Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze

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Introduction

Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. Soft, tender, and beautifully red, these baked doughnuts are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With the signature cocoa flavor of red velvet and the tangy sweetness of the glaze, these doughnuts are perfect for showing your love on a special day.

I remember the first time I made these for Valentine’s Day. The vibrant red color and irresistible aroma filled the kitchen, setting the mood for a festive celebration. When my family saw them, their excitement was heartwarming, and the first bite was pure bliss. What I love about these doughnuts is their versatility—they’re stunning on their own but can also be decorated with sprinkles, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

These doughnuts are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few simple ingredients and a doughnut pan, you can create a batch of these show-stopping treats in no time. Whether you’re planning a romantic breakfast, a sweet dessert, or a fun activity with the kids, Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are sure to steal the show and make your day extra special!

Perfect for:

  • Valentine’s Day
  • Romantic breakfasts
  • Dessert trays
  • Special celebrations
  • Anytime indulgence

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are a must-try:

  • Romantic Red Color: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
  • Soft and Tender: Baked to perfection with a moist, tender crumb.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a tangy, creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with red velvet.
  • Easy to Make: No deep-frying required; these are baked for a healthier twist.
  • Impressive Presentation: Their vibrant color and glossy glaze make them look bakery-worthy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Servings: 12 doughnuts
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze:

For the Doughnuts:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with a little milk)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cocoa Powder: Adds the classic hint of chocolate that defines red velvet.
  • Buttermilk: Ensures a tender, moist doughnut with a subtle tang.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of the glaze, providing a tangy, rich sweetness.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the doughnuts their vibrant red hue, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze:

Prepare the Doughnuts:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring.
  4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fill the Doughnut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

Bake the Doughnuts:

  1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
  2. Cool: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

Glaze the Doughnuts:

  1. Dip and Decorate: Dip the cooled doughnuts into the cream cheese glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.

How to Serve

  • For a Valentine’s Breakfast: Serve with fresh strawberries and a cup of coffee.
  • As a Sweet Gift: Wrap in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
  • On a Dessert Tray: Pair with other Valentine’s-themed treats like heart-shaped cookies or chocolate truffles.
  • With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing for kids or the young at heart.

Additional Tips

  • Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red.
  • Let the doughnuts cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
  • For a nut-free version, ensure your cocoa powder is processed in a nut-free facility.
  • Experiment with heart-shaped doughnut pans for extra Valentine’s flair.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Red Velvet Doughnuts
  2. Strawberry Red Velvet Doughnuts
  3. Vegan Red Velvet Doughnuts (use dairy-free substitutes)
  4. Red Velvet Mini Doughnuts
  5. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Doughnuts
  6. Red Velvet Doughnuts with Berry Glaze
  7. Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Drizzle
  8. Red Velvet Doughnut Holes

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and glaze before serving.
  • Storage: Store glazed doughnuts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Doughnut pan
  • Electric mixer for the glaze
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag for filling the pan

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make these without a doughnut pan? Yes, use a muffin pan and shape foil into doughnut molds.
  2. Can I use natural food coloring? Yes, beet powder or other natural options can be used.
  3. Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely, but the cream cheese glaze is highly recommended.
  4. Can I make them egg-free? Use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.

Conclusion

Celebrate love and indulgence with these stunning Red Velvet Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze. Their vibrant red hue, soft, tender texture, and luscious cream cheese glaze make them a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, special celebrations, or whenever you want to share a little sweetness, these doughnuts are sure to impress.

This recipe is as simple to make as it is delightful to eat, ensuring you can whip up these elegant treats with ease. Whether enjoyed fresh with a morning coffee or as a decadent dessert, these doughnuts are a celebration of flavor and fun in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Doughnuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your gorgeous creations. Happy baking!

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