Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hey, donut lovers! If you’ve ever thought, “I could really go for a treat that’s both indulgent and a little bit fancy,” then these Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are calling your name. Imagine the rich, velvety texture of a red velvet cake, but in donut form. Now top that with a decadent cream cheese frosting that’s tangy, sweet, and totally irresistible. Trust me, this dessert will leave you with a smile and probably a few crumbs to sweep up afterward.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe isn’t just about making donuts—it’s about making memories! Whether you’re baking these beauties for a brunch with friends, a fun family treat, or just because you deserve something delicious, these red velvet donuts are always a hit. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion. From a cozy weekend breakfast to a showstopper dessert at your next gathering, these donuts fit the bill for any event.
• Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy, hard-to-find ingredients! Red velvet is made with basic pantry staples, and this recipe proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious treat.
• Quick and Easy: No donut shop needed—these are made in your kitchen in no time. The steps are simple, and the results? Nothing short of amazing.
• Customizable: Want to switch up the frosting? You can! Try adding a little cocoa powder, or maybe even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel for extra flair.
• Crowd-Pleasing: If you love a treat that’s both sweet and a little tangy, these donuts are a crowd-pleaser. The cream cheese frosting balances perfectly with the soft, moist red velvet donut, and it’s a combo everyone can’t resist.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes these donuts a flavor-packed, creamy dream:

Flour

The base of our donut batter, providing that soft, pillowy texture we all crave in a good donut. Simple, but essential!

Sugar

For that perfect sweetness, sugar helps bring out the flavors of the cocoa and gives the donuts that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Baking Powder

This ingredient ensures our donuts rise to perfection, giving them a fluffy, airy texture that’s light and delightful.

Cocoa Powder

This is where that deep, rich red velvet flavor comes from. It adds a hint of chocolate that makes these donuts extra special.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk gives the donuts a tangy richness that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and frosting. It’s a key ingredient that gives the donuts their moist and tender crumb.

Eggs

They help bind everything together, contributing to the soft and fluffy texture of the donuts.

Butter

Buttery goodness is key here! It adds richness and flavor that makes these donuts irresistible.

Red Food Coloring

This is what gives our donuts that signature red velvet hue! A few drops turn ordinary donuts into a visually stunning treat.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla adds depth and warmth to the flavor, complementing the cocoa and buttermilk beautifully.

Cream Cheese

The star of the frosting! Cream cheese provides that smooth, tangy flavor that’s the perfect complement to the sweet donuts.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar ensures that your frosting is smooth and creamy, with just the right level of sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some donut magic? Let’s dive into the steps!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want to make sure it’s nice and hot, so the donuts bake evenly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. You’re looking for a smooth, vibrant mixture that smells like heaven.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This is where the magic happens—these dry ingredients bring together all the flavor you need!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix, so stop once you’ve got a smooth, lump-free batter.

Fill Your Donut Pan

Grease a donut pan and spoon the batter into the cavities, filling each about 2/3 full. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, but the shape will be different.

Bake the Donuts

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when they have a soft, slightly springy texture.

Cool and Frost

Once your donuts are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool, make your cream cheese frosting by mixing together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Frost and Serve

Once the donuts have cooled, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle a little extra cocoa powder or crushed nuts on top for added flair.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

These donuts are the perfect sweet treat for any time of day, and they pair well with just about anything! Here are a few ideas for serving:

• With Coffee or Tea: The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s a match made in heaven!
• For Brunch: Serve these donuts alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a brunch that feels both indulgent and balanced.
• On Their Own: These donuts are so flavorful and satisfying that they’re great as a standalone treat. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also works if you prefer a lighter frosting option.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make these donuts even better:

• Make Extra Frosting: If you love frosting, feel free to make a little extra and add more to each donut. You can never have too much cream cheese frosting!
• Swap the Frosting: If you’re not into cream cheese, you can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
• Store for Later: These donuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them (unfrosted) for up to 1 month—just thaw and frost when you’re ready to enjoy!
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the donuts dense, and we want them to be light and fluffy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the donuts in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

Q2: Can I freeze these donuts?
A2: Absolutely! Freeze the donuts (unfrosted) for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Q3: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A3: Buttermilk gives the donuts a rich, tangy flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Q4: Can I use a different frosting?
A4: Yes! You can use a simple glaze, chocolate frosting, or even whipped cream cheese frosting for a different twist.

Q5: How can I make these donuts more chocolatey?
A5: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for extra richness.

Q6: Can I make these donuts in a muffin tin instead?
A6: Yes, you can! If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin works perfectly. You’ll just have to bake them a little longer—check with a toothpick to make sure they’re cooked through.

Q7: How do I store the leftover donuts?
A7: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month.

Q8: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?
A8: Of course! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought cream cheese frosting can work just fine. However, homemade frosting adds an extra touch of love!

Q9: Can I add nuts or sprinkles on top of the frosting?
A9: Yes! Crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts, or colorful sprinkles, would add a fun texture and flavor to your donuts.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients, and you’ll have plenty of donuts to share (or not!).

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, they’re simple to make, full of flavor, and will have everyone asking for more. Light, fluffy, and topped with creamy frosting, these donuts are the perfect way to indulge in something a little extra special. Enjoy every bite, and remember—these donuts are always worth the effort!

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