Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Red Velvet Cake Mix Valentine Donuts are a delightful twist on traditional donuts, made effortlessly with cake mix and applesauce for a moist texture. Topped with melted cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles, they make a perfect festive treat for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Frosting and Garnish
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- Valentine’s-themed sprinkles, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the donuts.
- Prepare Donut Pan: Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of donuts after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix and applesauce. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fill Donut Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Check the donuts for firmness by gently touching them; they should spring back when done.
- Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt Frosting: Place the cream cheese frosting in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 45-60 seconds until it becomes pourable and warm.
- Frost and Garnish: Dunk the top of each cooled donut into the melted frosting, then immediately decorate with Valentine’s-themed sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Notes
- Using applesauce instead of eggs or oil makes this recipe a bit healthier while keeping the donuts moist.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and slightly adjust baking time.
- Let the donuts cool completely before frosting to avoid melting or sliding frosting.
- Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes and frosting flavors.
