Classic Red Velvet cake transformed into donuts / doughnuts with a sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese glaze
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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.
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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.
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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!
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- 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:
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
Jelli -
Kelly, these look so pretty I don’t even know if I could eat them .Yum!
Kelly -
That’s so sweet of you to say, thanks so much Jelli:) Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker -
Donuts look yummy Kelly! Just in time for valentines day!!
Kelly -
Thanks so much Layla! Hope you have a great rest of the week 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com -
Yum! I’m loving all the festive toppings 😀
Kelly -
Thanks so much my friend 🙂
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes -
Oh gosh Kelly, not only are these adorable but they look delicious! I love a great baked doughnut and for 175 calories each I would be digging in!
Kelly -
Thanks so much Jessica, so glad you like these:) Hope you have an awesome rest of the week sweetie 🙂
Juliana -
Oh Kelly, these donuts look so cute…I love the vibrant color and they are sure perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Thanks for the recipe and hope you are enjoying your week 😀
Kelly -
Thanks so much Juliana 🙂 Hope you enjoy the rest of the week too 🙂