Description
These Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake. Baked, not fried, these donuts are light and fluffy, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite indulgent. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or anytime you crave a little sweetness!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (or more for a deeper red color)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or lightly butter it to ensure the donuts come out easily. - Make the Donut Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each donut cavity about 2/3 full. You can also use a piping bag to pipe the batter into the pan for more precise filling. - Bake the Donuts:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make the donuts dry. - Cool the Donuts:
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the donuts are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and milk to adjust the consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. - Frost the Donuts:
Once the donuts have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each donut. You can also dip the tops of the donuts into the frosting for an even coating. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once frosted, the donuts are ready to serve! Enjoy these soft, fluffy, and indulgent red velvet donuts with a cup of coffee or as a special dessert.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting for extra decoration.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a buttermilk substitute.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg