Start your day with a deliciously sweet breakfast treat that combines the signature flavors of red velvet cake and the comforting texture of a baked donut. These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are topped with a creamy cream cheese icing and decorated with festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles, making them the perfect morning indulgence. Best of all, they are ready in just 30 minutes, so you can enjoy them in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Quick and Easy: The donuts come together in just 30 minutes, and there’s no need for an electric mixer. Simply mix the ingredients, bake, and top with a sweet icing.

• Soft and Tender Texture: The donuts are moist and fluffy, with a light and airy texture that’s perfectly complemented by the tangy cream cheese icing.

• Signature Red Velvet Flavor: These donuts have that unmistakable red velvet flavor—subtly cocoa-rich and slightly tangy, with the addition of buttermilk for that signature twist.

• Perfect for Special Occasions: With their rich red color and festive look, these donuts are ideal for Valentine’s Day or any celebration. Add some sprinkles, and you’re all set to impress!

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 4 drops red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• ½ cup (113 g or 4 oz) cream cheese, room temperature

• ¼ cup (30 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted

• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

• Valentine’s Day sprinkles for decoration

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut tin with butter or nonstick spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg and sugar until well combined. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then stir in the red food coloring.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

5. Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full using a spoon or piping bag. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

6. Allow the donuts to cool for a couple of minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. For the icing, microwave the cream cheese in a shallow bowl on 50% power, stirring every 15 seconds until soft. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of cream or milk.

8. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the icing and sprinkle with Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 8 donuts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Cooling Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Different Icing: Not a fan of cream cheese icing? Try a simple vanilla glaze instead. Combine 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons cream or milk for a smooth glaze. Alternatively, you could make a chocolate glaze for an extra indulgent treat.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey surprise in each bite.

• Mini Donut Holes: Use a mini muffin pan to make donut holes. Fill each cup two-thirds full and bake for 6-7 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the icing intact, place parchment paper between layers of donuts.

• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled donuts on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. Once the icing has hardened, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes, you can, but Dutch-process cocoa powder provides a smoother flavor and works better in this recipe with baking powder.

2. How do I make my own buttermilk?

To make a substitute, add 1 ½ teaspoons of white vinegar to a measuring cup and fill with milk until you reach ½ cup. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before using.

3. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a donut pan?

Yes, you can, but your donuts will be more like muffins. If you prefer donut shapes, using a donut pan is best.

4. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Top with icing just before serving.

5. What’s the best way to measure the flour?

The most accurate way is by weighing the flour with a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

6. How can I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Grease the donut pan well with butter or nonstick spray, or use parchment paper liners if preferred.

7. Can I add nuts to the donut batter?

Yes, you can! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans will give your donuts extra texture and flavor.

8. Can I use a different kind of frosting?

Certainly! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a chocolate glaze, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter option.

9. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, simply use a spoon to transfer the batter into the donut pan.

10. How long will these donuts stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you freeze them, they last up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Baked Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect breakfast treat for any special occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. With their soft and tender texture, subtle red velvet flavor, and sweet cream cheese icing, they’ll be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy these indulgent donuts in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a sweet breakfast, these donuts are sure to brighten your day.