Classic Red Velvet cake transformed into donuts / doughnuts with a sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese glaze
They make a fun and festive treat and are also pretty easy to whip up since you don’t need your mixer.
I used melted coconut oil, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, and low-fat buttermilk to ensure that these donuts were moist and fluffy.
These donuts were a huge hit at the party and the birthday girl has already requested I make them again instead of cupcakes from now on.
The batter only makes about 7 donuts (my donut pan can only hold 6 so I poured the remaining batter in my single mini bundt cake pan).
The recipe can easily be doubled if you need to make more though.
If you are a fan of red velvet, these donuts would make the perfect treat!
Feel free to dress them up with some pink and red sprinkles or hearts ❤❤ and share them with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!
- 1 cup cake flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil melted and cooled (can also use melted butter)
- 2 tablespoons non-fat plain Greek yogurt can also use sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon red food coloring depending on how red you want the donuts I used 1/2 teaspoon of AmeriColor Super Red
- 1/3 cup cream cheese softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar or more depending on desired consistency
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or more depending on desired consistency
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Lightly spray donut pan with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a liquid measuring cup, pour in the buttermilk and whisk in egg, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract and distilled vinegar.
- Add the liquids to the flour mixture stirring with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Add red food coloring a little bit at a time while stirring until desired color has been reached.
- Using a small spoon fill each donut pan about 2/3 of the way full or you can transfer the donut batter to a ziplock or pastry bag and squeeze in. The batter was thick so I found using a spoon was easier.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and cool in pan for 5 minutes before moving to wire rack to cool completely before adding glaze.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and combined.
- Add vanilla extract then slowly add powdered sugar a little bit at a time, beating until smooth.
- Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency has been reached. Spread frosting on cooled donuts and add sprinkles if desired.
*The brand of food coloring you use will depend on how much you will need to reach the desired consistency. I used AmeriColor Super Red and added a about 1/2 teaspoon.br]
Adapted from: [How Sweet Eats
More Red Velvet Treats:
marcie -
These look amazing, Kelly, and I love that you lightened them up! That can never hurt. I love baked donuts so much and really want to do a red velvet recipe that won’t hurt the waistline. haha Thanks for linking up my red velvet brownies — that was so sweet! Happy Monday to you! 🙂
Kelly -
Thanks so much Marcie 🙂 My pleasure, your brownies looked amazing and I really want to try making them one day:) Hope you have a great week!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron -
I LOVE these Kelly! All of the colors and sprinkles are super fun and festive! I need to get a donut pan asap! Donuts at a birthday party sounds perfect! I know I’d rather have donuts than cupcakes:)
Kelly -
Thanks so much Chelsea 🙂 Yes, you will love the donut pan if you get it – they’re so much fun to make at home 🙂
Monica -
Looks so moist, pretty, and delicious, Kelly!! How sweet for Valentine’s Day and for a girl’s birthday! And I love that you lightened it up, too. Since I also hate to waste, I love that you filled the rest of the batter into the mini bundt. I really want some mini bundt pans! : )
PS – I can barely remember how many times I’ve had red velvet (rare)…I need to correct that!
Kelly -
Thanks Monica 🙂 I always seem to have leftover batter so I bought a variety of different mini pans at Hobby Lobby which are great 🙂
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com -
Red velvet is one of my all time favorite cake flavors – and in HEALTHY donut form – I don’t know what to say other than “Please pass me one PRONTO!” These look fabulous – and sound like I would have a hard time eating just one!
Kelly -
Thanks so much Shashi 🙂 Wish I could trade you some donuts for your honey oatmeal pancakes 🙂
Ashley -
Love these Kelly!! Especially since they are red velvet – my favorite! And so pretty too – I bet the birthday girl definitely enjoyed them! And those heart sprinkles are adorable!
Kelly -
Thanks Ashley 🙂 She did indeed and has asked me to make them again for the next party lol.