Indulge in the irresistible charm of these homemade Red Velvet Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting. A beloved classic reimagined, these donuts are not just visually stunning with their rich, deep red hue, but also promise an explosion of flavor and an incredibly moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Smothered generously with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they represent the ultimate pairing of flavors and textures, making them an instant favorite for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, planning a festive holiday brunch, or simply craving a delectable treat, these red velvet donuts are guaranteed to spread joy. The harmonious blend of subtle cocoa notes and the characteristic tang of red velvet cake, perfectly complemented by the rich, sweet, and slightly tart cream cheese frosting, creates a dessert experience that is truly “out-of-this-world.” They are a delightful deviation from traditional donuts, offering a sophisticated yet comforting taste that will have everyone asking for more. Looking for more delightful baked goods? Explore our other favorites like the Delectable Glazed Blueberry Donuts and the playful Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts!
The Irresistible Allure of Red Velvet
Doesn’t the name ‘Red Velvet’ itself sound utterly captivating and luxurious? It conjures images of richness, elegance, and indulgence, almost like a culinary aphrodisiac that tempts the senses. This iconic flavor profile, steeped in Southern tradition, is more than just a cake; it’s a dessert philosophy. What makes red velvet truly special is its unique balance: a subtle hint of cocoa, often enhanced by a touch of vinegar or buttermilk, which reacts to create that signature tender “velvet” texture and deep red color. Historically, this reaction was responsible for the reddish hue, though modern recipes frequently use food coloring to achieve the vibrant, eye-catching shade we all recognize and love.
There’s an undeniable obsession that comes with the rich, dark red color of these donuts. It’s a color that signifies passion, celebration, and pure decadence. And for those who might not know, a delightful secret of red velvet cake (and by extension, these donuts) is that chocolate is indeed one of its main ingredients. It’s not an overtly chocolatey flavor, but rather a subtle undertone that provides depth and complexity, distinguishing red velvet from a simple vanilla or chocolate cake. This delicate cocoa presence is key to its distinctive taste, making it wonderfully complex yet universally appealing.
Baked Perfection: Moist & Delicious Donuts
While the enchanting cream cheese frosting certainly elevates these baked red velvet donuts to an extraordinary level, it’s worth noting that the donuts themselves are exceptionally moist and flavorful even without it. Baking them instead of frying results in a lighter texture, a healthier option, and a wonderfully soft crumb that’s absolutely yummy on its own. The cake mix base contributes to their inherent tenderness and makes the preparation process remarkably simple, proving that deliciousness doesn’t always require complex steps.
However, for the ultimate experience, you simply *must* try them with the luscious cream cheese frosting. The pairing of red velvet and cream cheese is an unbeatable, iconic combination for a reason. The tangy sweetness of the frosting cuts through the richness of the red velvet, creating a symphony of flavors that is truly addictive. This dynamic duo is a match made in dessert heaven, delivering a taste sensation that will indeed make your eyes roll back in your head with pure bliss. It’s a flavor profile so captivating, it might just transport you to a state of pure culinary ecstasy!
Why These Red Velvet Cake Donuts Are a Must-Try
These Red Velvet Cake Donuts aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. Here’s why they deserve a top spot on your baking list:
- Effortless Elegance: Using a red velvet cake mix streamlines the baking process, making these gourmet-looking donuts accessible to bakers of all skill levels. You get sophisticated results without the fuss.
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The classic pairing of red velvet’s subtle cocoa and tender crumb with the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting is simply divine. It’s a flavor profile that evokes comfort and celebration.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Baked to perfection, these donuts achieve an incredibly moist and soft consistency that truly lives up to the “velvet” in their name. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly donuts!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: From a special holiday like Valentine’s Day or Christmas to a weekend brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts fit seamlessly into any event. Their vibrant color makes them a festive centerpiece.
- Healthier Baked Option: Opting for baked over fried means you can enjoy this indulgent treat with a little less guilt. They offer all the flavor without the excess oil.
Essential Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Donuts
For the Red Velvet Cake Donuts
- Red Velvet Dry Cake Mix: This is your secret weapon for speed and convenience. Choose your favorite brand for consistent results and that signature red velvet flavor.
- Buttermilk or Milk of Choice: Buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps achieve the tender texture characteristic of red velvet. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Canola Oil: This ingredient contributes to the donuts’ incredible moisture, ensuring they stay tender and delicious.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, giving structure to your donuts and contributing to their rich texture.
For the Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
(Alternatively, you can use a tub of store-bought cream cheese frosting for a quick shortcut!)
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting. This provides richness and body.
- Cream Cheese: Also softened, full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and creamy consistency that perfectly balances sweetness with a slight tang.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This provides the sweetness and creates the smooth, velvety texture essential for frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding warmth and depth to the frosting.
- Optional: Sprinkles: For a festive touch, sprinkles add a pop of color and fun!
How to Make Your Delicious Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
This recipe yields approximately 12 delightful donuts or a combination of 6 donuts and 20 to 24 adorable “donut holes,” perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself.
Step-by-Step for Red Velvet Baked Donuts
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare your donut pan(s) and/or mini muffin pan(s) by lightly spraying them with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your donuts come out perfectly. Set the prepared pans aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry red velvet cake mix, buttermilk (or your chosen milk substitute), canola oil, and eggs. Stir these ingredients together until they are just mixed and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag for easy and clean dispensing. If you don’t have a piping bag, a large zippered plastic bag with one corner snipped off will work just as well. This method helps create uniformly shaped donuts.
- Carefully pipe the batter into the greased donut cavities or mini muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Avoid overfilling, as the donuts will rise during baking, and overfilled cavities can result in uneven shapes or overflowing batter.
- Bake for approximately 11-14 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut (or donut hole) comes out clean, and the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for just a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, gently run a knife around the edges of each donut to help release them from the pan.
- Carefully transfer the donuts to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. It’s essential that they are fully cooled before you apply the frosting, otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.
If Using Store-Bought Cream Cheese Frosting
- If your store-bought frosting is too stiff, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it to a spreadable consistency. Feel free to stir in a tiny bit of milk or water (a teaspoon at a time) to achieve your desired frosting consistency for spreading or drizzling.
Making the Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
- Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it is fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy. Beating on low speed prevents a cloud of sugar from enveloping your kitchen! Once smooth, beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, use a spoon or a small spatula to dollop and spread the frosting generously over each donut. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle with your favorite colorful sprinkles, add icing drizzles, or press in some mini chocolate chips before the frosting sets.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cake Donuts Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality red velvet donuts at home is simpler than you think with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of cake mix remain.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are perfectly softened. This is key to achieving a smooth, lump-free, and easily spreadable frosting.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue here! Frosting warm donuts will result in a melted, runny mess. Allow them to cool entirely on a wire rack.
- Use a Piping Bag for Clean Application: For perfectly shaped donuts without sticky fingers, a piping bag (or a sturdy zippered bag with a corner snipped) makes filling the donut pan quick and clean.
- Customize Your Toppings: While sprinkles are classic, feel free to experiment with mini chocolate chips, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder for different looks and flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are versatile enough for any occasion. Serve them:
- As a Decadent Breakfast or Brunch Item: Pair with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful start to your day.
- For Dessert: They make a lighter alternative to cake, perfect after a meal or for an afternoon sweet craving.
- As Edible Gifts: Package a few in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade present for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
- For Parties and Gatherings: Their vibrant color and popular flavor make them a hit at any celebration.
Still craving more baked donut deliciousness? We can never say no to donuts! Don’t miss out on our other favorites, including these incredibly easy 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Donut Muffins, the light and airy Glazed Fluffy Chocolate Donuts, and the ever-popular Oreo Chocolate Cake Donuts!
These delightful Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting absolutely need to be on your dessert menu. Their delicious taste and easy preparation make them a must-have in your life. Don’t forget to check out these amazing Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts for another fantastic treat!
Here’s the complete red velvet donut recipe for you to enjoy!
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Red Velvet Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting
By Kim Lange
These ‘out-of-this-world’ super moist red velvet cake donuts are smothered with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special moment!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 11-14 mins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: Nutritional information not provided.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake Donuts
- 2 ⅔ cup Red Velvet dry cake mix
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 2 eggs
Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting (or Use a Tub of Cream Cheese Frosting)
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (Optional)
Instructions
Red Velvet Donuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Spray a donut pan and/or mini muffin pan with cooking spray, then set aside.
In a medium bowl, add dry cake mix, buttermilk, canola oil, and eggs. Stir these ingredients together until just well mixed, avoiding overmixing.
Spoon the batter mixture into a piping bag or a large zippered plastic bag with a small corner cut off for easy piping.
Pipe the batter into the greased donut pan and fill the donut or mini muffin cups approximately ⅔ full.
Bake for approximately 11-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the donuts are set.
Let cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, gently run a knife around the edges of each donut to pop them out of the pan.
Place the baked donuts on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
If Using Already Prepared Frosting from the Tub
If the frosting needs to be softened, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can add a little milk or water (a teaspoon at a time) for different consistencies if desired.
If You Are Making the Homemade Frosting
Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Once the donuts are cool, use a spoon or spatula to dollop and spread frosting on them. Garnish with sprinkles, icing drizzles, or chocolate chips if desired.
Notes
This recipe makes 12 donuts, or 6 donuts and 20 to 24 “donut holes” if using a mini muffin pan for the donut holes.
Keyword: baked donuts, breakfast, donuts, red velvet, cream cheese frosting, dessert
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