What is the flavor of 'red velvet'?

It’s a subtle, tangy flavor, not just chocolate. You get a hint of cocoa powder, the distinct tang from buttermilk reacting with baking soda, and the smoothness of vanilla extract. This chemical reaction also creates the signature tender, fine crumb in baked donuts. Cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing because it balances the sweetness.

What’s the difference between red velvet cake mix and chocolate cake mix?

Chocolate mix has much more cocoa for a dominant chocolate taste. Red velvet mix uses a small amount of cocoa (like 2 tablespoons) for just a hint of flavor, and it includes vinegar or another acid to react with baking soda. This creates that specific tangy taste and red color, which you then enhance with extra food coloring.

How long do these red velvet donuts last?

Once glazed, they last up to 3 days. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. The glaze helps keep them moist. For the best texture, let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, or warm them at 350°F for 5 minutes .

Can I freeze Red Velvet Donuts?

Yes, these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. See the storage section above for full details on the process.

Red Velvet Donuts Baked: 21-Minute Simple Recipe

Description

These baked red velvet donuts are soft, cake-like, and ready in under 30 minutes. The tangy cream cheese glaze is the perfect match for the subtle cocoa flavor. They’re a simple, less messy alternative to fried donuts.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine salt

¾ cup buttermilk, room temperature

2 large eggs, room temperature

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 ounces (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened

1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

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Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 11 min
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg