Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual brunches. Their vibrant color and rich flavor make them a standout choice, while the creamy cheese swirl ensures they stay moist and tender. With a crumbly topping that adds a unique texture, these muffins will charm anyone who loves red velvet. Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just an ordinary day, these muffins are sure to elevate your snack game.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The striking red color makes these muffins visually appealing for any celebration.
• Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to the buttermilk and cream cheese, each bite is soft and never dry.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious treats without hassle.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Red velvet lovers will be delighted by the rich taste and creamy filling.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Non-Stick 12-Cup Regular Muffin Pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Handheld electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks or pastry cutter

Why These Tools Matter

• Non-Stick Muffin Pan: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of muffins for perfect presentation.
• Mixing Bowls: Allows for efficient mixing of ingredients without mess, keeping your workspace tidy.
• Handheld Electric Mixer: Makes quick work of blending ingredients smoothly which is crucial for achieving that creamy texture.

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (diced into cubes)

For the Cream Cheese Mixture

• 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened; lite is okay)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Muffins

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons red liquid food coloring (I used McCormick)

How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your muffin pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring it well.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl:
1. Add the sugar and flour.
2. Using two forks or a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until you achieve coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate medium bowl:
1. Combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth or whisk by hand until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients for Muffins

In a large bowl:
1. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk together until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl:
1. Combine the egg, oil, buttermilk, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.
2. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
1. Stir gently just until moistened; do not overmix—the batter should remain thick with some lumps.

Step 7: Fold in Cream Cheese Mixture

Carefully fold in the cream cheese mixture into the muffin batter:
1. Ensure some streaks of cream cheese remain visible; do not overmix.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Pan

Turn out the batter into your prepared muffin pan:
1. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow room for rising and crumb topping.

Step 9: Top with Crumb Topping

Evenly sprinkle each muffin with your prepared crumb topping.

Step 10: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 17 to 19 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs—no batter should cling to it.

Step 11: Cool

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store airtight at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to four months. Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. These muffins can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion or meal.

Breakfast Delight

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt Parfait: Crumble a muffin into a cup of yogurt and layer it with granola for a delightful parfait.

Coffee Companion

• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these muffins with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a comforting treat.
• Mocha Smoothie: Pair with a mocha smoothie for an indulgent breakfast that satisfies your sweet tooth.

Dessert Option

• Ala Mode: Top warm muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top adds an extra layer of sweetness to the muffins.

Holiday Treats

• Gift Wrapping: Package muffins in festive boxes to give as gifts during the holidays.
• Brunch Buffet: Include them on your holiday brunch table alongside other pastries and breakfast items.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese, egg, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain the muffins’ fluffiness; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow muffins to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to prevent sogginess.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations.
• Adjust Crumb Topping Thickness: Modify the crumb topping recipe if you prefer more or less crunch on top of your muffins.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of muffins well.
2. Crispy Hash Browns: The crunchy texture complements the soft muffins perfectly, creating a satisfying breakfast plate.
3. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds color and freshness, making it a great side dish option.
4. Smoothies: A vibrant berry smoothie offers nutrients and pairs nicely with the rich flavors of red velvet.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory bites that contrast beautifully with sweet muffins.
6. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad brings freshness and crunch that lightens up the richness of the muffins.
7. Oatmeal Bowl: For those who prefer something hearty, oatmeal topped with fruits can be a comforting addition.
8. Nut Butter Spreads: Serve with almond or peanut butter spreads for added protein and flavor enhancement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins can be easy, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough muffins. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or cold will affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold ingredients, especially cream cheese, can create lumps. Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
• Filling Muffin Cups Too Full: Filling the cups all the way can cause overflow. Fill them about two-thirds full for the perfect rise.
• Skipping the Crumb Topping: The crumb topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step if you want extra crunch!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Make sure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 4 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual muffins on high for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm muffins in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins unique?

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins stand out due to their vibrant color and delicious cream cheese swirl, making them both visually appealing and tasty.

Can I customize Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon for added flavor and texture.

How do I store Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Are Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins suitable for special occasions?

Yes! These muffins are perfect for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day or any celebration that calls for a festive treat.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, fluffy, and delightfully sweet with their crumb topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of year. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins!