You'll totally fall in love with these Baked Red Velvet Donut Holes with Cream Cheese Glaze, because really, what's better than an excuse for eating red velvet anything at breakfast?
Ugh. Problems on the new house front. Looks like it may take a few more weeks than we originally planned. The sellers are dragging their feet with moving out. I'm thinking about volunteering to go on over there with some empty boxes to get their butts in gear.
Anyway, it's times like this that I'm very grateful that I decided not to pack up my donut pan
So let's talk donuts. Doughnuts. (bonus points if you spell it doughnuts).
My break-out moment as a chef de doughnuts were these Baked Brown Butter Churro Donuts. And then was awarded 4 stars by critically-acclaimed donut reviewer Asheley (who also happens to be my wife) for these Baked Horchata Glazed Donuts.
And after falling totally in love with my donut pan, I had my eye on this super cool donut hole pan
And guess what? I treated myself. And so should you. Go ahead, you deserve it. Get yourself involved with this baked donut love.
Not gonna lie. I had to make these donuts a couples times for you.
I know. You're welcome. It's a pretty painful process having to taste test donuts. I blame my sudden and unexplained weight gain on you.
So guess what the secret was to making sure these bad boys stayed moist? Greek yogurt. I learned the trick from my fellow NY blogging buddy Cate over ate Chez Catey Lou. She's got all sort of donut recipes on her blog. Thanks Cate 😉
Making baked donuts literally only takes 10 minutes of prep. And everyone has 10 minutes.
10 minutes to exercise... err, maybe not.
10 minutes to make donuts, heck yes.
These bad boys have been slightly adapted from the awesome and super talented Kelly at Life Made Sweeter. Seriously, if you aren't following Kelly yet, you should totally start. She's awesome.
Hey. Guess what? You can now have your very own personal recipe box! To save this recipe, simply click save below the thumbnail image below? Once you start storing all your favorite recipes from around the interwebs in your Recipe Box, you can create Meal Plans and the ingredients will automatically be added to your Grocery List! Download the app to your phone and boom, welcome to the 21st century age of grocery shopping 🙂
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Baked Red Velvet Donut Holes with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 donut holes 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red food coloring (depending upon strength of coloring)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half and half
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease donut hole pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well incorporated.
- In your stand mixer or a large bowl with hand mixer (or go all old fashioned and just use a whisk), combine buttermilk, egg, yogurt, and vinegar on low speed. Add in butter (make sure it is cooled).
- Once thoroughly combined, slowly incorporate dry mixture and mix until just combined. Don't overmix. Stir in enough red food coloring until desired color is reached.
- Spoon batter into a large ziploc bag and use a scissor to cut about a ½" piece off one corner to create a makeshift disposable pastry bag. Fill each well in the donut hole pan approximately ¾ full. Alternatively, use a spoon to fill donut pan and smooth out batter.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into doughnut comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cool, drizzle with cream cheese glaze and devour.
Cream Cheese Glaze
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Let rest for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If mixture is too loose, add a bit more powdered sugar. If too stiff, add a little more cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Want to make the donut-creating process extra easy? Use an electric mixer of sorts. Stand mixer. Check. Hand mixer. Check. Either way, you're clear for the win. And guess who's giving away both a stand mixer AND a hand mixer today? 😉
Big thanks to Hamilton Beach for sponsoring this giveaway! Their stand mixers and hand mixers are fantastic and make baking super easy! Their Soft Scrape 6 Speed Hand Mixer allows you to mix without having to stop and scrape the bowl. Its convenient snap on storage case means you will never misplace your attachments again and because the beaters are coated, you can mix right in your pan and not worry about scratching your cookware! The 6 Speed Stand Mixer has a powerful 300 watt motor and is perfect for all your baking and bread-making needs! Both come from the company that has been making mixers for over 90 years!
Disclosure: I received both a Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer and Hand Mixer to test out for this giveaway. As always, all opinions and views, as well as this recipe, are my own.
Gayle
These donut holes are calling my name, especially with that glaze! Pinned!
Chris
Thanks Gayle! They called my name a bunch too... like 42 times. That's a lot of donut holes!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom
ok, now I totally need to buy a donut hole pan!! 🙂 love this recipe. . and hang in there, I hope you guys are able to get into your new house soon! I'd love to see fruity donuts on your blog. . taking advantage of seasonal berries maybe?
Chris
Hmmm that's a great idea Alice! Thanks!
Beth
Omg, yes! I am in love with red velvet and doughnuts and I really need a few of these! Having to taste test three different batches must have been awful. 😉 Except I'm kind of jealous. Love these!
Chris
Hahaha it was awful. Thanks for recognizing that hahahaha
Yankee Kitchen Ninja (Julianne)
OK, now there's a doughnut HOLE pan? You finally convinced me to buy the damned doughnut pan -- oh, I just can't keep up with your hipness! 😉
Chris
Hahahahaha I was thinking as I was making these... I wonder what the Ninj is going to say about this. And listen, you are totally hip... you're cracking the code on all things CSA over there at Yankee Kitchen Ninja. Super cool stuff!
marcie
I need a donut hole pan, and how did I not know about them? I love making baked donuts at home, and you're so right about the Greek yogurt. You turned one of my favorite cakes into donut holes here, and I love it! This I need to try…once I buy the pans. 🙂
Chris
Hahaha, I'm glad I could enlighten you to the beautiful world of donut holes lol. You TOTALLY need to get one of these pans. Do it, do it, do it! How's that for some peer pressure haha
Laura
Chocolate Doughnuts! They are the best in my opinion 🙂
Chris
A classic. I like the way you think!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
These are so yummy looking it is hard to believe that they're baked! Love this idea. Pinning to my mash-up board.
Chris
Thanks so much Katie! And since they are baked, you can indulge in a few more, right?! 😉
Cindy
Donut hole pan...I've gotta get one of those! Wow, that cream chess glaze looks amazing on those perfect little round donuts. You are so right the greek yogurt makes a big difference. Hope you get to move in soon.
Chris
Where has this greek yogurt been all my life, Cindy?! It def makes a big difference!
Shibi
The donut holes and the graze are simply amazing!!! Wish to grab some and try it from the screen 🙂
Chris
Hahaha I can't wait until they invent a way for us to reach through the screen!
Amy | Club Narwhal
Chris, you have me totally convinced--I need a donut (doughnut?) hole pan ASAP! These guys look amazing, especially with that cream cheese glaze. Good luck with the new house!
Chris
Thanks so much Amy! And yes, you def need a donut hole pan!
David
Yes. Just yes. And for the next flavor, I vote for salted caramel! Can I see them tomorrow? I want them tomorrow!! *stomps foot and throws temper-tantrum* #WolfpackEats
Chris
Listen David (i.e. grilling troll), you'll get your salted caramel donuts, but you need to be patient and wait your turn. Your tears and crying don't have any effect on me. Stop it, you're embarrassing yourself. Why don't you go into your freezer and eat some ice cream. Crying stops. Good boy, David. Good boy.
Hahaha, salted caramel actually sounds like a great idea! #WolfpackEats
Krista
Ohh gosh... doughnuts in my belly now! My little man would love these, perfect bit size and chocolate! YUM! Great pics as always Chris!
Chris
Hahaha, they are perfect little man size!
Bri | Bites of Bri
Chris, I'm sorry to hear that your short stay may be getting longer but I'm so happy you didn't pack that donut pan. I love red velvet and I'm sure I will love these too!
Chris
Hahaha me too! Having this donut pan around is key!
Pamela
Totally feeling in love with these donut holes! They look so rich and delicious! Can't wait to try this recipe and indulge!
Chris
Thanks Pamela!
Christine
bummer about the house issues Chris, but play it cool - all will come into place!! In the meantime you've got these killer doughnuts to calm your nerves - loving the cc drizzle!!!
Chris
Hahaha, donuts definitely have a calming effect 😉
Tina
These are brilliant! I could seriously probably eat like 10 of them in a row right now....
Chris
I may or may not have experience in eating 10 of them in a row lol
Liz
I knew I was short at least one necessary baking pan....need to be able to bake doughnut holes, don't I? Your red velvet version looks marvelous...especially with that cream cheese drizzle!
Chris
Hahaha, everyone deserves a baked doughnut hole pan in their life Liz 🙂 Go ahead, treat yourself!
miss messy
Nom! Love the cream cheese glaze on these. These look super! 🙂
Chris
Thanks so much!
Natalie
I would love to see a cookie dough flavored baked donut! Yum!!
Chris
OOooooooo! Great idea! Thanks 🙂
Lilli
These look so tasty! What a great idea 🙂
Chris
Thanks Lilli!
Kathy
Red velvet is my absolute favorite cake. Oh these donut holes look sooooooooo good Chris, do you deliver? 🙂
Chris
Hmmmm, I think we could set up some sort of delivery schedule hahaha
Ashley
Oh red velvet. My favorite. I can't resist. And I don't think I could resist these donut holes! So pop-able!
Sorry about the house delays - buying and selling houses is so so stressful!
Chris
I know, I have a soft spot for red velvet too... and pretty much every other type of sweet lol. I know, why do houses gotta be so stressful and stuff?!
Jen Lynn
I am so happy that I've stumbled across your site. Not only am I gazing upon the most decadent doughnut holes ever but I learned there's doughnut hole pan. Mind blown!
Chris
Hahaha, my mind was blown too when I first saw the donut hole pan. Glad to be able to pass it along haha
Kelly
Okay, now I'm totally going to pester the hubs to get me a donut hole pan because these look out of this world! You are totally rocking all your donut recipes including these red velvet ones! Love the cream cheese drizzle action on these poppable bites. Eeks, sorry to hear about your house delay though, that stinks 🙁 Hope you and Asheley are hanging in there 🙂
Chris
You totally need to get yourself a donut hole pan! They rock! We're hanging in there, no worries 🙂 The new house will be here soon enough I'm sure 🙂
Jessica
And now I need a donut hole pan! Love these!
Chris
Hahahah yes, yes you do! Everyone needs a donut hole pan 🙂
Medha
These look so ridiculously good! Red velvet is scrumptious and you're right- no better excuse than doughnut holes to have dessert for breakfast. The colors are making me think Fourth of July breakfast 🙂
Chris
Oooo 4th of July breakfast!!! I like your style Medha!
Tina
Sorry to hear about your moving woes. My husband and I also had issues with the sellers of our home when we moved a couple of years ago. It was so stressful. I hope for a speedy end to your waiting game.
I have a donut hole pan so I'm all over these! Yum 🙂
Chris
Thanks so much Tina. We know it will all be worth it in the end!
Sarah
Definitely always have 10 minutes to bake and 0 minutes to exercise! Whisking is exercise, right?
Can you make me a batch of matcha doughtnut holes next? And I'll PM you my address;)
Chris
Hahahaha EXACTLY Sarah! Whisking should be considered exercise! I like your style 😉 Ooooo matcha doughnut holes sounds great!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen
wow Chris… I died and went to heaven! These baked red velvet donut looks awesome!!
Chris
If heaven includes red velvet donuts, I'll be one very happy dude!
Mike
Looks amazing my friend, really amazing!
Chris
Thanks Mike!
Alyssa
I'm all about treating myself with a donut hole pan! No need to twist my arm. 🙂 Red velvet anything is a 'yes please' for me, and that glaze looks picture perfect! Sorry to hear there are some annoying house issues. Glad you have a flexible place to stay in the interim, though!
Chris
Hahahaha yes! Glad you are willing to treat yourself 🙂
dina
these look addicting!
Chris
They kinda are 😉
nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
I'm glad you started with the donuts, because every single one you post looks incredible. The churro donuts have been on my must make list for some time, and now these are too!
Chris
Thanks so much Nicole!
GiGi Eats
SNAP! I am going to have to try and make a healthy red velvet cake ball recipe now 😉
Chris
You know it! I know how you love playing with cake balls!
Taylor
DONUT HOLE PAN?! That exists. I have been LOVING my donut pan, so clearly I am hitting up Ebay as soon as I finish this comment. LOVE red velvet and cream cheese...for breakfast? Double love. Pinned!
Chris
Hahaha you TOTALLY need a donut hole pan Taylor!!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Jess
Wow, these look amazing! Love the sound of that cream cheese glaze!
Bill
Thanks a bunch for tempting me with something completely awesome that I seriously don't need to be eating. Can you say "love handles"? Seriously, Chris, these look absolutely amazing. Gotta invest in a doughnut pan! Love the photos, too. Hang in there with the move. This too shall pass...
Chris
Hahahaha well... they're baked so we can just go ahead and call them healthy right 😉
Ami
The first time ever I was introduced to donut holes, I literally finished whole box in a day!! Now looking at these I feel like doing it again. These look so spongy and I just want to gobble them up!!
Chris
Hahahaha sounds like me! I may or may not have eaten the whole batch over the course of the entire day lol! Now I know why my pants are a tad bit tight...
Shashi
A donut hole pan??? I so need to get into the 21st century as far as kitchen gadgets and gizmos are concerned! Your donut creations are seriously making me reconsider the GF recipes I have been collecting...who cares about a little stomach discomfort after all eh?! 🙂
Chris
Hahaha a little stomach discomfort is totally worth it for donuts, right 😉
Ceara
Now I need a doughnut hole pan and a doughnut pan!! These look fantastic! I love that they are so light in oil as well (double plus!) Awesome and Pinned!
Chris
Hahaha you totally need both pans!!! Get on that Ceara!
Layla
Yes please! red velvet + donuts has got to be so good!
Chris
Exactly Layla... exactly!
Sam
Ok how have I still not bought a donut pan? I definitely need one for my new house. Sorry to hear about the hold up with your new house! You'll get there!
These look delicious and I LOVE that glaze... can't ever go wrong with cream cheese! 🙂
Chris
Sam... listen, we need to talk. YOU NEED A DONUT PAN! Sorry to shout, but I just know you'd come up with some amazing recipes. So get on it and let's do this! hahaha
Nancy
Donuts are always a good distraction from stress.;) I love your recipe, it looks and sounds divine! Good luck with the new house.
Chris
Hahaha exactly Nancy!
Chelsea
Doughnuts are good enough, but red velvet with a cream cheese glaze? Yes please!! So pretty and your pictures are amazing. Love the dark moody feel to all these photos! Pinned
Chris
Thanks so much Chelsea! Much appreciated!
Lokness
My husband and I love donut holes! They are so much easier to eat than a full size donuts, and most importantly, they are so cute. These red velvet ones are simply awesome! I wish I have a plate of these now!
Chris
Thanks so much!!
Consuelo - Honey & Figs
The only thing better than doughnuts have to be DOUGHNUT HOLES AYE YES!
Especially when cream cheese glaze is involved.
Oh
Gosh
These look so darn addictive that I think I could polish off a batch of 10000 in a few minutes 😉
Chris
Hahaha I challenge you to a doughnut hole eating contest! First to 10000 wins 😉
Helen
Chris, I'm sorry but you are complicating my life. I just got a doughnut pan (OK, it's a mini doughnut pan but still ...) and now you want me to get a 'doughnut hole pan'? What the ...?
Anyway, I have to admit it sounds worth it because these particular doughnut holes do look rather amazing.
Sorry about the retracted stay-with-parents. Don't worry, I know ALL about that. It will just make your move-in all the more sweeter! 🙂
Chris
Hahaha the mini doughnut pan is next on my list! You totally need the trifecta... doughnut pan, mini doughnut pan, and doughnut hole pan!
Laura Dembowski
You definitely have to treat yourself sometimes, and these doughnuts are an awesome way to do so. I bet the people still in your new house would appreciate some help with the move 🙂
Chris
Hahaha that's what I'm saying Laura! I'll head over there, throw some of their stuff in boxes, and we'll be good to go!
Deb C
I'd like to see Sour Cream Donuts.
Chris
Ooooo I'll have to try those. Thanks for the suggestion!
Amanda Sakovitz
I would love to see a french toast donut!
Chris
Oooo that sounds great thanks for the idea Amanda!
Thomas Murphy
I would like to see cinnamon donuts.
Chris
Sounds great Thomas! Thanks for the suggestion!