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Red Velvet Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

These Red Velvet Muffins are soft, velvety, and filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for both kids and adults.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Floour forms the backbone of the muffin, giving it structure and texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of cocoa.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Helps the muffins rise for a fluffy bite.
  • 1 tsp baking powder A double-acting leavening agent for perfect muffins.
  • 0.5 tsp salt Enhances the flavors.
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder Infuses that signature red velvet flavor.
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil Ensures a tender and moist crumb.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Adds richness and moisture.
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring Gives the muffins their vibrant hue.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds a hint of aromatic sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 0.5 cups cream cheese, softened The star filling, creamy and dreamy.
  • 0.25 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the cream cheese just right.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract For added warmth in flavor.
For the Crumb Topping
  • 0.5 cups cold butter Provides richness to the topping.
  • 0.5 cups all-purpose flour Brings structure to the topping.
  • 0.25 cups brown sugar Adds sweet depth to the crumb topping.
  • 0.25 tsp cinnamon (optional) For an extra layer of warmth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  6. Fill each muffin liner about halfway with red velvet batter, add a spoonful of cream cheese filling, then cover with more batter until each cup is 2/3 full.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix the cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly, then sprinkle over each muffin.
Baking
  1. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These muffins can be served warm with vanilla ice cream, perfect for various occasions. Be cautious not to overbake, or they may dry out. Use a generous spoonful of cream cheese to avoid overflow.