Here’s a delightful Red Velvet Donuts recipe that’s perfect for when you crave something sweet and slightly indulgent. These donuts combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the convenience and charm of homemade donuts.

Baked to perfection, they boast a tender crumb and a gorgeous deep red color, finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze for that authentic red velvet experience. Ideal for special occasions or as a treat to brighten your day, these donuts are sure to impress with their delicious taste and stunning appearance.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Donuts:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Yield: Makes about 12 donuts

Instructions for Making Red Velvet Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan well.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese glaze: While the donuts are cooling, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Glaze the donuts: Once the donuts are cool, dip each one into the cream cheese glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
Serve and enjoy: Your red velvet donuts are ready to be enjoyed! They are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Achieving the Perfect Red Hue: The signature color of red velvet donuts is achieved through the use of red food coloring. For a vibrant color, use a high-quality liquid or gel food coloring. The amount may vary depending on the brand, so start with the recommended measurement and adjust as needed to achieve your desired color. Natural alternatives like beet powder can be used, but they may not provide as bright a hue and can slightly alter the flavor.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher donut texture. The batter should be smooth but not overly beaten.

Buttermilk Is Key: Buttermilk contributes to the tenderness of the donuts and activates the baking soda, which helps the donuts rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Check the Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer can help ensure your donuts bake evenly and prevent overbaking. Baked too long, they can become dry; too short, and they’ll be too moist and dense.

Fill the Donut Pan Correctly: Filling the donut cavities three-quarters full is crucial. This allows the batter room to expand and rise without overflowing, creating perfectly shaped donuts.

Cooling Is Crucial: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This makes them easier to remove and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Achieving Smooth Glaze: For a lump-free cream cheese glaze, ensure the cream cheese and milk are at room temperature. Sift the powdered sugar to avoid any lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Serving Suggestions

Red Velvet Donuts are versatile and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, from a casual morning treat to a festive party dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

Classic Presentation: Serve these donuts as is, with the creamy glaze dripping down the sides for a visually appealing treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Add Toppings for Texture: After glazing, sprinkle with crushed pecans, chocolate shavings, or even a little red velvet cake crumble for added texture and a gourmet touch.

Pair with Coffee or Tea: The richness of red velvet pairs wonderfully with the bitterness of coffee or the mildness of tea, making these donuts a perfect breakfast or brunch companion.

Create a Donut Bar: For parties, set up a donut bar with various toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and different glazes so guests can customize their donuts.

Mini Donut Versions: For bite-sized treats, use a mini donut pan. These are great for kids’ parties or as a part of a dessert buffet.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Red Velvet Donuts. Here are the best practices for storing these treats:

Room Temperature Storage: Once the glaze has set, donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them as the glaze can become sticky.

Refrigerating Your Donuts: If you prefer your donuts chilled or need to store them for a bit longer, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cold can firm up the glaze and slightly alter the texture of the donut, making it denser.

Freezing for Longevity: For longer storage, freeze the donuts on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving. It’s best to freeze them without the glaze and add it after thawing for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Fill each section partially to mimic the shape of a donut, or roll the dough and cut out donut shapes before baking on a flat tray.

What makes a donut ‘red velvet’ as opposed to just a chocolate donut?

Red velvet donuts have a distinct taste and texture that set them apart from chocolate donuts. They’re made with cocoa powder but in a smaller amount than most chocolate donuts, and they have buttermilk and vinegar to give them a subtly tangy flavor. The red food coloring, of course, gives them their signature look.

Can I use this recipe to make red velvet cake or cupcakes?

While similar in flavor, cake and donut batters differ in consistency and fat content. This recipe is optimized for donuts and might not translate perfectly to cake or cupcakes without adjustments to the baking time and possibly ingredient ratios.

Why did my donuts come out dry?

Dry donuts can result from overbaking or measuring the flour incorrectly. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate measurement. Also, keep a close eye on the baking time and check donuts towards the lower end of the recommended baking range.

Can I omit the food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer. The donuts will have the same flavor but won’t have the traditional red velvet color. They’ll be more of a chocolate color but still delicious.

Red Velvet Donuts

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Here's a delightful Red Velvet Donuts recipe that's perfect for when you crave something sweet and slightly indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese softened

1 cup powdered sugar sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan well.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the cream cheese glaze: While the donuts are cooling, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Glaze the donuts: Once the donuts are cool, dip each one into the cream cheese glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
Serve and enjoy: Your red velvet donuts are ready to be enjoyed! They are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.