There’s something undeniably magical about red velvet. That rich, cocoa-infused flavor, the striking deep red hue, and the way it pairs so beautifully with tangy cream cheese it’s an irresistible combination. Now, imagine all of that goodness in a soft, pillowy baked donut that you can whip up in no time. Yes, we’re talking about baked red velvet donuts with cream cheese glaze, and trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for these!
These donuts are everything you love about red velvet cake but in a cute, handheld, and slightly less guilty form (hello, baked not fried!). They’re moist, tender, and coated in the dreamiest cream cheese glaze that drips beautifully over every bite. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a holiday spread, or just because you deserve something delicious, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Baked Red Velvet Donuts
Versatile: Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just a fun weekend bake, they’re perfect for any time of year.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have at home.
Quick and Easy: No fancy equipment or frying needed just mix, bake, and glaze!
Customizable: Love a little crunch? Add chopped nuts or sprinkles on top! Want extra chocolatey richness? Drizzle with melted chocolate.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients in Baked Red Velvet Donuts
All-Purpose Flour: The base for a soft, fluffy donut. If you want a lighter texture, you can sift it first.
Cocoa Powder: Just enough to give that signature red velvet taste. Go for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The perfect leavening duo to keep your donuts light and airy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts just right without overpowering them.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Buttermilk: The secret to ultra-moist and tender donuts with that classic red velvet tang.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the donuts structure.
Vanilla Extract: A must for adding depth to the flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender. You can use melted butter for a richer taste.
Red Food Coloring: For that iconic red velvet hue. Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant color.
Ingredients in Cream Cheese Glaze
Cream Cheese: The key to a rich and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with red velvet.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth glaze.
Milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency. Use more or less depending on your preference.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and red food coloring until well blended.
Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a pourable glaze.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let the glaze set before serving.
Serve and Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Red Velvet Donuts
With Coffee or Tea: The perfect companion for your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Dressed Up for the Holidays: Add festive sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for a seasonal touch.
As a Dessert Bar Favorite: Serve them alongside other sweet treats at a party or brunch.
With Ice Cream: A warm donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Absolute heaven.
Additional Tips
Use a Piping Bag: This makes filling the donut pan much easier and cleaner.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to dense donuts, so mix just until combined.
Glaze While They’re Slightly Warm: This helps the glaze set beautifully while keeping the donuts moist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week.
FAQ Section
Can I make these without a donut pan? Yes! Use a muffin tin and bake as donut muffins instead.
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed? Yes, but Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer color and smoother flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and glaze just before serving.
How do I get a deeper red color? Gel food coloring works best, as it’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring.
Can I substitute buttermilk? Yes, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
How do I make them more chocolatey? Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Can I freeze these donuts? Yes! Freeze them without the glaze for up to three months.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze? You can use a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract instead.
Can I make a vegan version? Yes! Use dairy-free milk with vinegar, flax egg, and vegan cream cheese.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
These baked red velvet donuts with cream cheese glaze are a true treat soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake up some magic!
Print
Baked Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are soft, chocolatey, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime. Made in a heart-shaped donut pan, these festive treats are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles
- Heart-shaped donut pan (optional but recommended!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the heart-shaped donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
4️⃣ Combine & Fill the Pan:
- Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix!).
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the heart-shaped donut pan, filling ¾ full.
5️⃣ Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
1️⃣ Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
2️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth, pourable glaze forms. (Add more milk if needed.)
Decorate the Donuts:
1️⃣ Dip cooled donuts into the cream cheese glaze, letting excess drip off.
2️⃣ Place on a wire rack and sprinkle immediately with Valentine’s Day sprinkles!
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g per donut
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg