When you crave something sugary and delicious, few things can compete with the allure of donuts. But have you ever considered crafting your own treats at home? Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts are a delightful recipe that turns the classic red velvet cake into a convenient, handheld snack. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a wonderful chocolatey flavor combined with the richness of cream cheese. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or simply to enjoy on a quiet weekend, these donuts are sure to please anyone lucky enough to taste them. You’ll find that with minimal effort, you can create something impressive!
Why We Love This Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts Recipe
What sets these donuts apart is their stunning red color and unique flavor. The rich cocoa powder gives the cake batter a decadent taste, while the cream cheese adds a silky, smooth texture that’s hard to resist. They are simple to prepare, making them accessible even for novice bakers. Instead of slaving away in the kitchen, you can use a boxed cake mix as your base, allowing you to focus on adding your personal touches. Plus, baking them instead of frying makes them a lighter option! Whether paired with a warm beverage or enjoyed alone, these donuts are bound to bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients about Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
To make these enticing Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 large eggs – This helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature – A key ingredient that enhances the flavor and moisture.
- 1 box red velvet cake mix – The base for your delightful donuts.
- 1 cup milk – Adds moisture and a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors.
Optional cream cheese glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature – For the glaze, maintaining consistency and flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetness for the glaze.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream – Gives the glaze a smooth texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A delightful finish to the glaze.
How to Make Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts Directions
Creating these Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts involves several simple steps that even beginner bakers can master!
- Preheat your oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your donuts bake evenly.
- Prepare the donut pan: Lightly oil your donut pan. This prevents the donuts from sticking and allows for easy removal.
- Mix cream cheese and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and large eggs. Use a hand mixer to blend them together until fully incorporated. You’ll achieve a smooth mixture that forms the base for your donuts.
- Incorporate the cake mix: Gradually add half of the red velvet cake mix to the cream cheese and egg mixture. This will help ensure that no dry bits remain in your batter.
- Add milk and vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is combined. This moment is crucial as you want the batter to be silky and well-blended.
- Finish mixing the cake mix: Add the remaining portion of the cake mix. Mix thoroughly until the donut batter is lump-free and completely smooth.
- Fill the donut pan: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the donut cavities about 2/3 full with the batter. This allows enough space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake: Place your filled donut pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-16 minutes. The donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool down: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about two minutes. This lets them firm up slightly, making transferring easier. After two minutes, remove the donuts from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese glaze (Optional): While your donuts cool down, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If the glaze ends up too thick, just add a bit more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, you can dip them in the prepared glaze or drizzle it on top. This step elevates your donuts to another level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
When it comes to serving your Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts, the possibilities are endless. They’re fantastic as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with your favorite drink. For an inviting presentation, place them on a decorative plate or cake stand. You can even sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top for a fancy touch. Don’t forget to pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the perfect pairing. You could also consider serving these donuts at parties or family gatherings; they’re sure to be a hit!
You might also want to experiment with various toppings. A dusting of cocoa powder, sprinkles, or crushed nuts can add extra character to your glazed donuts, making them visually appealing as well as tasty.
Expert Tips: Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
Creating beautiful and delicious Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts can be made even easier with a few helpful tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix: While mixing, be careful not to overmix your batter. This can make your donuts dense instead of light and airy.
- Watch the bake time: Ovens can vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. Start checking at the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Experiment with flavors: While the classic red velvet is fantastic, feel free to experiment with different cake mixes. Carrot cake or chocolate cake mixes can also yield delicious results.
- Extra moisture: If you find your batter is a little on the thick side, adding a splash of milk can help achieve a smoother consistency.
How to Store Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
To keep your homemade Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you anticipate leftovers, it’s vital to put the donuts in the fridge, particularly if you’ve glazed them. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Typically, they will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For a longer shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cooled donuts in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Variation of Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
One of the fantastic aspects of baking is that there are countless ways to change a recipe to suit personal tastes. Here are a few variations of the Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts to consider:
- Chocolate Chips: Adding a handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter will give a decadent twist, amplifying the chocolate flavor in the donuts.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan instead of a standard size for bite-sized treats! Baking time will be shorter, so keep an eye on them.
- Different Toppings: Instead of a cream cheese glaze, consider using a simple chocolate glaze, a vanilla glaze, or dust the donuts with powdered sugar. You can also top them with coconut flakes for an interesting texture.
- Nut Flavoring: Adding a splash of almond extract or finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will create a lovely crunch and enhance flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Consider mixing in some crushed raspberries or strawberries to the batter for an unexpected burst of fruity flavor!
FAQ: Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
What are Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts?
Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts are fluffy, cake-like donuts made using red velvet cake mix, eggs, milk, and cream cheese. They can be served plain or topped with a creamy glaze, making them a delightful treat for all occasions.
How do I store leftover Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts?
To store leftovers, keep your donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to store them longer, freeze them for up to three months.
Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead?
Sure! You can replace the cake mix with your own homemade red velvet cake recipe. However, the baking time may slightly vary, so keep your eye on them as they bake.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix for a gluten-free version of these delicious donuts.
How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?
Ensure that you generously grease your donut pan before filling it with the batter, which will help prevent sticking. Using a non-stick spray works wonders!
Baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Donuts
Ingredients
For the donuts
- 3 large large eggs This helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature A key ingredient that enhances the flavor and moisture.
- 1 box red velvet cake mix The base for your delightful donuts.
- 1 cup milk Adds moisture and a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances all the other flavors.
For the optional cream cheese glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature For the glaze, maintaining consistency and flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Sweetness for the glaze.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream Gives the glaze a smooth texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract A delightful finish to the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly oil your donut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and large eggs. Use a hand mixer to blend until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add half of the red velvet cake mix to the cream cheese and egg mixture until there are no dry bits.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the remaining portion of the cake mix and mix thoroughly until the batter is lump-free.
- Fill the donut cavities about 2/3 full with the batter.
Baking
- Bake for 15-16 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about two minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze or drizzle it on top.
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