Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! I can’t help but get a little giddy whenever I whip up these Cream Cheese Red Velvet Muffins. They’re not just a feast for the eyes with their bright red color, but they’re also irresistibly soft, with a delightful surprise of sweet cream cheese filling in the center. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for red velvet, then you’re in for a real treat!
I remember the first time I made these muffins. I was hosting a brunch for some friends, and I thought, “Why not add a little flair to the usual muffin lineup?” I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe and decided to give it a go. You could say I was slightly overzealous, and wow, did they disappear fast! The combination of flavors and that creamy filling made everyone ask for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, these are sure to impress!
What’s in Cream Cheese Red Velvet Muffins?
Let’s chat about the star ingredients, shall we? Each brings something scrumptious to the table:
Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is where the magic starts! The cake mix gives a vibrant red hue and that signature velvety texture. I usually go for a reputable brand—it makes a difference in flavor and texture.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together, eggs provide the structure. I always go for large eggs; they seem to work best in baking.
Vegetable Oil: A little oil goes a long way to keep these muffins moist and tender. You can use canola or even melted coconut oil for a subtle twist if you like!
Water: Just a bit of liquid to help combine the cake mix. No need for fancy stuff here!
Cream Cheese: The star of the filling! Cream cheese adds richness and a delicious tangy flavor. A block of regular cream cheese works great, but make sure it’s softened to make mixing easier.
Sugar: Sweetness, of course! It balances the tang of the cream cheese perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes the flavor to another level. Always opt for pure vanilla if you can—your taste buds will thank you!
Powdered Sugar (for topping, optional): Because who doesn’t love a little dusting of sweetness on top? It’s like the icing on the cake, or in this case, the muffin!
Is Cream Cheese Red Velvet Muffins Good for You?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the kitchen! Cream Cheese Red Velvet Muffins aren’t exactly health food, but you could definitely make a case for indulging occasionally.
Red Velvet Cake Mix: While it’s convenient, keep in mind that cake mixes often contain added sugars and preservatives. If you want to control your sugar addition, you could try making your own red velvet blend from scratch.
Cream Cheese: Packed with calcium, it also adds to the deliciousness. Just be mindful of the amount, as cream cheese is on the richer side. You could even swap it for a lighter version if you’re feeling health-conscious!
Overall, these muffins are a treat best enjoyed in moderation. A lovely sweet moment that you shouldn’t feel guilty about!
Ingredients List
– 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix
– 2 large Eggs
– 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Cream Cheese (softened)
– 1/2 cup Sugar
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
– Powdered Sugar (for topping, optional)
*Serves about 12 muffins*
How to Make Cream Cheese Red Velvet Muffins?
Ready to get started? Let’s make some muffins!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is key to fluffy muffins.
2. Prepare a muffin tin with paper liners. I like to use festive ones, especially if I’m serving these at a party!
3. In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth. If it looks beautiful (and it will), you’re on the right track!
4. In another bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Whip it until it’s lovely and creamy. This will be the hidden gem inside your muffins.
5. Fill each muffin liner halfway with the red velvet batter.
6. Now, for the good stuff! Add a generous spoonful of that dreamy cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin.
7. Top it off with more red velvet batter, filling the liners almost to the top.
8. Slide those babies into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let them cool for a bit—if you can resist! Dust with powdered sugar if you want to really elevate your muffin game.
Sweet Tips and Twists!
Let’s make these muffins even more special!
– To kick it up a notch, consider adding some chocolate chips to your cream cheese filling for that extra kick of sweetness! You can never go wrong with chocolate, right?
– Feeling fancy? Swap the cream cheese filling for a whipped cream cheese frosting and serve them as dessert!
– These muffins freeze like a dream! So feel free to make a double batch and pop some in the freezer for a delightful treat later.
I can’t wait for you to give these Cream Cheese Red Velvet Muffins a try! They’re an instant pick-me-up and perfect for any occasion or just because you want something delicious. If you make them, let me know how they turn out; I’d love to hear about your muffin-making adventures! Happy baking!
