Name: Baked Red Velvet Donuts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 4 drops red food coloring; ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1–2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk; Valentine’s Day sprinkles (or any preferred topping)

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Short description

I created these luscious baked red velvet donuts topped with a velvety cream cheese icing. They’re ready in just 30 minutes and bring the signature mild cocoa flavor and subtle tang, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy this recipe is—it comes together in just 30 minutes without needing an electric mixer. The cake-style donuts are soft, tender, and have that classic red velvet taste thanks to cocoa and buttermilk. The cream cheese icing melts over each donut beautifully, adding just the right sweetness and tang.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 drops red food coloring

Glaze

½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
Valentine’s Day sprinkles (or any preferred topping)

directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F and grease a donut pan.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the egg and sugar until combined. Add buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and food coloring.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined.
Fill donut cavities about three-quarters full, bake for 8–10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
For the icing: soften cream cheese in the microwave, then whisk in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Add cream or milk to reach dipping consistency.
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze; top with sprinkles and set aside to firm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 donuts.

Prep time: ~5 minutes
Bake time: 8–10 minutes
Cooling & glazing: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Icing swap: I sometimes use a vanilla or chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese.
Add-ins: I like mixing in ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking for extra richness.
Mini version: I bake them as donut holes in a mini muffin pan, which takes about 6–7 minutes per batch.

storage/reheating

I store these at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment between layers to protect the glaze. For longer storage, I flash-freeze them, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, I thaw them in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this without a donut pan?

Yes—I sometimes bake this in a muffin tin, filling cups two-thirds full and baking at 350 °F for 16–18 minutes instead of 8–10 minutes.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

I make my own substitute by adding 1½ teaspoons of white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 10 minutes.

What makes red velvet red velvet?

It’s the mild cocoa flavor, sweetness, and subtle tang from buttermilk or vinegar, along with the red food coloring and cream cheese icing that define red velvet.

Can I use natural cocoa instead of Dutch-process?

Yes—though Dutch-process cocoa gives a smoother, richer flavor, natural cocoa can still work. I just expect a slightly different taste profile.

How do I avoid dry donuts?

I always weigh the flour for accuracy or use the spoon-and-level method, ensure ingredients are at room temperature, and take the donuts out of the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

These baked red velvet donuts are my go-to when I want a quick yet special treat. The cake-like texture, cream cheese icing, and that classic red velvet flavor make them irresistible. Whether I’m making them for brunch, a Valentine’s treat, or just snack time, they always hit the spot—and I know they’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face.