The Heart of Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade donut that feels like it was made just for you. I love how these Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe bring together that classic silky red velvet flavor with the creamy, tangy frosting that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. The subtle chocolate notes and vibrant color make these donuts a lovely treat no matter the occasion.

When I first tried this recipe, I was struck by the ease — no complicated frying or tough dough to handle. It’s baked, which means you end up with crisp-edged, tender donuts perfect for dunking into the lush cream cheese frosting. You’ll notice how the applesauce keeps them moist without the usual grease, and the frosting adds that perfect balance of sweet and tang that makes these donuts irresistible.

Whether you’re making these for a Valentine’s Day surprise or a simple weekend pick-me-up, this Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe feels personal and welcoming. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly without sacrificing any of that bakery-quality taste — I’ll share all my tips so your donuts come out perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Shines

Flavor balance: Cozy, bright, and layered — never flat.
Beginner tested: Clear steps with real-life timing cues.
Customize-friendly: Works with pantry swaps and add-ins.
Make ahead approved: Holds texture and flavor beautifully.

Ingredient Breakdown

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl of rich red velvet cake mix powder, a small white bowl of smooth applesauce, a whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of creamy white cream cheese frosting, and a small white dish of colorful round sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 1:1 --v 7 --p m7354639359234015250 — Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting, homemade red velvet donuts, baked red velvet donuts, easy donut recipes, creamy frosting donuts

Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base of flavor, delivers that classic cocoa and tangy profile. You can swap for homemade red velvet batter if you want to go fully from scratch.
Applesauce: It replaces oil or eggs to keep donuts moist without heaviness. In a pinch, mashed banana or yogurt can work but expect slight flavor shifts.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds tangy sweetness and richness. Store-bought tubs are fine, but warming before dunking makes the coating smooth and luscious.
Non-stick Spray: Essential to ensure your donuts release cleanly from the pan. Butter or oil works too, but spraying is faster and less greasy.
Sprinkles (optional): Adds playful, festive color and a little crunch on top. Use what you love – crushed nuts or cocoa nibs can be a grown-up alternative.

Before You Begin

Prep is half the fun and key to a smooth baking experience. I like to measure and set out everything before turning on the oven — it keeps things cozy and stress-free. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. A good-quality donut pan and a non-stick spray or butter are what you’ll need for flawless, crisp-edged donuts that lift cleanly.

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What You’ll Need

Essential tools to make Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe easy and enjoyable — plus optional upgrades if you love efficiency.

How to Make Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A red donut with one thick bottom layer in deep red color, topped with a smooth white icing layer covering the top fully, decorated with thin red drizzle lines and scattered small red, pink, and white heart-shaped sprinkles, placed on a piece of parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Behind it, more red donuts with a similar thick red cake base and smooth white icing are seen on a black wire rack, also decorated with small red and pink sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7 — Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting, homemade red velvet donuts, baked red velvet donuts, easy donut recipes, creamy frosting donuts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven sets the donuts quickly, creating that perfect crisp edge with a tender inside.
Prepare your donut pan by spraying it thoroughly with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking but also helps with an even golden finish.
Combine the cake mix and applesauce in a medium bowl. I use a whisk to get the batter silky smooth — no lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable, like a thick pancake mix.
Fill each donut cavity evenly, about 3/4 full to avoid overflow but enough to get that full, domed shape. Using a piping bag or a zip-lock bag corner cut works wonders for a clean pour.
Bake for 8 minutes, then gently press a fingertip or toothpick into a donut. If it springs back or the toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. The aroma will be warm, lightly spiced cocoa — irresistible.
Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes. This short rest keeps them firm but tender. Then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prep the frosting.

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Pro-Level Pointers

For a glossy, smooth frosting coat, microwave your cream cheese frosting for 45 to 60 seconds until just warm — not runny. Use a fork or tongs to dunk the donut tops gently but thoroughly. Chill the frosted donuts briefly to set the frosting before adding sprinkles to prevent sliding. If you want extra richness, add a teaspoon of melted butter to the frosting before warming. You’ll notice the texture becomes silkier and easier to spread.

Melt the cream cheese frosting in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds. The warmth transforms it to a velvety glaze perfect for dipping.
Dunk the donut tops into the frosting one by one. Let excess drip back into the bowl before placing the donuts on a wire rack.
Garnish immediately with sprinkles or your choice of toppings. The frosting acts like glue to hold everything in place.

Creative Variations for Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows several red velvet donuts arranged on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each donut has a thick layer of white icing on top that drips slightly over the edges, covered with red, pink, and white sprinkles scattered both on the donuts and the parchment paper. The rich red color of the donuts contrasts with the bright white icing and the colorful sprinkles, making them look fresh and festive. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7 — Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting, homemade red velvet donuts, baked red velvet donuts, easy donut recipes, creamy frosting donuts

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an earthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky frosting.
Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the frosted donuts for a decadent layered look and extra richness.
Berry Burst: Add freeze-dried raspberries into the batter or use fresh berries as a topping for a bright, tart counterpoint.
Spiced Twist: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a cozy seasonal vibe perfect for cooler months.
Gluten-Free: Swap cake mix for a gluten-free red velvet blend and use a gluten-free frosting option to make this treat safe for sensitive diets.
Mini Donut Holes: Use the same batter in a mini donut pan or bake as small balls for bite-sized delights that are perfect for sharing.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days to keep that tender crumb and fresh frosting texture.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before eating for the best flavor.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted donuts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
Reheating: Warm donuts for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness without melting the frosting.