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:
Tamara Coleman -
Perfection! You had me at red velvet! 🙂
http://www.prettybitchescancooktoo.com
Kelly -
Thanks so much Tamara! Hope you have a great week 🙂
Maria -
Your donuts look so good, love the red velvet flavor in them, that sounds so delicious!!! And the glaze on top sounds so good!!!
Kelly -
Thanks so much Maria, so glad you like them! Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a wonderful week 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen -
These are darling, and I love the Valentines day theme! I especially love that you lightened them up – fantastic!
Kelly -
Thanks so much Kristi, so glad you like them 🙂 Hope you have a great week!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor -
Yes!!! I think you read my mind, Kelly! I’ve been thinking about red velvet donuts all weekend and couldn’t find a recipe that I loved. I am so glad that you shared these because I am making them very soon. Have a great week!
Kelly -
Hehe thanks Ashley 🙂 Yes, you must make them, you would love these! My husband asked me to make him another batch when we got home from the party and the flavors are spot on and they were so moist and light even on the next day. Can’t wait to see yours, they will look awesome! Hope you have a great week too girl 🙂
Katy -
Gorgeous photos, Kelly! Very bright and full of colour. I bet the birthday girl really liked these doughnuts, and I love all the things you added – from the coconut oil to the greek yogurt to the buttermilk – I bet those give a nice hidden tang which is necessary for doughnuts.
Kelly -
Thanks so much Katy, she really enjoyed them and asked me to make them for her again 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week!