Red Velvet Donuts

Short Description

Red Velvet Donuts are a delicious and visually stunning treat featuring a soft, moist texture and a rich cocoa flavor. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, these baked donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic red velvet flavor in a fun, donut form
• Baked, not fried, for a lighter treat
• Soft, moist, and deliciously rich texture
• Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze
• Perfect for holidays, brunch, or a sweet indulgence

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Glaze the donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the top.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin and shape foil rings to create a similar effect.

Can I use a boxed red velvet cake mix?

Yes, but homemade gives a richer flavor and better texture.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the milk amount—add more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker consistency.

Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?

No, this batter is designed for baking and won’t work well for frying.

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

How do I keep my donuts from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well with butter or nonstick spray before filling.

Can I add more cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor?

Yes, but slightly reduce the flour to maintain the right texture.

Do these donuts taste like traditional fried donuts?

They are lighter and more cake-like but still incredibly delicious.

Can I make mini donuts with this recipe?

Yes! Adjust the baking time to about 8-10 minutes for mini donuts.

What other toppings can I use besides glaze?

Try powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for a fun variation.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Donuts bring all the rich, velvety goodness of red velvet cake in a perfectly portioned donut form. Baked to perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these treats are a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether for breakfast, a party, or a holiday treat, they are sure to impress!

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