Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Baked Red Velvet Donuts offer a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavor of red velvet cake in a healthier, fuss-free donut form. This recipe provides a satisfying treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up without the mess of frying.

Key Ingredients for Baked Red Velvet Donuts

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Get ready for a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat! These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are a breeze to whip up, boasting a tender crumb and that iconic red velvet flavor. In just under 30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, you’ll have warm, delicious donuts ready to be devoured. The easy process, combined with the rich, moist texture and a luscious cream cheese glaze, makes this recipe a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or two mini-muffin pans. If using a mini-muffin pan, and you prefer not to deal with greasing, you can use paper liners, though greasing often yields a crisper bottom.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure these ingredients are well combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, large egg, and vanilla extract. Once those are incorporated, add the red food coloring and stir until you achieve a vibrant, uniform red hue.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Add Vinegar: Gently stir in the white vinegar. You’ll notice a slight fizzing reaction, which is normal and helps activate the baking soda for a lighter texture. Mix until just incorporated.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. If you’re using a donut pan, a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off can make this step much cleaner and easier.
7. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your donut molds.
8. Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and allows them to firm up.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, make the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Glaze Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops of each donut into the cream cheese glaze. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Red Velvet Donuts

You’ll absolutely adore these Baked Red Velvet Donuts for their delightful charm and incredibly easy preparation. Unlike their fried counterparts, these baked beauties are a lighter indulgence, making you feel good about enjoying more than one! The vibrant red hue is instantly appealing, and the subtle cocoa notes perfectly complement the tangy, rich cream cheese glaze that’s the ultimate finishing touch, a perfect contrast to the moist cakey base.

Making these at home is not only cost-effective compared to store-bought or bakery versions, but it also allows you to customize the glaze and toppings to your heart’s content. Imagine a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings or a dusting of festive sprinkles – the possibilities are endless! If you’re a fan of classic red velvet cake, you’ll be captivated by how this recipe captures all those beloved flavors in a convenient, portable donut form, so go ahead and treat yourself to this wonderful homemade delight!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Baked Red Velvet Donuts:

• Room Temperature: Unfrosted or fully glazed donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage or if your donuts have a cream cheese glaze (which is best kept chilled), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: Baked donuts freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each cooled donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Baked Red Velvet Donuts:

• Room Temperature: If donuts are refrigerated, remove them from the container and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Oven (for slightly crisper texture): You can gently reheat unfrosted donuts in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. For glazed donuts, reheat very briefly for 2-3 minutes to warm them through without melting the glaze excessively.
• Microwave (use with caution): For a quick reheat, microwave an unfrosted donut on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious, as microwaves can sometimes make baked goods chewy. Glazed donuts are best not microwaved.
• From Frozen: Thaw frozen donuts overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can reheat them as described above if desired.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are a simple yet impressive way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Give them a try for a taste of homemade bliss that’s both easy and incredibly rewarding.