Baked Red Velvet Cake Donuts

Creating baked red velvet cake donuts from scratch might feel like a big task, but let me tell you, it’s totally worth it! This Baked Red Velvet Cake Donut Recipe (with Chocolate Glaze) balances rich cocoa, buttery softness, and a touch of tanginess from buttermilk, bringing you that authentic red velvet experience. Baking them preserves their light, fluffy texture without frying, letting you enjoy a cake-like delight with every bite.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Baked Red Velvet Cake Donut Recipe (with Chocolate Glaze)
• Ingredients for Baked Red Velvet Cake Donut Recipe
• Preparing Your Baked Red Velvet Cake Donuts
• Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
• Mix Dry Ingredients
• Combine Wet Ingredients
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Pipe the Batter
• Bake the Donuts
• Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
• Glaze the Donuts
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Desserts Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

As you make these donuts, the kitchen will fill with the heavenly aroma of chocolate and vanilla, making it hard to resist sampling straight from the oven. Before you know it, you’ll have a batch of beautiful, vibrant donuts that not only look fantastic but also taste divine. So, whether it’s for a special gathering or just because you want something sweet at home, this recipe is here to make your day a little brighter!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating baked red velvet cake donuts from scratch might seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies the process, ensuring perfect results every time. The combination of rich cocoa powder, buttery softness, and a hint of tang from the buttermilk delivers a classic red velvet flavor. Baking instead of frying keeps these donuts light and fluffy while achieving that irresistible cake-like texture.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Red Velvet Cake Donut Recipe (with Chocolate Glaze)

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these baked red velvet cake donuts topped with a luscious chocolate glaze are sure to impress. The vibrant color and decadent taste make them perfect for sharing, while the straightforward method means even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Ingredients for Baked Red Velvet Cake Donut Recipe

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Optional: a few drops red gel food coloring
• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate bars, chopped
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparing Your Baked Red Velvet Cake Donuts

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While that’s happening, lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans and set them aside. This step is important to help the donuts release effortlessly.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Now, in a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder, then set aside. Sifting helps combine these ingredients well while also making for a lighter donut.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. Then, add the white vinegar and red gel food coloring (if you decided to use it), and whisk until you have a smooth mixture. The color should start looking vibrantly red.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing to maintain that light, fluffy texture your donuts deserve.

Pipe the Batter

Now, transfer the batter into a piping bag and cut off the tip. This makes it super easy to pipe the batter cleanly into the prepared donut pans until the cavities are about ¾ full.

Bake the Donuts

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 10-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need to cool completely before glazing.

Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to prepare that decadent glaze. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and water. Melt everything in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth and combined. Once it’s smooth, let the glaze cool for a few minutes.

Glaze the Donuts

Finally, dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze. If you’d like, you can decorate them with sprinkles or any toppings of your choice. It adds a festive touch!

Serving Suggestions

These delightful baked red velvet cake donuts shine at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat. Serve them alongside rich coffee or a glass of cold milk for an indulgent experience. You might even want to place them on a pretty platter to impress your friends or family.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense donuts.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper flavor, which really enhances the chocolate notes.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to mix things up:
– Swap the chocolate glaze for a cream cheese glaze for that classic red velvet touch.
– Add mini chocolate chips to the batter. They bring delightful bursts of chocolate.
– Try experimenting with flavored glazes—like vanilla or almond—for an exciting twist.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store any donuts in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer first and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can grab a donut anytime you need a treat!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! While buttermilk adds richness, you can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity.

2. What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can substitute with melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix in place of all-purpose flour.

4. How do I prevent the donuts from sticking?
Make sure to grease the pans well and let the donuts cool before attempting to remove them.

5. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter, adding flavor and crunch.

Indulging in these baked red velvet cake donuts with chocolate glaze is a delightful experience that will satisfy your cravings in the most delicious way. Not only are they visually striking, but they also showcase the joy of homemade baking. The vibrant red color and rich chocolate flavor make them a favorite for celebrations and everyday treats alike. Each bite will leave you eager for more, proving that home-baked sweets are always the best. Enjoy sharing these delightful donuts with friends and family or savoring them solo with your favorite beverage!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Lemon Raspberry Cake
• Lemon Olive Oil Honey Cake
• Lemon Bars
• Fresh Rhubarb Pie

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