Red velvet cupcakes are a timeless classic, combining the rich flavors of cocoa with a slight tanginess and a beautifully soft crumb. Their deep red hue and signature cream cheese frosting make them a standout at any gathering. This Mary Berry red velvet cupcakes recipe delivers light, moist, and utterly delicious cupcakes, with a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes red velvet so special, it’s the unique combination of buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa powder that gives these cupcakes their signature taste. Whether you’re baking for a party, afternoon tea, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is foolproof and will have everyone coming back for more!

Recipe at a Glance

For a quick overview, here are the essential details of this red velvet cupcake recipe:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these red velvet cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

125g (1 cup) plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tbsp cocoa powder
100g (½ cup) caster sugar
100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
120ml (½ cup) buttermilk
½ tsp white vinegar
1 tbsp red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
400g (3 ¼ cups) icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

No buttermilk? Use regular milk with ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
Want deeper color? Use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Prefer a tangier frosting? Add a touch of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.

Equipment You’ll Need for Red Velvet Cupcakes

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Cupcake tin and paper liners
Sieve for dry ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula for folding the batter
Piping bag (optional) for frosting

Mary Berry Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Time needed: 20 minutes

Follow these steps to bake the perfect batch of red velvet cupcakes:

Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners. Sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and cocoa powder into a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create an airy cupcake texture.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, stir in the buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring until evenly combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
Bake the Cupcakes
Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Frost and Decorate
Using a piping bag or a spatula, frost each cupcake generously. Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs or sprinkles for decoration.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

Each batch of this recipe makes 12 cupcakes, with the following nutrition per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per cupcake
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	42g
Protein	3g
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sugar	32g

Contains gluten and dairy. Not suitable for vegans.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Incredibly soft and moist. The perfect balance of cocoa and buttermilk creates a tender crumb.
Classic yet elegant. Red velvet cupcakes are a staple for birthdays, tea parties, and special occasions.
Easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cupcakes

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Use room temperature ingredients. This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
Let them cool before frosting. Applying frosting to warm cupcakes will cause it to melt.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Vegan Option: Substitute dairy with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Skipping the vinegar. It reacts with the baking soda to create a light texture—don’t leave it out!
Using too much food coloring. A little goes a long way; too much can affect the flavor.
Overbaking. Check for doneness early to prevent dry cupcakes.

How to Store & Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes

Storing

At room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: Store for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before eating.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving

Best served fresh: Enjoy at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Pair with coffee or tea: The perfect companion to balance the sweetness.

Mary Berry Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe FAQs

What makes red velvet different from chocolate cupcakes?

Red velvet has a lighter cocoa flavor, balanced by buttermilk and vinegar for a slight tang. The signature red color and cream cheese frosting also set it apart from regular chocolate cupcakes.

Can I use natural food coloring instead?

Yes! Beetroot powder or pomegranate juice can provide a natural red hue, though the color may be less vibrant.

Why did my cupcakes turn brown instead of red?

This can happen if you don’t use enough food coloring or if your cocoa powder is too dark. Use gel-based red food coloring for a more vivid red.

Conclusion

Mary Berry red velvet cupcakes recipe is must-try for any baking enthusiast. They’re soft, rich, and perfectly balanced in flavor, with a classic cream cheese frosting that ties everything together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe guarantees bakery-quality results every time. Try it today and enjoy the perfect homemade treat!