Name: Delightful Red Velvet Donuts with Creamy Icing Heaven
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 2 tbsp Dutch Process cocoa powder; 1 tbsp baking powder (ensure freshness); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk and vinegar); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) (can use vegetable oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract (use pure); 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel form preferred); 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat block recommended); 2 cups confectioners' sugar (sift before measuring); 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk for thickness); 1/4 cup Valentine's Day sprinkles (optional decoration)

When the first hints of Valentine’s Day begin to fill the air, I can’t help but crave something sweet and festive to share with loved ones. Enter my Quick and Easy Baked Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing—truly a match made in heaven! Just the thought of these soft, fluffy donuts topped with rich cream cheese icing brings a smile to my face. They’re not only quick to whip up—ready in just 30 minutes—but they also require ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking to impress your significant other, treat your family, or simply indulge in a guilt-free breakfast, these donuts hit the spot every time. Trust me, a bite of these delightful morsels will make any occasion feel a little more special!

Why will you love these Red Velvet Donuts?

Irresistible Taste: These donuts combine soft, airy textures with a rich chocolatey flavor and creamy icing that will leave you craving more.

Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can create a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Simple Ingredients: Most of the components are pantry staples, making them accessible anytime you need a sweet fix.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a special Valentine’s Day dessert, these donuts add a festive touch to your gatherings.

Customization Options: Feel free to experiment with icing alternatives or mix-ins, like chocolate chips, to tailor this recipe to your tastes.

Family-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved! They’ll love decorating these donuts and savoring every bite.

Red Velvet Donuts Ingredients

For the Donuts
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure; use spooned and leveled flour to avoid excess.
• Dutch Process cocoa powder – Adds rich cocoa flavor without bitterness; preferred over regular cocoa for better taste.
• Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent for lightness; ensure freshness for best results.
• Salt – Enhances all flavors; essential for balance in your red velvet donuts.
• Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness; adjust quantity for less sweetness if desired.
• Large egg – Binds ingredients and aids leavening; use room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Buttermilk – Creates tenderness and a slight tang; substitute with milk and vinegar if necessary.
• Unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and moisture; can be swapped with vegetable oil.
• Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; always use pure vanilla for the best results.
• Red food coloring – Gives the signature red hue; gel forms are more concentrated than liquid.

For the Cream Cheese Icing
• Cream cheese – Provides creaminess and tangy flavor; use full-fat block cream cheese for icing consistency.
• Confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens the icing and provides a smooth texture; sift before measuring for best results.
• Heavy cream (or milk) – Adjusts icing thickness; can substitute with milk if unavailable.
• Valentine’s Day sprinkles – For decoration; totally optional but adds festive appeal.

How to Make Red Velvet Donuts

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut tin. This step ensures your donuts won’t stick and come out perfectly shaped!
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Keep this dry mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Combine the egg and granulated sugar in a separate larger bowl, whisking until blended. Then, mix in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla; stir in the red food coloring to achieve that festive hue.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. Combine until just mixed, being cautious not to overdo it, as this will keep your donuts soft and fluffy.
Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with your delightful batter. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—a true sign of doneness!
Cool the donuts in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is vital for maintaining their texture.
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, then whisk in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth. Make any necessary adjustments with heavy cream for your desired icing thickness.
Dip the cooled donuts in your creamy icing, ensuring they are well-coated, and sprinkle with Valentine’s Day sprinkles if desired. Voilà! You’re ready to impress!

Optional: Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Donuts

Room Temperature: Store your red velvet donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the icing from sticking.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the donuts; they’ll stay fresh for up to a week with proper wrapping. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze iced donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for best results.

Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw the frozen donuts at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh taste.

What to Serve with Red Velvet Donuts?

These delightful treats are perfect for making any moment feel special and lend themselves beautifully to a variety of accompaniments.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream cheese icing, adding a refreshing and vibrant touch.
Coffee: A rich cup of coffee elevates the donut experience, balancing the sweetness and providing a comforting start to the day.
Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt offers a tangy note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the donuts, making it an ideal breakfast side.
Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of fresh fruits adds a light and refreshing element, making for a well-rounded meal perfect for special occasions.
Milkshake: A chocolate or vanilla milkshake turns this treat into a nostalgic dessert, creating an indulgent pairing everyone will love.
Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: For those who can’t get enough icing, a dip made from cream cheese and a splash of vanilla is a fun twist that makes each bite even sweeter.
Sparkling Water with Citrus: A fizzy drink like sparkling water infused with citrus slices offers a delightful contrast to the richness of the donuts.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or raspberry ice cream transforms your red velvet donuts into a dessert extravaganza, ideal for a memorable night in.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Red Velvet Donuts are perfect for those busy mornings when you need a little sweetness without the hassle! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, then refrigerating them. Just remember to keep the baking powder sealed until you’re ready to mix everything together to ensure fluffiness. The cooled donuts can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply dip them in the cream cheese icing and add your festive sprinkles for that final touch. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh-tasting donuts with minimal effort, brightening your day in no time!

Red Velvet Donuts Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful donuts to suit your taste!

Vanilla Glaze: Swap the cream cheese icing for a simple vanilla glaze made of confectioners’ sugar, milk, and pure vanilla extract for a lighter option.
Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.
Mini Donut Holes: Use a muffin tin to create mini donut holes, adjusting the baking time to about 6-7 minutes for quick bite-sized treats. These are perfect for kids or snack platters!
Natural Colorings: Experiment with natural food coloring made from beet juice or other fruits for a more wholesome twist on the classic. It’s a fun way to keep it colorful and healthy.
Nutty Addition: For added texture, toss in some finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the batter before baking. It gives a lovely crunch and rustic flavor.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the cocoa beautifully.
Fruit Infusion: Add mashed bananas or applesauce for a fruity undertone that adds moisture and sweetness, making your donuts even more irresistible.
Zesty Lemon Icing: Combine lemon juice and zest into your icing for a refreshing citrusy kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Donuts

• Measure Precisely: Accurate flour measurement is crucial for soft and fluffy red velvet donuts. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to room temperature ensures a smoother batter and better rise.

• Mind the Bake: Keep a close eye on baking time. Donuts can go from perfectly baked to overdone in just a minute.

• Toothpick Test: Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean with little to no crumbs for perfectly baked donuts.

• Icing Consistency: If the icing is too thick, adjust it with a little milk or heavy cream for a silky smooth finish.

Red Velvet Donuts Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for my Red Velvet Donuts?
Absolutely! When it comes to selecting your ingredients, use fresh, room temperature eggs for better mixing. Your buttermilk should also be fresh, and using quality Dutch process cocoa powder will give you that rich flavor. For the red food coloring, gel forms are more concentrated than liquid and will provide a vibrant hue.

What’s the best way to store my Red Velvet Donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent the icing from sticking, place parchment paper between layers. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate the donuts wrapped tightly for up to a week, but remember to allow them to reach room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze Red Velvet Donuts?
Absolutely! These delightful donuts can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each iced donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

What should I do if my donuts turn out too dry?
If your donuts come out dry, it might be due to overbaking or measuring the flour incorrectly. Be sure to use the spoon-and-level method for flour, and keep an eye on the baking time. If you find yourself in this situation again, you can serve the donuts with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of warm cream cheese icing for extra moisture!

Are these Red Velvet Donuts suitable for people with allergies?
It’s important to note that this recipe contains gluten and dairy. If you have gluten allergies, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk and add a teaspoon of vinegar, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing.

What are some alternative ingredients I can use in this recipe?
Very! You can easily customize your Red Velvet Donuts by substituting the cream cheese icing with a vanilla glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Additionally, feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips to the batter or experiment with natural food coloring for a healthier option!