Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today—Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes! Just the name alone gets my heart racing with excitement, and trust me, the taste is a thousand times better. I first discovered these little wonders during a friend’s birthday celebration. I remember everyone raving about how the warm, gooey center contrasted brilliantly with the light, fluffy cake. It was love at first bite!
What I adore about these cupcakes is how they effortlessly elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy date night, a festive gathering, or simply a guilty pleasure solo (we all deserve that sometimes, right?), they always bring a smile to your face. Plus, they have that stunning red color that makes them perfect for those special moments when you just want to impress anyone at your table!
What’s in Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes?
Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is the star of our show! I prefer using a high-quality cake mix to save time without losing that iconic red velvet flavor; the classic ones usually have a nice blend of cocoa and vanilla.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to our cupcakes. I love using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness in my recipes.
Eggs: These are essential for binding everything together. They also give the cupcakes their lovely structure.
Whole Milk: This liquid helps create the right consistency for the batter and keeps the cupcakes moist. Whole milk is my go-to here for that creamy richness.
Chocolate Chips: Oh yes, the gooey center! Dark chocolate chips melt perfectly and provide that incredible lava effect. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using white chocolate or even a mix!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes the flavor profile up a notch. It’s like adding a hug to your cupcakes!
Is Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes Good for You?
While I can’t say that these cupcakes will have you feeling virtuous after a big slice, there are some redeeming qualities worth mentioning!
Eggs: They’re a great source of protein and contain essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B12. Just don’t go overboard!
Whole Milk: Gives you calcium and vitamin D, making it a teeny bit healthier. Plus, who doesn’t love a creamy treat?
On the flip side, these cupcakes are definitely a sweet indulgence. Moderation is key, my friends! The richness and sugar content mean these are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.
Ingredients
– 1 box of Red Velvet Cake Mix (serves 12)
– 1/2 cup of Unsalted Butter, melted
– 3 large Eggs
– 1 cup of Whole Milk
– 1 cup of Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or dark)
– 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
How to Make Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners or grease them well.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, melted unsalted butter, eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
5. Now, here’s the trick! Press a few extra chocolate chips right into the center of the batter in each cup—this will become our melty lava center.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; you want that gooey center!
7. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. If you prefer, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for presentation or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sweet Suggestions for Enjoyment
– **Customization:** Feel free to play with flavors! A hint of almond extract can be divine, and if you want to be fancy, top them off with cream cheese frosting instead of the powdered sugar.
– **Storage:** These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container. You can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to get that molten effect back.
I truly can’t wait for you to experience these Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes! They are sure to leave a lasting impression, as they did for me at my friend’s party. Give it a try, and please let me know how your sweet adventure turns out. Happy baking!
