Jump to Recipe →

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Craving something sweet and delicious? This Red Velvet Donuts recipe is your ticket to a delightful treat that’s just the right size for your small batch cravings. Combining the classic charm of red velvet cake with the comforting shape of a donut, these baked goodies are a perfect blend of taste, texture, and simplicity. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to satisfy your donut desires.

Two donuts cooling on a white dish topped with a drizzle of white frosting.

Discover more delightful small batch donut recipes like our tempting Donut Holes, flavorful Apple Cider Donuts, and scrumptious Apple Fritters.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Donuts Recipe

  • Basic Ingredients: Made with items you likely already have in your kitchen, baking these donuts is a breeze any day.
  • Easy Instructions: The steps are simple, making it a cinch to bake these donuts even if you’re new to baking.
  • Ideal Portion: The recipe makes a small batch of four to five donuts, perfect for satisfying cravings without leftovers.
  • Incredibly Delicious: Enjoy the classic taste of red velvet – a sweet, mildly chocolatey donut topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Four donuts cooling on a baking rack topped with a drizzle of white frosting.

Ingredients

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch red velvet donut recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the donuts, providing structure and softness.
  • Cocoa Powder: A small amount adds a subtle chocolate flavor characteristic of red velvet.
  • Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures the donuts puff up beautifully in the oven.
  • Salt: Just a hint enhances the overall flavor profile of the donuts.
  • Egg Yolk: Contributes to the donuts’ richness and texture. Hold on to the egg white and use it in one of our egg white recipes like Coconut Macaroons or Two Vanilla Cupcakes.
  • Sugar & Vanilla Extract: They work together to sweeten the donuts and add a pleasant aroma.
  • Buttermilk: Its creamy texture and acidity moisten the dough and help the donuts rise. Use any extra buttermilk in a small batch of Buttermilk Biscuits, Buttermilk Pancakes, or Hush Puppies.
  • Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Avocado): Gives the donuts a tender crumb and a moist bite.
  • Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature red hue. Omitting it results in a tasty, light brown donut.

For the frosting

  • Cream Cheese: Block cream cheese is preferred for its thick consistency and tangy taste. Use any leftover cream cheese in Cheesecake Bars, Carrot Cake Cupcakes or a No-Bake Cheesecake.
  • Powdered Sugar: It sweetens the frosting and contributes to a smooth texture.
  • Milk: Used sparingly, it adjusts the frosting’s thickness to your liking.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this red velvet donut recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up For

Recipe Variations

Every batch of these frosted red velvet donuts is an opportunity to tweak and twist these donuts to your taste.

  • Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey bites.
  • Nutty Touch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for a crunchy texture.
  • Orange Zest: Infuse the frosting with orange zest for a citrusy flair.
  • Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm kick.

RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes

Two red velvet donuts topped with drizzled white frosting on a plate next to a cup of coffee and a blue napkin.
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

How To Make Red Velvet Donuts

  1. Combining Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Preparing Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the egg with sugar, then mix in buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend in the red food coloring until the desired color is achieved.
  3. Creating the Donut Batter: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined for a smooth batter.
  4. Filling the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut baking tray, filling each well to just below the rim.
  5. Baking the Donuts: Bake in a preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for a springy touch to ensure doneness. Allow to cool before frosting.
  6. Making the Frosting: For the frosting, whip together cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Adjust consistency with milk as needed, then frost the cooled donuts.

If you’re a fan of Red Velvet, don’t miss out on our Mini Red Velvet Cake!

Expert Tips

  • Baking Technique: Ensure your oven is preheated and at the correct temperature for even baking.
  • Frosting Consistency: For a spreadable frosting, let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing.
  • Donut Pan Prep: Lightly grease your donut pan to ensure a smooth release after baking.
  • Color Care: Add food coloring gradually to reach the desired red hue without overdoing it.

RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One

Overhead view of four donuts topped with drizzled white frosting on a cooling rack next to a blue cloth napkin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pan should I use to make red velvet donuts?

For baking red velvet donuts, a 6-cavity donut making pan is ideal to create the perfect shape and even baking.

What is the flavor of red velvet?

Red velvet has a unique taste that’s subtly chocolatey, often compared to a mild chocolate cake flavor.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you’re missing buttermilk, simply mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with enough milk to make a quarter cup. Let it rest for 10 minutes before using to replicate the effects of buttermilk.
Regular Milk Alternative: No buttermilk or lemon juice? Regular milk can be used in a pinch. While the donuts may be less moist, they’ll still be delicious using whole, 1%, or 2% milk.

How do I ensure my red velvet donuts are moist?

Avoid overmixing the batter, and follow the ingredient measurements precisely.

Can the frosting be made ahead?

Absolutely! Keep it refrigerated and then let it come to room temperature before using.

How do I store red velvet donuts?

Red velvet donuts should be stored in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. They will stay good for about 3 days.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this frosted red velvet donut recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried these red velvet donuts or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!

Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Small Batch Red Velvet Donuts

5 from 1 vote
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Cool: 15 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 5 donuts
2 frosted red velvet donuts on a white plate.
Pin Print
Easy Small Batch Red Velvet Donuts Recipe – These oven baked donuts are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This wonderful donut recipe yields four to five of the best tasting donuts!

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ tablespoon red food coloring

For the frosting

  • 1 ounce cream cheese
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tablespoon milk
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190° C). Generously coat donut pan with softened butter or oil spray. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
  • In a separate larger bowl, mix together the egg yolk, sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Stir in the food coloring.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until combined.
  • Use a spoon to fill each donut mold ¾ of the way full. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
  • Allow to cool, then drizzle with cream cheese frosting.

Make the frosting

  • In a small bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and milk and beat until smooth. Fill a pastry bag with the corner snipped to drizzle the frosting or spread frosting over the tops of the donuts with a knife.

Notes

  • Baking Technique: Ensure your oven is preheated and at the correct temperature for even baking.
  • Frosting Consistency: For a spreadable frosting, let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing.
  • Donut Pan Prep: Lightly grease your donut pan to ensure a smooth release after baking.
  • Color Care: Add food coloring gradually to reach the desired red hue without overdoing it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1donut, Calories: 203kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 201mg, Potassium: 45mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 145IU, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!
Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!
Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 100+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Shop Now

Welcome!

I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

Cookbook
About Us →
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. JIL2 says:

    Is there another type of pan I can use instead of a ‘donut pan’? Maybe a 5″ baking dish, ramekin cups, or even a muffin pan? Thx

    Reply
  2. Kim Zimpelmann says:

    I used a silicone donut baking dish. 10 minutes is not enough. They were not baked all the way through.

    Reply
  3. Jen @ The Weary Chef says:

    I think my kids can devour that small batch in just a few minutes! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  4. Justine | Cooking and Beer says:

    I'm pretty sure I would have to make these donuts over and over again. They look so decadent!

    Reply
  5. Dee says:

    My kids have been wanting to make donuts, so this is perfect – looks delicious too!

    Reply
  6. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says:

    After devouring the doughnuts a friend brought over (just a few hours ago!) I am all about these! Plus, red velvet and cream cheese are a classic pairing 🙂

    Reply
  7. Katerina @ diethood .com says:

    These Red Velvet Donuts are sooo adorable!! My kids will love them!! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Meg @ With Salt and Wit says:

    I would feel very safe to say these will be my new favorite donut!

    Reply
  9. Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says:

    Doughnuts are my weakness and Red Velvet is the best! Glad the batch is small so when I devour the whole thing it won't matter!

    Reply