Baked Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze

Shopping List and Ingredient Notes

All-Purpose Flour: Measure the flour correctly using a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the donuts rise and creates a light and fluffy texture.

Cocoa Powder: This is part of the red velvet flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder to add depth and richness to the donuts.

Buttermilk: This tangy dairy product is essential for creating moist and tender donuts. If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice.

Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Granulated Sugar: This will add sweetness to the donuts. You can use white or cane sugar.

White Vinegar: This interacts with the baking soda to help the donuts rise even more.

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the donut batter.

Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and helps create a soft texture.

Eggs: These will help bind the ingredients together and structure the donuts.

Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for a richer, more indulgent taste. If you only have salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe.

Natural Red Food Coloring: This gives the donuts their red hue. I like to use natural food coloring. However, they will come out less vibrant red. I’ll add one drop of regular red food coloring to deepen the color. You can use liquid or gel food coloring; add it gradually until you get your desired shade.

Directions

These donuts are easy to make. Here are the step-by-step instructions, which you can also find in the recipe card below, along with the measurements.

Combine the dry ingredients and give them a gentle whisk. 

Combine the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and vinegar in a liquid measuring cup.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated, and brown sugar in a medium bowl until fluffy.

Alternate the dry and liquid ingredients. I do half and half while adding red food coloring in between. 

Add the red food coloring while mixing the dry and wet ingredients with the butter.

Mix just until combined, and the donuts have a deep red color.

Add a pastry bag into a glass to fill with batter. 

Pipe the batter into the donut pan about 3/4 of the way full.

Bake at 350F for about 9 minutes until the donuts are set and spring back when touched.

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Quick Cream Cheese Glaze 

You can whip this glaze up in minutes; it’s so simple! The donuts are sweet with a glaze, so I like to dip each of them into the glaze and then add sprinkles.

This recipe includes cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and milk. 

You’ll simply whip the ingredients until smooth with a glue-like texture.

The full recipe is in the recipe card below. 

Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Be sure to measure your ingredients correctly for accurate results.
• Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for better texture.
• Only mix until the ingredients are combined; don’t overmix the batter.
• Use a piping or ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to fill the donut cavities in your pan evenly.
• Place a silicone pan on top of a baking sheet for stability and easy removal from the oven. 

Recipe Variations

Add chocolate chips or sprinkles to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Top the donuts with cream cheese frosting, white chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

For a healthier option, you can replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour. The flavor will be different, but it’s a healthier option.

Want a different shape? Use a standard donut pan or make them into mini-donuts using a mini muffin tin. 

Storage and Freezing

How to Store 

Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to stay fresher longer, place them in the fridge for up to 4 days, but let them come to room temperature before eating. 

How to Freeze

If you want to keep them longer, place the donuts in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature.

Freeze without the glaze and make the glaze the day you want to serve the donuts.

Serving Tips

What To Serve with Baked Donuts

You can enjoy these donuts as is, but if you want to dress them up even more, here are some ideas:

• Serve with a side of fresh berries or fruit for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
• Add a scoop of ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
• A warm cup of coffee or tea goes perfectly with these sweet treats.

When to Serve Baked Donuts

These heart-shaped red velvet baked donuts are perfect for any time of day! They make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. You can also serve them on special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or birthdays.