Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings12 Servings
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!
In This Post
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.
Tips for Storing
- 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.
More Donut Recipes
- 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
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray a donut baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl or batter bowl, add the flours, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until fluffy with a whisk.
- Add the milk, eggs, food coloring and olive oil and mix until just combined.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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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Nutrition
*Nutritional information is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Did you try this recipe?
Please Leave a Review & Star Rating!Final Thoughts
These Baked Red Velvet Donuts are a dreamy twist on a classic flavor. They’re simple enough for a weekend baking project but fancy enough to impress guests. The moist, cocoa-kissed crumb paired with that luscious cream cheese icing is downright irresistible.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your donut pan and let’s bake up some red velvet magic! And hey, if you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out – tag me on social or drop a comment below. Happy baking, friends!
Did you love this recipe? Pin it for later and share the donut love! 🍩❤️
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.
Oh my word!!! I need to make these ASAP.
These are so beautiful and colorful! I love red velvet anything 🙂
These donuts look SO scrumptious, Heather! You’ve combined gorgeous, delicious red velvet flavor into my favorite dessert vessel: a donut. Brilliant!
Valentine’s day may be over but I still crave red velvet sweets and these are adorable!
Thanks for sharing Heather
thanks for commenting Roxana…I’m still craving red velvet too. So yummy.
I love red velvet cookies and cake but never had a doughnut. These look so yummy and topped with cream cheese frosting makes them even better!
I’m a day late to the party, but I think these red velvet donuts can be enjoyed any day of the year!!
AMEN!! 🙂 I have another recipe on my blog for Orange Hard Wheat donuts and they are so delish!! 🙂 Thanks for commenting. xo ~Heather
I feel like it has already passed because I celebrated over the weekend with my BF since we don’t live in teh same state (and I was visiting). But I would love to celebrate again with these tomorrow