Red velvet donuts are the perfect combination of indulgence and elegance, offering the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet cake in a convenient, bite-sized donut form. These baked treats are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, making them a showstopper for Valentine’s Day, brunches, birthdays, or anytime you crave a decadent dessert.
This guide walks you through every detail to ensure your donuts are soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
Why These Red Velvet Donuts Are the Ultimate Treat
- Baked, Not Fried: A healthier option that’s easy to make at home with no messy oil.
- Moist and Fluffy: The buttermilk and butter create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Gorgeous Presentation: Their vibrant red hue and glossy glaze make them an eye-catching dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From romantic celebrations to casual family treats, these donuts fit every setting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cocoa powder | 2 tbsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup (melted) |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Red food coloring | 1–2 tsp (adjust for desired color) |
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2–3 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
How to Make Red Velvet Donuts
Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake perfect red velvet donuts with ease:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and shape foil into small rings to create the center hole.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the red color is evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Start with 1 teaspoon of food coloring and add more until you achieve your desired shade of red.
Step 4: Make the Batter
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Gently stir the mixture with a spatula or whisk until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to allow room for the donuts to rise.
Pro Tip: Wipe off any batter that spills onto the edges of the pan for clean, even donuts.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
- Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of a donut—it should come out clean.
- Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tip: For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through cooking.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until the glaze is smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the cream cheese glaze, twisting slightly for an even coating.
- Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
Optional Decorations:
- Sprinkle the tops with crushed red velvet crumbs or festive sprinkles.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the glaze for an elegant touch.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Donuts
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Overfilled cavities can cause uneven shapes. Aim for 3/4 full.
- Cool Before Glazing: Ensure donuts are completely cooled to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for premium cocoa powder and vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Customize the Color: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to match the occasion—bright red for Valentine’s Day, or a deeper hue for a sophisticated touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the donuts for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing Unfrosted Donuts: Freeze unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Why These Donuts Are the BEST
These red velvet donuts are the perfect blend of rich cocoa flavor, soft texture, and tangy cream cheese glaze. They’re easy to bake and even easier to eat, with a stunning presentation that makes them ideal for any special occasion. Whether for Valentine’s Day, a family brunch, or a weekend indulgence, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.
Time to Bake!
Now that you have the ultimate guide, it’s time to preheat your oven and whip up a batch of these irresistible red velvet donuts. Share them with your loved ones, or savor them all for yourself—you deserve it! 🍩❤️