Red velvet donuts are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, offering the same rich flavor and velvety texture in a fun, handheld treat. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. With their vibrant red color and luscious cream cheese glaze, they are not only delicious but also visually stunning. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make these delicious red velvet donuts at home, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Red Velvet Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two standard donut pans with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the donuts do not stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a uniform red color.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or a whisk to gently mix the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pans
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the donut pans in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove the pans from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the top of each donut into the cream cheese glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set. If desired, you can add sprinkles or other decorations while the glaze is still wet.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the red velvet donuts fresh, paired with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. These donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure and body for the donuts. It’s a versatile flour that works well in a variety of baking recipes, giving the donuts a tender and light texture.
Cocoa Powder
A small amount of cocoa powder is used to give the donuts their characteristic red velvet flavor. The cocoa adds a subtle chocolate note that complements the sweetness of the donuts and the tanginess of the cream cheese glaze.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang to the donut batter, enhancing the flavor and keeping the donuts tender. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Red Food Coloring
Red food coloring is what gives red velvet donuts their vibrant color. Liquid or gel food coloring can be used, but gel food coloring often provides a more intense color with less product.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the star of the glaze, providing a rich, creamy, and tangy topping that pairs perfectly with the sweet, fluffy donuts. Using softened cream cheese ensures that the glaze is smooth and easy to spread.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is used in the glaze to provide sweetness and a smooth texture. It dissolves easily, making it perfect for creating a pourable glaze that sets nicely on the donuts.
By following these steps and using these quality ingredients, you’ll be able to create delicious red velvet donuts that are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making these beautiful treats and share them with friends and family for any special occasion or just because! Happy baking!
