There’s something undeniably indulgent about red velvet—the rich cocoa flavor, the striking red hue, and the luxurious cream cheese frosting. Now, imagine all that goodness in the form of soft, fluffy Red Velvet Donuts! Whether you’re a fan of classic red velvet cake or just love a good donut, this recipe is a must-try. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these baked (or fried) donuts are moist, tender, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Donuts
✔ Perfect Texture – Soft, cakey, and just the right amount of sweetness.
✔ Striking Color – The deep red hue makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.
✔ Creamy Frosting – A tangy cream cheese glaze balances the cocoa flavor.
✔ Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed—just a donut pan or a deep fryer.
✔ Versatile – Enjoy them baked (healthier) or fried (extra indulgent).
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk*
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel works best)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed pecans or walnuts
- Sprinkles
- White chocolate drizzle
- Red velvet crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, beat sugars, egg, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.
4. Make the Batter
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon batter into a piping bag (or Ziploc with a corner cut) and pipe into the donut molds, filling ¾ full.
6. Bake
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle on top.
8. Add Toppings (Optional)
- Sprinkle with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or white chocolate while the glaze is still wet.
Alternative: Fried Red Velvet Donuts
For a richer, more traditional donut texture:
- Heat vegetable oil (350°F/175°C) in a deep pot.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls (or use a donut cutter).
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels, then glaze.
Serving Suggestions
☕ With Coffee – Perfect for a morning treat.
🍓 With Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast.
🍫 With Chocolate Drizzle – For extra decadence.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Donuts
✔ Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red color.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter to keep them tender.
✔ Let glaze set before stacking donuts.
✔ Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Donuts are a delightful twist on the classic cake, combining the best of both worlds—fluffy donut texture and rich red velvet flavor. Whether baked or fried, they’re sure to be a hit at brunch, parties, or as a sweet indulgence any day of the week.