Red Velvet Donuts

Introduction

Red Velvet Donuts are a decadent, cake-like treat that combines the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake with the convenient shape and texture of a donut. These baked donuts are soft, moist, and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, giving them a sweet, tangy finish that complements the deep, cocoa-rich flavor of the red velvet batter.

I made these donuts for a special brunch gathering, and they were an instant hit! The aroma of fresh baked donuts filled the kitchen, and everyone was eagerly awaiting the first bite. The smooth, tangy glaze is the perfect pairing with the soft, fluffy donuts, and the deep red color gives them a festive touch that makes them great for any occasion.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion, these donuts bring the best of both worlds together—delicious red velvet flavor and a fun donut shape! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to something special, these donuts are sure to impress.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Dessert or snack
• Special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays
• Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Donuts

Here’s why Red Velvet Donuts will become your new favorite treat:

• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the buttermilk and oil, these donuts are incredibly soft and moist, just like the classic red velvet cake.
• Rich Red Velvet Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk creates the perfect balance of flavors, giving the donuts a subtle chocolatey taste with a hint of tanginess.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: A smooth cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the donuts.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked, making them a lighter option compared to traditional fried donuts without sacrificing flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, yielding a batch of donuts that are perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 26g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Donuts:

• For the Donuts:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps to keep the donuts moist and tender, adding a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the red velvet flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: A small amount of cocoa powder adds a rich, chocolatey undertone to the donuts, which is characteristic of red velvet.
• Red Food Coloring: The red food coloring gives these donuts their signature vibrant red hue, making them visually appealing for any occasion.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, tangy touch that balances the sweetness of the donuts perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Donuts:

Prepare the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until smooth. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar, mixing until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula.

Bake the Donuts:

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

8. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Glaze the Donuts:

9. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops into the cream cheese glaze. Let any excess glaze drip off, and place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.

How to Serve Red Velvet Donuts

Red Velvet Donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in several ways:

• With a Hot Beverage: Pair these donuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a sweet breakfast or snack.
• As a Dessert: These donuts make a great addition to a dessert spread or as a special treat after dinner.
• For Special Occasions: Serve these donuts at parties, Valentine’s Day celebrations, or birthdays for a festive and colorful treat.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these donuts with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Donuts are perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid dense donuts.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring as it provides a more vibrant color without affecting the texture of the batter.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready to be removed from the oven.
• Allow Donuts to Cool Completely: Be sure to let the donuts cool completely before glazing them to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
• Store Properly: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Donuts

Here are 5 variations you can try for Red Velvet Donuts:

• Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Filling: Add a dollop of cream cheese filling to the center of each donut before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Donuts: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and chocolate flavor.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the vanilla extract for lemon extract in the glaze for a fresh, citrusy twist.
• Red Velvet Donut Holes: Make mini versions of these donuts by using a donut hole pan instead of a full-sized donut pan.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Donuts: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these donuts gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Donuts

• Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Donuts

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Red Velvet Donuts easier:

• Donut Pan: A donut pan is essential for making perfectly shaped baked donuts.
• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer makes it easier to cream the egg and sugar mixture and combine the wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack helps the donuts cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to prevent overmixing.
• Piping Bag or Spoon: For neatly filling the donut pan, you can use a piping bag or spoon to transfer the batter.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers for storing your donuts after glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Donuts

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk gives the donuts a slightly tangy flavor and helps them stay moist.
2. Can I freeze the donuts after glazing? It’s best to freeze the donuts without the glaze. Once thawed, you can glaze them for the best texture.
3. Can I use a different type of food coloring? Yes, you can use any type of food coloring, but gel food coloring provides the best results without affecting the texture of the batter.
4. Can I make these donuts in advance? Yes, you can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving for the best presentation.
5. Can I make these donuts vegan? Yes, you can substitute a flax egg for the egg and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze to make this recipe vegan.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Donuts bring the deliciously decadent flavors of red velvet cake into a fun and portable form. These fluffy, moist donuts are the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, and that luscious cream cheese glaze just takes them to the next level! Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or as a special treat, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little indulgence.

These donuts are so simple to make, yet they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering. Don’t forget to share your donut creations with me! Snap a picture, post it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see how they turn out. Happy baking!