Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Name: Baked Red Velvet Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract); 5-6 drops red food coloring (I used the gel kind); 1 egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; ½ cup buttermilk; 1¼ teaspoons distilled white vinegar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 3 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Breakfast Desserts Donuts and Scones Valentine's Day

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Bursting with rich chocolate flavor and topped with cream cheese frosting, these Baked Red Velvet Donuts are fit for the ultimate red velvet lover!

I’m a huge lover of anything red velvet flavored. From ice cream (have you tried Ben & Jerry’s Red Velvet Cake flavor?) to cookies and cake, I’m all about it. And those Red Velvet Oreos that are coming out? I can’t wait to try them!

So it seemed rather appropriate that I whip up some Baked Red Velvet Donuts. Bursting with a rich chocolate flavor and cream cheese frosting, these donuts are fit for the ultimate red velvet lover.

Not only are these Baked Red Velvet Donuts light and fluffy, they’re also slightly healthier than the fried versions. These donuts are also the perfect excuse to have some dessert for breakfast!

So if you’re thinking of impressing that special Valentine this year or are just crazy over red velvet foods like me, try out these donuts! Guaranteed to be a Valentine’s favorite for years to come!

Ingredients for Baked Red Velvet Donuts

This recipe makes flavorful baked caked donuts. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Vanilla bean paste or extract
Red food coloring
Egg
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder and baking soda
Buttermilk
Distilled white vinegar

Can the Vinegar Be Omitted?

There’s just 1 1/4 teaspoons vinegar used in this recipe, so I understand if you don’t want to buy a big bottle for such a small amount.

However, the vinegar and buttermilk combined with the cocoa powder are what give these donuts that classic red velvet flavor! So, no, I don’t recommend omitting it if possible.

How to Make Red Velvet Donuts

And like most of my recipes, these red velvet cake donuts are incredibly easy to make!

Simply mix your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and then combine.
The easiest way to fill the donut pan is to pour the filling into a large ziplock bag and then snip the bottom corner off. That way, you can pipe the mixture into each mold without making a mess with the spoon method.
Pop ’em into the oven and you’re just minutes away from red velvet perfection.

These Baked Red Velvet Donuts come out soft, fluffy, and full of chocolate flavor. Once they have cooled, whip up the delectable cream cheese frosting and prepare to be wowed.

How to Store Red Velvet Donuts

Once frosted, you’ll need to store the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge. However, that will dry out the donuts quicker.

Instead, I recommend storing any unfrosted donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and storing the frosting in the fridge. The donuts will last up to five days, and you can frost them fresh each day!

Can Baked Donuts Be Frozen?

Yes! Any unfrosted red velvet cake donuts can be frozen for up to three months. The frosting can also be frozen for the same length of time in a separate container.

Tips for Making Red Velvet Cake Donuts

I recommend using a silicone donut pan, if you have one. That makes it easier to pop the donuts out of the pan.
Let the donuts cool completely before frosting them. Otherwise the frosting will melt off.
You’re welcome to skip the cream cheese frosting, if desired. A dusting of powdered sugar would also be tasty!

Looking for more red velvet recipes? I’ve got you covered!

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