There’s something undeniably magical about red velvet – the rich cocoa flavor, the vibrant color, and that irresistible cream cheese pairing. Now, imagine all that goodness in a soft, fluffy baked donut! These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are tender, perfectly sweet, and topped with a delicious cream cheese icing that’ll have you reaching for seconds (or thirds).

Not only are these donuts gorgeous, but they’re also easier to make than traditional fried donuts. Baking them keeps things light while still delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, that quick tangy cream cheese glaze? Absolute perfection.

Whether you’re making these for a special breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Cook’s Notes

Before we get started, here’s why you’re going to love this recipe:

• Baked, Not Fried – No messy oil, no deep-frying – just pop them in the oven for a lighter (but still indulgent) treat.
• Quick & Easy – From mixing bowl to donut rack in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings!
• Cream Cheese Icing Heaven – The tangy-sweet glaze takes these donuts to the next level.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or just because – red velvet is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Kid-Friendly Fun – Let the little ones help decorate with sprinkles or extra drizzle!

Ingredients to Make Baked Red Velvet Donuts

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring, such as Wilton
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
• Red sprinkles

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed pecans or walnuts
• White chocolate drizzle

How to Make Baked Red Velvet Donuts

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, olive oil, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined – don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Or use a spoon to fill the cavities.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and are no longer tacky. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the donuts cool, add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk to a microwave safe bowl and stir to combine. Heat until cream cheese melts and icing is a thin-ish consistency. Add additional milk if it becomes to thick.

Step 8: Decorate!

Dip each cooled donut into the icing or drizzle it over the top. Add sprinkles, nuts (if using), or extra drizzle if desired. Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

• Room Temperature (Short-Term) – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days (if they last that long!).
• Refrigerate (For Longer Freshness) – Due to the cream cheese icing, storing in the fridge will keep them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later – Wrap unglazed donuts tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp, then glaze before serving.
• Reheat Gently – If you prefer warm donuts, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds – just enough to take the chill off.

If you like this recipe, try:

• Baked Chai Donuts with Bourbon Glaze
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Chocolate Glaze
• Baked Orange Olive Oil Donuts
• Vanilla Baked Fruidoo Donuts (like Voodoo Donuts)

Baked Red Velvet Donut Recipe

Heather

Deliciously easy baked Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing. Make these cakey and yummy donuts for breakfast or brunch.

YIELD: 12 Servings

5 from 5 reviews

PREP TIME:15 minutes mins

COOK TIME:12 minutes mins

TOTAL TIME:27 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp red gel food coloring, such as Wilton
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp milk, or more to thin
• sprinkles, optional

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Instructions

 

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1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a donut baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl or batter bowl, add the flours, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until fluffy with a whisk.
3. Add the milk, eggs, food coloring and olive oil and mix until just combined.
4. Carefully pour into prepared baking pan. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the tops are no longer tacky. Turn out onto a wire rack and cool.

For Icing:

1. Combine all ingredients for icing in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring in-between heating. Heat until cream cheese melts and frosting is a runny consistency. Add additional milk if frosting becomes too thick.
2. Dip the cooled donuts in the icing and sprinkle with candy sprinkles of your choice. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Hi! I’m Heather

I’m Heather, a recipe developer and content creator based in Vancouver, Washington. I started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006 because I believed weeknight dinners shouldn’t be boring and gourmet shouldn’t mean complicated. I’m also the co-founder of Spiceology, so safe to say I think about food for a living. Stick around for recipes that actually make it into your regular rotation.

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