Description
These Bloody Red Velvet Cupcakes are perfect for Halloween parties or any spooky-themed event. They’re moist, rich, and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. The dramatic “bloody” effect is created with a sweet raspberry or cherry sauce that oozes over the frosting, making them both delicious and delightfully creepy!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the “Bloody” Sauce:
- 1/2 cup raspberry or cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. -
Make the Cupcake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. -
Bake:
Fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Prepare the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. -
Make the “Bloody” Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the raspberry or cherry preserves with water over low heat until smooth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a little cold water and stir it in, simmering until slightly thickened. Let it cool. -
Assemble:
Frost the cooled cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
Drizzle the “bloody” sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
Notes
- Spooky Touch: Add candy knives or edible fake blood for extra Halloween vibes.
- Flavor Twist: Use strawberry preserves if you prefer a sweeter “blood.”
- Storage: Keep cupcakes refrigerated if not serving immediately, due to the cream cheese frosting.