Red Velvet Marble Cupcakes with Raspberry Swirl Frosting – A Sweet, Swirly Treat Everyone Loves
If you’ve ever wanted your cupcakes to taste as amazing as they look, these Red Velvet Marble Cupcakes with Raspberry Swirl Frosting are for you. They’re light, moist, and beautifully marbled with rich red velvet flavor, topped with a luscious swirl of cream cheese and raspberry.
Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, these cupcakes are showstoppers that are surprisingly easy to make—and even easier to love.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about red velvet—its vibrant color, subtle cocoa flavor, and tender crumb are instantly nostalgic and indulgent. But when you marble that into a cupcake and top it with raspberry-kissed cream cheese frosting? Pure dessert bliss.
These cupcakes feel elegant and festive without being fussy. The raspberry swirl adds a tangy brightness that complements the cream cheese frosting and balances the rich cake beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Red gel food coloring (as needed)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- ½ cup seedless raspberry preserves or thick raspberry puree
- Red gel food coloring (optional, for color depth)
Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
- Cocoa powder: Use Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor or natural for more depth.
- Raspberry: Strawberry preserves also work for a different twist.
- Gel food coloring gives more vibrant color without thinning the batter.
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate cup, mix buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Add red food coloring to desired vibrancy.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently just until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide batter evenly among liners.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Frosting & Raspberry Swirl
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- In a small bowl, stir raspberry preserves. Add red food coloring for deeper color if desired.
- Spoon cream cheese frosting into one side of a piping bag and raspberry swirl into the other. Swirl gently to marble them.
Step 4: Frost and Finish
- Pipe a generous swirl on each cooled cupcake.
- Optionally garnish with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs.
Tips for Success
- Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting or the swirl will melt.
- Use a star piping tip for bakery-style frosting.
- For extra raspberry tang, drizzle preserves on top after frosting.
- Chill frosting slightly for better piping consistency.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cupcakes are perfect for dessert tables, gifting, or classy afternoon treats. Here’s what to pair them with:
- Add to a sweet table with Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
- For a spring celebration, include Spring Flower Pretzel Bites
- Pair with Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a party platter
- Round out with a crowd-pleaser like Big Family Banana Pudding
- Make it magical with Unicorn Poke Cake for themed events
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Let cupcakes sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving for best texture.
- Frosting and raspberry swirl can be made ahead and stored separately.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
- Spring Flower Pretzel Bites
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Unicorn Poke Cake
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Marble Cupcakes with Raspberry Swirl Frosting are more than just pretty treats—they’re rich, balanced, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for special occasions or just when you want to feel a little fancy.
If you bake them, tag @chefmaniac and share your swirls! And don’t forget to follow for more beautiful bakes, easy desserts, and crowd-pleasing treats.
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