Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts offer a delightful twist on the traditional donut, combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the ease of using cake mix. These treats are not only visually stunning with their vibrant color, but they also deliver a wonderful sweetness that is beautifully balanced by the creamy glaze. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply want to indulge in a delicious snack with your morning coffee, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Plus, baking them instead of frying not only makes them lighter but also fits perfectly into a healthier lifestyle.
Why We Love This Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts Recipe
There’s so much to love about Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts! First off, the recipe is incredibly simple, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to achieve rich, delicious results. Using a boxed cake mix streamlines the process significantly, saving you time while still delivering a homemade taste.
Additionally, the rich red color of these donuts makes them an eye-catching treat. They are perfect for special celebrations like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any festive occasion. The delightful blend of cocoa and vanilla flavors brings a unique depth to these donuts that is hard to resist.
Let’s also talk about versatility! You can enjoy them plain, or dress them up with a glaze or toppings of your choice. They are perfect for brunch gatherings or a simple afternoon snack. The delicious taste of red velvet combined with the creamy glaze brings joy to your taste buds, making each bite worth savoring.
Ingredients about Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
To prepare Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts Directions
Creating these scrumptious Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful donuts ready in no time.
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and develop a perfect texture.
- Prepare Your Donut Pan: Lightly oil your donut pan to prevent the donuts from sticking. This is an essential step to ensure that your beautifully baked treats come out easily without losing shape.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese and the eggs. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add in half of the red velvet cake mix to the cream cheese and egg mixture. Mix until there are no dry streaks left.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the cup of milk and add the vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients at a low speed until they are well incorporated. This step adds moisture and flavor to your batter.
- Finish Adding Cake Mix: Next, add the remaining half of the red velvet cake mix. Mix again until everything is nicely combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the mixture into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check for doneness using a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool the Donuts: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Give them some time to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional): For those who want to take it up a notch, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it’s nicely blended. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Drizzle or dip your cooled red velvet donuts in the cream cheese glaze, and let it set for a few minutes before serving.
These steps not only guide you through the process but also ensure that you achieve the most delectable results. Baking is a joyful experience, and these donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face once they’re ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
When it comes to serving your Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts, think about how you want to present these delightful treats. They’re flexible enough to suit various occasions!
- Brunch Parties: These donuts are perfect for brunch. Serve them on a decorative platter, maybe sprinkled with some colorful sprinkles or cocoa powder for added visual appeal. Pair them with fresh fruits, coffee, or a delightful brunch drink for a complete experience.
- Gifts for Loved Ones: If you’re looking to share these lovely treats with others, consider packaging them in cute boxes or bags. Tie a ribbon around it for a personal touch, and you’ve got a charming gift idea!
- Dessert Table: If you’re preparing for a festive gathering or a dessert table, arrange the donuts in tiers for an attractive display. The vivid red color will add a pop to your set-up, making it visually appealing and mouth-watering.
- For an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these donuts fresh out of the oven or slightly warmed up during your afternoon coffee break. The cream cheese glaze provides a delicious touch that you won’t want to miss.
Remember, presentation can elevate your dessert experience. Even a simple approach, like placing a few donuts on a nice plate, can make a delightful treat feel special.
Expert Tips: Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
When baking, it’s essential to keep a few expert tips in mind to ensure the best outcome for your Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts:
- Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cream cheese, as this will directly impact the flavor and texture of both the donuts and the glaze.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Check for Doneness: Different ovens can have slight variations in temperature, so it’s wise to check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
- Cooling Time: Allow the donuts to cool before glazing. If the donuts are too warm, the glaze can melt off instead of setting nicely.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! If you love a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a few chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking.
By keeping these expert tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the most delectable Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts!
How to Store Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
If you happen to have leftovers—or if you simply want to prepare them ahead of time—storing your Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts is easy:
- Timing: It’s best to enjoy these donuts within a day or two for optimal freshness. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to separate any glazed donuts with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: If it’s warmer in your area, consider refrigerating the stored donuts to keep them fresh for a bit longer.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first. Once they are solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen donuts, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Following these storage tips will help maintain the taste and texture of your delicious Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts.
Variation of Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
One of the best parts about cooking and baking is the ability to make recipes your own. Here are some fun variations on your Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts:
- Chocolate Chip Addition: For an extra chocolaty treat, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to your batter before baking. The combination of red velvet and chocolate is a match made in heaven!
- Different Glazes: While cream cheese glaze is traditional, feel free to experiment. Try a chocolate glaze or a simple vanilla glaze for a different flavor experience.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into your donut batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Seasonal Flavors: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version during colder months. You can also incorporate seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkin puree in the fall.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan instead of a regular one to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or sharing!
Variations allow you to adjust the recipe to fit your tastes, ensuring every batch of Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts is delightful and unique.
FAQ
What are Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts?
Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts are a delightful dessert made by combining red velvet cake mix, eggs, milk, and cream cheese. They are baked in a donut pan, giving them a light and fluffy texture, and they can be topped with a cream cheese glaze for added flavor.
How long do Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts take to bake?
You can expect your donuts to bake for approximately 15-16 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check them with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done!
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can store them covered at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While the classic red velvet mix lends a rich flavor and appearance, feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors to create fun and unique donuts. Chocolate, vanilla, or even a funfetti mix can all adapt beautifully into this recipe.
What toppings can I add to the donuts?
In addition to the cream cheese glaze, you can top your donuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, coconut shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel. Personalizing your donuts with toppings is a fun way to enhance their visual appeal and flavor!
Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 large Eggs
- 4 oz Cream Cheese Room temperature
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 oz Cream Cheese For glaze, room temperature
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar For glaze
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream For glaze
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract For glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly oil your donut pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and eggs. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth.
- Gradually add half of the red velvet cake mix to the mixture, mixing until no dry streaks remain.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add the remaining cake mix and mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
- Drizzle or dip the cooled donuts in the cream cheese glaze and let set before serving.
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