Versatile – Great for any occasion, not just Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
For the muffins, you’ll need:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons red food coloring
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
For the cream cheese filling, you’ll need:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until smooth and creamy. Once fully combined, set the mixture aside. You’ll use this filling later when assembling the muffins.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, and the mixture takes on that vibrant red color.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and helps to prevent clumps.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense muffins. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. Then, place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin, making sure the cream cheese is well-contained. Finally, top each muffin with another tablespoon of the red velvet batter, ensuring the cream cheese is completely covered.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean (be sure to check the muffin batter, not the cream cheese center). The muffins should have a nice dome and a slightly golden top.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
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Make them Mini: For bite-sized treats, use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes.
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Add a Touch of Cocoa: For an extra rich chocolate flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons.
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Decorative Toppings: After baking, you can dust the muffins with a little powdered sugar or top them with a few red sprinkles to make them even more festive.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer a gluten-free version.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter and the cream cheese filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and bake the muffins the day you plan to serve them.
Why These Muffins Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are more than just a delicious treat – they’re a sweet, thoughtful way to show you care. The red velvet flavor is a classic for Valentine’s Day, symbolizing love and romance. The addition of the cream cheese filling gives them a delightful surprise center that takes these muffins to the next level.
They make an ideal gift for loved ones, friends, or even as a special breakfast for someone special. You can also bake a batch and serve them at your Valentine’s Day brunch, or even include them in a gift box of homemade treats for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins with:
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A cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy morning treat
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A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra decadence
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Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to complement the sweetness
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A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert version
Final Thoughts
These Valentine’s Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the rich flavors of red velvet cake and the creamy goodness of cream cheese. They are not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to show someone you care. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just because, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
