Ah, Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze – the mere mention brings up fond memories of cozy afternoons spent baking in my kitchen. There’s something irresistibly charming about these little beauties. Their vibrant red hue always makes them a hit, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. The soft, baked texture paired with a luscious cream cheese glaze is pure joy, and every time I whip them up, I can’t help but feel a bit giddy, like a kid with a fresh batch of cookies!
I’ll never forget the first time I made these donuts. I had a craving for something sweet, and my usual chocolate fix just wouldn’t do. I stumbled upon a recipe for red velvet donuts, and the rest is history! Now, it’s become a family favorite, and I often find my friends hovering around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for the warm, fragrant batch to come out. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Red Velvet Donuts!
What’s in Red Velvet Donuts?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our donut. It’s essential for achieving that tender, cakey texture. I like to use organic all-purpose flour for a cleaner taste, but any standard brand will do!
Cocoa Powder: Just a touch of cocoa adds depth to the flavor without overpowering the red velvet character. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa for its smoothness.
Sugar: We need sweetness! Granulated sugar ensures our donuts come out perfectly sweet and delightful.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents are essential for giving our donuts a light, airy lift. Freshness is key, so check the expiration dates!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the red velvet flavor beautifully. If you’re out, you can make a quick substitute with milk and lemon juice.
Egg: The binding agent that helps hold everything together and adds richness.
Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter keeps the donuts tender and moist. I usually opt for canola or sunflower oil.
Red Food Coloring: The star of the show! This gives our donuts that signature red color. Gel food coloring is my go-to for a vibrant result.
Cream Cheese: For the glaze! Cream cheese adds that classic tangy flavor that pairs so divinely with red velvet.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetness, here we come! This will make our glaze perfectly smooth and sweet.
Is Red Velvet Donuts Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a moment. While Red Velvet Donuts are undeniably delicious, we have to recognize that they’re more of a treat than a health food.
Buttermilk: Thanks to its probiotics, using buttermilk can aid digestion—a small win in the health department!
Cocoa Powder: It contains antioxidants, which means you’re getting a bit of a nutritional boost. Who knew indulging could have a silver lining?
Of course, these donuts do contain sugar and carbs, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. They’re perfect for that special brunch or a sweet pick-me-up, but let’s not forget that balance is key.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– 4 oz cream cheese (for the glaze)
– 2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
This recipe yields about 12 delightful donuts!
How to Make Red Velvet Donuts?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. If you don’t have one, you can always use a muffin tin for donut-shaped muffins!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, oil, and red food coloring until smooth. Like a beautiful red velvet painting!
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those donuts fluffy.
5. Using a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with one corner snipped off, fill each donut mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the cream cheese glaze, beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and a splash of milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
9. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled donuts and watch the magic happen.
10. Dig in and enjoy every sweet, soft bite!
Serving Suggestions and Sweet Tips!
Transform your donut experience! Serve your Red Velvet Donuts with a sprinkling of crushed nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for a little extra flair. You could also pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a nice hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.
In terms of variations, feel free to fold in chocolate chips for an added layer of sweetness. Or leave off the glaze for a slightly less indulgent yet still delicious donut!
Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family, or better yet, surprise them with these charming donuts for a weekend breakfast. And remember, life is too short not to enjoy a donut (or two). Happy baking, friends!