Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Cake Mix Valentine Donuts, a quick and easy treat perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Made from a simple red velvet cake mix combined with applesauce, these donuts are baked to perfection, then dipped in creamy melted cream cheese frosting and topped with colorful sprinkles. This recipe requires minimal prep and baking time, creating moist, flavorful donuts that are ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Frosting and Garnish
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- Valentine-themed sprinkles (1/4 cup or as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray to ensure the donuts will release easily after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the red velvet cake mix and unsweetened applesauce until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This moist batter is the base for light and tender donuts.
- Fill Donut Pan: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes. Check for firmness by gently touching the surface; the donuts should spring back slightly when done.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess on the bottoms.
- Melt Frosting: Warm the cream cheese frosting in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until it softens enough to dip but is not excessively runny.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the melted frosting, ensuring an even coating. While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle the Valentine-themed sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the applesauce with the same amount of vegetable oil or melted butter for a richer donut.
- Allow the frosting to cool slightly before dipping to prevent it from becoming too runny and dripping excessively.
- For a less sweet option, use light cream cheese frosting or reduce the amount of frosting used.
- Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- These donuts can also be made in a muffin pan; adjust baking time slightly, checking for doneness as required.
