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–+ servings
a small batch of baked red velvet donuts with cream cheese frosting on a cooling rack.
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5 from 1 vote

Small Batch Red Velvet Donuts

Make soft and fluffy baked red velvet donuts topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. This easy small batch recipe delivers classic red velvet flavor in every bite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Cool15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: baked donuts, baked red velvet donuts, cake donuts, donuts, frosted donuts, frosted red velvet donuts, red velvet donuts, red velvet doughnuts
Servings: 5 donuts
Author: Joanie Zisk

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
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 6-cavity donut pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and sugar, then mix in the buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and red food coloring until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add milk, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  • Spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the cooled donuts. Serve and enjoy your soft, cake-style baked red velvet donuts.

Notes

  • Preheat the Oven: Always start with a fully preheated oven to ensure the donuts bake evenly.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the donuts soft and fluffy.
  • Grease the Pan Well: Lightly coat the donut pan to help the donuts release easily after baking.
  • Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends more smoothly into the frosting.
  • Add Food Coloring Gradually: Use gel food coloring if possible for a vibrant red hue.
  • Cool Before Frosting: Let the donuts cool completely so the frosting doesn’t melt.

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

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