The Fluffiest Baked Red Velvet Donuts Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Soft, decadent red velvet donuts emerge as a delightful twist on classic chocolate cake in this mouthwatering baked red velvet donuts recipe.

The vibrant crimson hue catches every eye with its stunning visual appeal.

Rich cocoa undertones blend seamlessly with a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish to these delectable treats.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle chocolate notes.

These donuts bring a touch of indulgence to any breakfast or dessert spread.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk in red velvet donuts?

Buttermilk adds moisture, creates a tender texture, and provides a slight tanginess that enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.

• Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural alternatives like beetroot powder or concentrated pomegranate juice, but the color might be less vibrant compared to traditional red food coloring.

• How do I prevent overmixing the batter?

Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. Stop stirring as soon as no dry flour streaks remain to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

• What if I don't have a heart-shaped donut pan?

You can use a standard round donut pan or even make these as cupcakes by using a muffin tin, adjusting the baking time slightly.

Baked Red Velvet Donuts That Delight

• Crack the Cooldown: Perfect chilled dessert to beat the heat and satisfy sweet tooths with minimal kitchen effort.
• Zesty Family Favorite: Simple ingredients create a crowd-pleasing treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its bright, refreshing flavor profile.
• Master the No-Bake Magic: Zero oven time means less cooking stress and more enjoyment, making this recipe ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile pie works wonderfully for summer gatherings, potlucks, and casual family dinners, impressing guests without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Baked Red Velvet Donuts

• Flour: The base of the donut that provides structure and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the red velvet donuts.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb in the donuts.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and smooth texture to the batter.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the donut flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic red velvet color to the donuts.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, creamy glaze with a tangy sweetness.
• Valentines Day Sprinkles: Adds a festive and decorative touch to the finished donuts.

How to Bake Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C) and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Grab your heart-shaped donut pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or a light butter coating.

Step 3: Create the Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sugar

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t go crazy with mixing!

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the heart-shaped cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the donuts hang out in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth as silk.

Step 10: Finish the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Adjust the consistency with a bit more milk if needed.

Step 11: Glaze and Decorate

Dunk each cooled donut into the creamy glaze, letting the excess drip off.

Step 12: Add Festive Flair

Sprinkle some Valentine’s Day sparkle over the glazed donuts for that extra special touch.

Tips for Red Velvet Donuts Success

• Stop stirring as soon as wet and dry ingredients combine to keep donuts tender and light.
• Use gel food coloring for a more intense red hue without thinning the batter.
• Adjust milk quantity gradually to achieve smooth, drippable cream cheese glaze.
• Fill donut pan cavities only 3/4 full to prevent overflow and maintain beautiful heart shape.
• Rotate donut pan halfway through cooking time for uniform golden-brown color and consistent texture.

Variations on Baked Red Velvet Donuts

• Vegan Velvet Crunch: Replace buttermilk with almond milk, use flax egg instead of regular egg, swap butter with coconut oil, and use vegan cream cheese for glaze.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensure cocoa powder is gluten-free, and use almond flour for extra texture.
• Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Increase cocoa powder amount, add dark chocolate chips to batter, top with chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese glaze.
• Low-Sugar Health Swap: Use monk sweetener instead of sugar, replace food coloring with natural beet powder, incorporate Greek yogurt for protein boost.

Pairing Ideas for Red Velvet Donuts

• Pair Rich Cream Cheese Beverage: Brew a creamy cold brew coffee or latte with vanilla notes to complement the sweet cream cheese glaze and enhance the donut's rich flavor profile.
• Create Chocolate Harmony: Serve alongside dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries to amplify the cocoa undertones and create a decadent dessert experience.
• Match Fruity Contrast: Add fresh raspberries or strawberry coulis on the side to balance the sweet donut with a tart brightness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Elevate Sparkling Celebration: Pour a chilled rosé champagne or sparkling moscato to add festive elegance and cut through the donut's richness with light, effervescent bubbles.

Storage Tips for Baked Red Velvet Donuts

• Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unglazed donuts individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm donuts at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat for 10-15 seconds on low power. Be careful not to overheat, as donuts can become tough and rubbery quickly.

Baked Red Velvet Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Donuts bring classic Southern charm to your breakfast table. Rich cocoa and buttermilk create a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, while cream cheese glaze adds irresistible sweetness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (10 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coloring:

• 1 teaspoon red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a heart-shaped donut pan by lightly coating with non-stick spray.
2. Blend dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk wet ingredients separately, combining buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well incorporated.
4. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.
5. Transfer batter into donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full using a spoon or piping bag.
6. Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean.
7. Allow donuts to rest in pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
8. Create cream cheese glaze by whipping softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, adjusting liquid to achieve a silky, pourable consistency.
10. Dunk cooled donuts into glaze, letting excess drip away.
11. Immediately garnish with Valentines Day sprinkles while glaze remains wet.
12. Let glazed donuts set completely before serving.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense donuts by gently folding wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
• Swap red food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier, chemical-free coloring option.
• Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner snipped for precise, mess-free donut pan filling and professional-looking results.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring consistent texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 151 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg