Red Velvet Donuts are like a little slice of heaven with their vibrant crimson color, fluffy texture, and sweet, creamy frosting. Imagine biting into one, the soft dough yielding to your teeth while the rich chocolate notes dance on your palate, leaving you craving more. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy brunch with friends or an indulgent dessert after dinner. Trust me; once you taste these donuts, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain old glazed ones.
As a kid, I vividly remember my first encounter with red velvet cake at my aunt’s birthday party; I was instantly enchanted by its bold color and decadent flavor. Fast forward to today, and I’ve transformed that love into these Red Velvet Donuts! They are not just visually stunning but also pack a punch of flavor that makes them an absolute must-try. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up these beauties that are guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your Instagram followers alike!
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Donuts
- This incredible Red Velvet Donuts transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Red Velvet Donuts:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our donuts; sift it well to avoid lumps and ensure a light texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the red velvet.
- Baking Powder: Essential for helping our donuts rise and become fluffy as they bake in the oven.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to our donuts; feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender—no one likes dry donuts!
- Buttermilk: The secret ingredient! It adds richness and enhances the flavors of our donuts.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything together; use room temperature eggs for best results.
- Red Food Coloring: The star of the show! Adds that iconic vibrant hue we all love in red velvet treats.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out all the other flavors beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Sweetens up our donut tops—who can resist a good glaze?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Red Velvet Donuts:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter—it helps ensure easy removal!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. Set aside those dry ingredients like they’re about to win an award!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should look as inviting as a summer sunset.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! We want those donuts fluffy!
Step 5: Fill The Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities about halfway full—remember they will rise! Then give them a little wiggle so they settle in nicely.
Step 6: Bake & Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Now that you’ve mastered these Red Velvet Donuts from scratch, serve them warm or let them cool completely before topping with glaze or frosting! Transfer them to plates and bask in compliments from family and friends—you deserve it after such deliciousness!

You Must Know About Red Velvet Donuts
- This showstopping Red Velvet Donuts delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Red Velvet Donuts, start by mixing your dry ingredients first. Then, whisk together the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine both mixtures gently before filling your donut pan and baking them until fluffy perfection emerges from the oven.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to customize your Red Velvet Donuts! Swap out buttermilk for yogurt for a tangy twist or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of nuts or cream cheese frosting can elevate your donuts to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Red Velvet Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or enjoy them cold—both are delightful!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Red Velvet Donuts
- This professional-quality Red Velvet Donuts relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
It was my sister’s birthday when I first made these Red Velvet Donuts. Watching her take a bite and beam with joy made every flour-covered counter worth it!

FAQs
What are Red Velvet Donuts?
Red Velvet Donuts are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. These donuts are soft, fluffy, and feature the signature red color, typically achieved with cocoa powder and red food coloring. They often have a subtle chocolate flavor and are usually topped with cream cheese frosting or glaze, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
How do I make Red Velvet Donuts from scratch?
To make Red Velvet Donuts from scratch, you’ll need flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, baking soda, and vinegar. Start by mixing the dry ingredients separately. Then, combine the wet ingredients in another bowl. Mix both together until smooth and pour the batter into a donut pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool before adding your favorite cream cheese frosting or glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
Can I use a donut maker for Red Velvet Donuts?
Yes! You can absolutely use a donut maker to prepare Red Velvet Donuts. Simply follow your favorite recipe and fill the donut maker wells with batter according to its instructions. This method is quick and can produce perfectly shaped donuts in just minutes. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on your specific machine’s guidelines for best results.
Are Red Velvet Donuts suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Red Velvet Donuts are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations. Their vibrant color and delicious flavor add a festive touch to any dessert table. You can also customize them with different toppings or fillings to match theme colors or preferences of your guests, making them not only tasty but visually appealing too.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Red Velvet Donuts offer a unique and delicious treat that combines the beloved flavors of red velvet cake in a delightful donut form. With simple ingredients and easy preparation methods, you can create these tasty delights at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet craving, these donuts will surely impress everyone who tries them. Enjoy their beautiful appearance and rich taste as you share this amazing dessert with friends and family!
Red Velvet Donuts
Red Velvet Donuts are a scrumptious twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring a striking crimson color and an irresistibly fluffy texture. Topped with sweet cream cheese frosting, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or celebrating a special event. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create these eye-catching donuts that are sure to impress both family and friends!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill donut pan cavities halfway with batter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (50g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg


