Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes
Prep time: 35 min | Cook time: 25 min | Total time: 2 hr 30 min
Love is in the air! These Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes are the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat—rich, moist, and hiding a molten chocolate surprise in every bite. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of love, they’re as decadent as they are adorable. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes
Prep time:
35 min
Cook time:
25 min
Total time:
2 hr 30 min
Love is in the air! These Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes are the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat—rich, moist, and hiding a molten chocolate surprise in every bite. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of love, they’re as decadent as they are adorable. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
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There’s nothing quite like red velvet cake, especially when it’s hiding a molten chocolate surprise inside. The rich, cocoa-kissed cake pairs perfectly with the gooey, chocolatey center, and that creamy frosting on top? Chef’s kiss. These red velvet lava cupcakes are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, date night, or any time you’re craving something extra special.
The red velvet crumbs on top are totally optional, but they do make these cupcakes look bakery-display-case worthy.
Want the downlow?
Let’s Talk About Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes are everything you love about red velvet—plus a gooey, melty chocolate surprise in the center! Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or just because, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
for the chocolate lovers
That melty, gooey chocolate lava? Absolute heaven. We’re using real chocolate for the richest, silkiest filling—no dry cupcakes here!
Bakery-worthy, but easy
They look like something from a high-end bakery, but you don’t need any special skills. A simple trick ensures a perfect center every time.
shockingly simple to make
Lava cakes definitely have a reputation for being tricky, but these cupcakes come together with just a few extra steps. No stress, all reward.
perfect for celebration
Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a random day of the week —these cupcakes make any day feel special. Because why wait for an occasion to enjoy something this good?
If you love red velvet, you have to try our Classic Red Velvet Cake—it’s just as rich and delicious but in full cake form! And if you’re all about that ooey-gooey center, our Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes might be your next obsession.
There are 3 component to this recipe
Red Velvet Cake
A soft, tender, and slightly tangy cake base with a hint of cocoa. This classic batter bakes up beautifully to cradle that molten chocolate center.
Ganache Center
Instead of relying on just chocolate, we’re making a simple ganache that gets frozen into “plugs” for a no-fail gooey center.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Because red velvet isn’t complete without it! Smooth, tangy, and the perfect finishing touch.
How To Make These Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes
These cupcakes come together in just a few simple steps, and that molten chocolate center? Foolproof. Here’s a quick rundown:
- The Ganache Plug: Instead of relying on guesswork for the lava effect, we’re using a chilled ganache plug that melts perfectly in the oven. No dry centers here!
- Make the Batter: A classic red velvet cake batter with a rich cocoa flavor and that signature hint of tang.
- Bake to Perfection: Just the right amount of time to keep them soft and gooey inside.
- Top It Off: A swirl of silky cream cheese frosting—because red velvet just isn’t the same without it!
Want to see it all come together? Watch this quick video where I walk you through the process!
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When you make these Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes, be sure to leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.
Happy baking!
x, Caylie
Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes
Ingredients
Chocolate Ganache
- 6 Tablespoons bittersweet or dark chocolate
- 6 Tablespoons heavy cream
Cupcakes
- 1½ cups cake flour
- 4½ Tablespoons natural cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ teaspoon baking soda
- 6½ Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅞ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons distilled vinegar
Frosting
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Chocolate Ganache
- Combine chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in 15 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Remove from refrigerator and use a small cookie scoop to portion ganache into 1 Tablespoon balls.
- Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
Cupcakes
- Heat oven to 350℉/177℃.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda together. Set aside.
- With an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in food coloring.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Beat until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in vinegar.
- Use a large (3 Tablespoon) cookie scoop to portion batter into prepared pan.
- Insert 1 plug of frozen ganache in the center of each cupcake, pressing down into the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until done.
Frosting
- Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk cream to stiff peaks.
- Whisk in cream cheese, 1 cube at a time.
- Add salt and powdered sugar.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Decorate as desired.
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Let Me Introduce You!
Hi and welcome! We’re Traci and Caylie, a mother-daughter duo with 30+ years of combined experience in baking, recipe development, and food photography. Our expertly developed and delicious recipes have led us to be featured in publications such-as: Costco, Crate & Barrel, & more!
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Disclaimer
We use affiliate links on our Equipment Needed and Recommended Products section of each recipe. If you click through these links and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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