Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
Delightful muffins that combine rich red velvet flavor with a creamy cream cheese filling, perfect for brunch or as a snack.
Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour This forms the foundation of our muffins, providing structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetness that complements the rich cocoa.
- 1 tsp baking soda Ensures a perfect rise.
- 1 tsp baking powder Works in harmony with baking soda for a fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp salt Balances the sweetness of the batter.
- 1 tsp cocoa powder Adds a hint of chocolate that defines red velvet.
- ½ cup vegetable oil Keeps the muffins moist and luscious.
- 1 large egg Binds all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup buttermilk Enhances the flavor and creates a tender crumb.
- 2 tbsp red food coloring Gives those muffins that iconic red hue.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds depth to the flavor profile.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened Provides that delightful creamy center.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Brings harmony to the cream cheese flavor.
For the Crumb Topping
- ½ cup cold butter Adds richness and flavor to our muffins.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour Helps to create that lovely crumb.
- ¼ cup brown sugar Provides a subtle caramel flavor.
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional) Adds warmth and spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Combining
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with the red velvet batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling, then top with more batter until the liners are about ¾ full.
- For the crumb topping, mix the cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and optional cinnamon with your fingertips until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle this topping generously over each muffin.
Baking
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a better rise. Don’t skip the cream cheese filling as it’s the best part! Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.