Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Delight in these easy-to-make Red Velvet Cake Mix Valentine Donuts, perfect for a festive treat. Made by combining red velvet cake mix with applesauce for a moist, tender texture, these donuts bake quickly and are topped with melted cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles for a fun and flavorful finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Frosting and Topping
- 1 container cream cheese frosting (approximately 8 oz)
- Sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking.
- Prepare the donut pan: Spray a donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the donuts from sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix and unsweetened applesauce. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fill the donut pan: Evenly pour or spoon the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Check for firmness by lightly pressing on a donut; it should spring back when done.
- Cool the donuts: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt the frosting: Heat the cream cheese frosting in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until it becomes pourable but not too hot to handle.
- Glaze and garnish: Dunk the tops of the cooled donuts into the melted frosting, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch. Let the frosting set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use unsweetened applesauce to keep the sweetness balanced.
- If you prefer a lower sugar option, choose a light or reduced sugar cream cheese frosting.
- Ensure donuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent melting the frosting excessively.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
