If you’re craving something decadently delightful that’s sure to impress, you’re going to love this Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and loaded with that classic red velvet flavor, crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. I absolutely love how these turn out every time — plus, they’re quick to whip up and totally worth every bite. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through each step so you get perfect donuts every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You won’t believe how fast these baked donuts come together—perfect for a spontaneous treat or last-minute dessert.
- Moist & Fluffy Texture: The buttermilk and cocoa blend create a dreamy, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: This frosting is silky and just sweet enough to complement the donuts without overpowering them.
- Foolproof for Beginners: I once struggled with frying donuts, but baking these made it so much easier—no messy oil and less fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that iconic red velvet flavor and a frosting that’s both creamy and dreamy. When shopping, I always make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are super soft—it makes mixing a breeze and the frosting smooth as silk.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that keeps these donuts tender yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth that’s essential for authentic red velvet flavor.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Gives a touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking Powder: Helps your donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
- Buttermilk: This is the secret to tender, moist donuts and mild tang.
- Butter (melted and soft): Provides richness and helps with texture—just don’t skip softening the frosting butter!
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with aromatic sweetness.
- Egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Red Food Coloring: For that vibrant, eye-catching red velvet color—use your favorite kind, gel or liquid.
- Cream Cheese (very soft): The star of the frosting, giving it that dreamy tang and creaminess.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (sifted): Ensures your frosting is smooth and lump-free.
- Milk: Adds just enough moisture to get the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or who I’m serving. You should definitely play around with flavors and textures to find what suits your taste buds best.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in a gluten-free baking flour blend before, and the donuts were just as fluffy and delicious, perfect for friends who avoid gluten.
- Spiced Twist: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the batter for an unexpected warm kick that my family totally digs.
- Frosting Flavors: Try mixing a little maple syrup or orange zest into the cream cheese frosting for a fresh twist that’s surprisingly addictive.
- Chocolate Drizzle: I drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the frosting for a festive look and extra richness.
How to Make Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, cocoa powder, dark brown sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. I like to sift the cocoa and baking powder together first—the lumps are the enemy of smooth donuts! Get comfortable mixing because this is where your donut’s structure begins to form.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, egg, and red food coloring until smooth and well combined. I always use room temperature eggs here—it helps to avoid any curdling when blending wet and dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry – Don’t Overmix!
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined. You’ll want to stop once you see no more streaks of flour—overmixing can make donuts dense, and nobody wants that. The batter will be thick but scoopable.
Step 4: Fill Your Donut Pan and Bake
Grease your donut pan really well—I like to use a thin layer of melted butter or a baking spray with flour. Spoon the batter into each cavity, about 3/4 full. This helps the donuts rise perfectly without overflowing. Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for roughly 10 minutes, until the tops spring back when touched.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the donuts are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until super smooth using a hand mixer. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Finally, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until your frosting is creamy and spreadable. My best tip? Make sure both butter and cream cheese are REALLY soft or it’ll be lumpy!
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy!
Once your donuts are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few festive red or white sprinkles, or even some crushed nuts for a little texture. Then, get ready to enjoy—you deserve it!
Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are softened to get a smooth batter and frosting without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir gently and just enough to combine dry and wet ingredients for light, fluffy donuts.
- Fill Donut Pan Properly: Filling cavities ¾ full prevents overflow and uneven shapes.
- Cool Donuts Completely Before Frosting: Warm donuts will melt your frosting and make a mess—patience pays off!
How to Serve Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I like keeping it simple with red and white sprinkles for a festive look, but sometimes I top the frosting with a light dusting of cocoa powder or even some finely chopped toasted pecans. It adds a little crunch and makes the donuts look super inviting.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte. If it’s a brunch occasion, I love serving them alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness and keep things fresh on the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged them on tiered dessert trays with edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. You can also stack them into a donut cake and drizzle extra frosting or chocolate on top for a fun twist that steals the show at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you don’t gobble all the donuts at once (which I totally understand if you do!), store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
I often freeze unfrosted donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I want a treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and add frosting fresh—they taste almost as good as newly baked!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, fluffy quality without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I fry these red velvet donuts instead of baking?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for baking, you can fry the batter in hot oil for a more traditional donut texture. Just be mindful that frying takes a bit more skill to avoid greasy or unevenly cooked donuts. Start with a small batch to get the timing right.
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What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It works just as well to tenderize and add tang to your donuts.
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How much red food coloring should I use?
This recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of red food coloring which gives that classic vibrant red. You can adjust slightly depending on your preference or the type of food coloring—gel varieties tend to be more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
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Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the frosting up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge; just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before spreading to make it smooth again.
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How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being too runny?
If your frosting gets too runny, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar to thicken it. Also, avoid adding too much milk at once; add gradually to control the consistency perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I make these red velvet donuts with cream cheese frosting, I’m reminded of cozy mornings and smiles all around the kitchen table. This recipe is a keeper because it’s simple, failsafe, and delivers a show-stopping treat everyone loves. Give it a try like you’d share a secret with your best friend—you’ll be so proud of how amazing your homemade donuts turn out, and I can’t wait to hear how you make them your own!
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Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 baked donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and tender Red Velvet Donuts, baked to perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or an indulgent snack, these donuts combine the rich flavor of cocoa with the classic red velvet taste, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose baking flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 ounces cream cheese, VERY soft
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, VERY soft
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose baking flour, cocoa powder, dark brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined. This dry mixture forms the base of your donut batter, ensuring even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, pure vanilla extract, egg, and red food coloring. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and uniform, which helps activate the cocoa and enhances the rich red color of the donuts.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in denser donuts. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Preheat and Prepare the Donut Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow expansion while baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when lightly pressed, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the very soft cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the pure vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar, then continue to beat until fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk, as needed, to reach a spreadable texture.
- Frost the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the top of each donut. Decorate as desired or leave plain for a classic look.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for a smooth and creamy frosting consistency.
- Filling donut cavities about three-quarters full prevents overflow and ensures even baking.
- Allow donuts to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- For a deeper red color, ensure you use good-quality red food coloring and consider using gel-based coloring for more vibrant results.
- Store donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting and consume within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
