Decadent Red Velvet Donuts

Baked Red Velvet Donuts: A striking breakfast treat where the rich flavor of red velvet meets the delightful texture of baked donuts. Experience indulgence without the deep-fryer.

Craving more delightful baked donut creations? Explore our other popular recipes like these Baked Coconut Donuts or the seasonal favorite, Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze. Each offers a unique flavor profile, proving that homemade baked donuts are a versatile and delicious treat for any occasion.

Discovering the Joy of Baked Red Velvet Donuts

For a long time, I held a personal rule on my blog: to feature recipes that are accessible to everyone, requiring minimal specialized equipment. But sometimes, a recipe comes along that’s just too good to pass up, even if it breaks a rule or two. These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are precisely that exception. My journey to creating these vibrant, delicious treats began with a long-held desire and a serendipitous discovery.

I’ve always wanted an excuse to buy a donut pan. The idea of homemade donuts, especially the healthier baked variety, had a strong appeal. Then, while decluttering our spare room – preparing for a new baby, no less – I stumbled upon a forgotten gift card from two Christmases ago. It was the perfect sign! With a small, budget-friendly investment of about $10, I became the proud owner of a donut pan, eager to explore the world of baked delights.

Why Baked Donuts Are a Game Changer

As a devoted donut lover, I cherish them as a rare indulgence. Historically, making donuts at home often meant deep-frying, which can be messy, time-consuming, and less-than-ideal for everyday enjoyment. My initial skepticism about baked donuts was palpable; could they truly capture the essence of their fried counterparts? While I wouldn’t claim they are *exactly* the same as a fried donut – after all, a baked good offers a different texture profile – I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully donut-like these red velvet creations turned out to be!

Baked donuts offer several compelling advantages. They are considerably lighter and less greasy, making them a “healthier” option you can enjoy more frequently without guilt. The baking process is also far less intimidating than deep-frying, eliminating the need for large quantities of hot oil and the associated cleanup. This means you can whip up a batch for breakfast or a sweet snack with relative ease. For busy mornings or a quick dessert, the convenience of a baked donut recipe is unmatched. These Red Velvet Donuts prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for simplicity or a lighter treat. The rich, subtle chocolate notes and the iconic red hue are perfectly preserved, offering a satisfying experience that truly tastes like a donut.

Essential Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Baked Donuts

To ensure your Baked Red Velvet Donuts turn out beautifully, here are a few key insights gleaned from my own baking experience:

1. Dough Consistency: You’ll notice the donut batter is quite stiff. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s by design. To easily fill your donut pan, I highly recommend using a piping bag (or even a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off). Alternatively, a spoon can work, but you might need to use your hands to gently push the dough into each cavity for an even distribution. This ensures uniform donuts that bake perfectly.
2. Avoid Overbaking: Baked donuts can dry out very quickly if left in the oven for too long. Keep a close eye on them! They are usually ready when they spring back lightly to the touch and the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Typically, 12-15 minutes is sufficient, but ovens vary, so check for doneness around the 12-minute mark. A slightly underbaked donut is better than an overbaked, dry one.
3. Glaze Application: The glaze for these donuts is designed to be on the thinner side, providing a delicate coating rather than a thick frosting. If you prefer a more pronounced glaze, don’t hesitate to double or even triple dip your cooled donuts. Dip them once, let the glaze set slightly, and then dip again. This layering technique will give you that beautiful, glossy finish you desire. If your glaze thickens too much while working, a tiny splash of hot water will bring it back to the perfect consistency.
4. The Red Velvet Magic: Remember that the vibrant red color is key to these donuts’ appeal. A good quality red food coloring is essential. The combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a touch of vinegar (which reacts with the baking soda) creates the signature tangy flavor and tender crumb of classic red velvet, even in donut form.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of stunning and delicious Baked Red Velvet Donuts that will impress family and friends alike. They’re perfect for brunches, dessert tables, or a simple pick-me-up any day of the week.

More Irresistible Red Velvet Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the classic red velvet flavor as much as we have, you’ll be thrilled to discover more ways to enjoy it. From savory-sweet to decadent desserts, red velvet offers a unique twist to many dishes. Here are a few more red velvet recipes to tantalize your taste buds:

• Red Velvet Cheese Ball: A unique and festive appetizer that’s perfect for parties.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake: The ultimate dessert, combining the best of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake.
• Red Velvet Cupcakes: Classic, moist, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting – a timeless favorite.

Each of these recipes brings its own special touch to the beloved red velvet tradition, proving its versatility beyond just cake. Whether you’re looking for a holiday treat, a show-stopping dessert, or a delightful snack, our collection of red velvet recipes has something for everyone. Dive in and explore the full spectrum of this iconic flavor!

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Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15 minutes minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes minutes

Servings:

1 dozen donuts

Course:
Breakfast

Cuisine:
American

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Baked Red Velvet Donuts – a vibrant and delicious breakfast treat, perfectly baked for a lighter indulgence.

Ingredients

Donuts

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Icing

• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Donuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a donut pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
   2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the sugar and large egg, mixing until well blended. Stir in the melted unsalted butter and melted unsweetened chocolate. Finally, add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red food coloring, mixing until the batter achieves a consistent, vibrant red hue.
   3/4 cup sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon red food coloring
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Spoon or pipe the stiff batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. For best results, use the glaze immediately on the cooled donuts. You can either gently toss the entire donut in the glaze, or simply dip the tops. If the glaze begins to harden, add a few drops more hot water and stir to loosen it again.
   2 tablespoons hot water, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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