The Perfect Red Velvet Donuts With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Crimson-hued red velvet donuts dance with decadent cream cheese frosting, promising a sweet rebellion against ordinary desserts.

Soft clouds of cocoa-infused dough beckon with their velvety charm.

Classic Southern traditions meet modern bakery magic in this irresistible treat.

Delicate rings emerge from the kitchen, whispering promises of indulgence.

Chocolate undertones blend seamlessly with tangy cream cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

Passionate bakers can craft these stunning donuts with simple ingredients and a dash of love.

Let this recipe become your next delightful culinary adventure.

Red Velvet Donuts With Frosting That’s Sweet and Velvety

Whip Up Quick Treats: Perfect for busy bakers who want delightful desserts without complex techniques.

Customize with Ease: Transform the recipe by adjusting sprinkle colors or adding extra decorative elements for different celebrations and personal preferences.

Family-Friendly Baking: Create sweet memories together by involving kids in mixing batter, frosting donuts, and adding colorful sprinkles – an interactive culinary experience that brings everyone into the kitchen.

No-Fuss Baking Method: Oven-baked donuts eliminate deep-frying challenges, making this recipe healthier and simpler for home bakers of all skill levels.

Best Red Velvet Donuts Ingredient Collection

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the donut's texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential for rising and creating light texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Buttermilk, Egg: Provide moisture and bind ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender donuts.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature red velvet color.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create smooth, creamy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

• Mini Heart Sprinkles: Decorative element for festive appearance.

Donuts Baking Instructions with Red Velvet Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release of your delightful treats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and has a vibrant red hue.

Step 4: Create Donut Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently mix until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix – you want a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan.

Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the frosting becomes thick and spreadable.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Spread or pipe the luscious cream cheese frosting over the cooled donuts.

Sprinkle mini heart sprinkles on top for a festive and adorable finish.

Enjoy your homemade red velvet donuts!

Donut Tips for Fluffy Red Velvet Rings with Frosting

• Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure light, fluffy donuts with a tender crumb.
• Add red food coloring gradually to achieve a vibrant, consistent red velvet color without streaks.
• Adjust powdered sugar amount to create the ideal cream cheese frosting thickness for smooth spreading.
• Use a toothpick test to check donuts' doneness, preventing overbaking and maintaining a moist interior.
• Gently press mini heart sprinkles into frosting to ensure they stick and create a beautiful finish.

Storing Red Velvet Donuts

• Store frosted donuts in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent frosting from smearing.
• Consume unfrosted donuts within 2 days when stored at room temperature in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight.
• Wrap plain, unfrosted donuts individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
• Warm refrigerated donuts briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften cream cheese frosting and restore texture.

Red Velvet Donut Pairings

• Complement Culinary Companions: Flavor Enhancers for Red Velvet Donuts
• Brew a Bold Coffee Match: Counterbalance the sweet donuts with a robust espresso or dark roast coffee that cuts through the rich cream cheese frosting and highlights the cocoa undertones.
• Select Complementary Wine Pairing: Choose a slightly sweet sparkling rosé or moscato that echoes the dessert's romantic red color and balances the donuts' decadent cream cheese richness.
• Create Textural Contrast Plate: Serve alongside crunchy toasted almonds or candied pecans to provide a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft, velvety donut texture and adds complexity to each bite.
• Design Fruity Accent Garnish: Top with fresh raspberries or strawberry slices to introduce a tart brightness that refreshes the palate and complements the sweet cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet Donuts with Frosting Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Donuts: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Red Velvet Donuts: Swap buttermilk with almond milk, use plant-based butter, replace egg with flax egg, and use vegan cream cheese for frosting.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Donuts: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free food coloring, and create a lighter cream cheese frosting using stevia.
• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Donuts: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for extra indulgence and rich chocolate flavor.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet donuts their distinctive color?

The red food coloring creates the signature bright red color, while cocoa powder provides a subtle chocolate flavor that makes red velvet unique.

• Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin as an alternative, though the shape will be different. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full and adjust baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

• How do I prevent my donuts from being dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Remove the donuts from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean, which usually takes 10-12 minutes at 350°F.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and adds a slight tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Red Velvet Donuts With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet red velvet donuts showcase rich cocoa and crimson charm, delivering Southern dessert magic straight to hungry hearts. Silky cream cheese frosting crowns these irresistible pastries, tempting you with each heavenly bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Mini heart sprinkles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational dry elements by combining flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring thorough integration of the powdery components.
2. Whisk together the liquid ingredients in a separate container, blending buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until achieving a uniform, vibrant crimson mixture.
3. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development, creating a smooth batter with a rich, velvety texture.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy release of the delicate pastries.
5. Transfer the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full, allowing room for the donuts to rise and maintain a perfect shape.
6. Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when the pastries are fully cooked.
7. Allow the donuts to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent further cooking and maintain their tender consistency.
8. Cream together softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the frosting reaches a luxurious, spreadable texture.
10. Once the donuts have completely cooled, generously cover them with the cream cheese frosting, using either a spatula or piping bag for precision.
11. Embellish the frosted donuts with delicate mini heart sprinkles, adding a playful and festive finishing touch to these decadent red velvet treats.

Notes

• Precisely measure dry ingredients to ensure consistent donut texture and prevent dense or crumbly results.
• Achieve vibrant red color by using gel food coloring instead of liquid, which provides more intense pigmentation without altering batter consistency.
• Cool donuts completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure smooth cream cheese application.
• Modify recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining similar structure and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg