Oh, let me tell you about these Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes! I first whipped these babies up for a friend’s birthday party, not really knowing what to expect. When the first guest took a fork to their cupcake and that velvety red center oozed out, you would have thought I had just pulled off a magic trick. The delight on their face was totally priceless! Now, I can’t imagine life without these cupcakes in my baking repertoire.
These cupcakes combine the rich, tangy flavor of red velvet cake with the excitement of molten chocolate lava. Seriously, it’s like two dessert worlds colliding in the most delicious way possible! They’re perfect for special occasions, or just when you want to bring a little joy to a regular Tuesday afternoon (because why not?). Trust me, these cupcakes will steal the show!
What’s in Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes?
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cupcake. I usually opt for a brand that’s known for its softness, as it helps give that light texture we’re after.
Cocoa powder: This adds just the right amount of chocolatey flavor. I like to use unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer taste.
Granulated sugar: Sweeten things up! I prefer organic sugar when possible—it just elevates the flavor.
Baking soda and baking powder: These little leavening agents are key to achieving that perfect rise. Don’t skip these, or you’ll end up with flat cupcakes!
Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors. I usually use sea salt for that little extra touch.
Buttermilk: The secret ingredient here! It gives the cupcakes their signature tang and keeps them moist. You can always make your own by mixing milk and vinegar if you’re short on time.
Vegetable oil: This makes the cupcakes incredibly moist. Plus, it’s neutral in flavor so that the red velvet taste shines through.
Red food coloring: The star of the show! The more vibrant, the better. I use gel food coloring since it doesn’t thin the batter.
Eggs: They bind everything together and help with the overall structure. Room temperature works best.
Chocolate ganache: This is what turns our cupcakes into “lava” when you bite into them. I recommend semi-sweet chocolate for that perfect flow.
Is Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes Good for You?
Let’s be real—these cupcakes are not exactly a health food! But they do provide a few lighter moments in the dessert world.
Cocoa powder: It contains antioxidants and can be a fun little pick-me-up without overdoing it on the caffeine.
Now let’s talk about the downside: these are still cupcakes loaded with sugar and carbs. So while one or two can definitely fit into a special occasion diet, they shouldn’t replace your usual meals or healthy snacks. Moderation is key!
Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon of baking soda
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of buttermilk
– ½ cup of vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons of red food coloring
– 2 eggs (room temperature)
– 1 cup of chocolate ganache (prepared, see instructions below)
This recipe yields about 12 cupcakes.
How to Make Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, red food coloring, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
6. Here’s the exciting part: drop a spoonful of chocolate ganache in the center of each cupcake.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
8. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. When you’re ready to serve, add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance!
Sweet Tips and Variations
– If you want to amp up the flavor, consider whisking in a teaspoon of vanilla extract into your wet mixture or even a hint of cinnamon for a warm spice.
– You can swap out the chocolate ganache for a rich cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling particularly indulgent.
– These cupcakes are fantastic served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Lava cake and ice cream? Yes, please!
So there you have it! Dive into the world of Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes. I can’t wait for you to try this, and I’m sure you’ll be just as hooked on these delightful treats as I am. When you do make them, please let me know how they turned out! Happy baking! 🍰