Red Velvet Doughnuts

May is a month chock full of birthdays. In fact, today is my MOM’S BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday Mom! This isn’t her type of dessert though; she would much prefer ice cream.But it was K’s birthday on Sunday and of course, I had to make her the awesome red velvet cupcakes that she loves. Knowing she was being “health conscious”, I used reduced fat cream cheese and less sugar in the frosting. I substituted buttermilk for skim milk, cut down on the butter and made the cupcakes smaller than normal.

But, I couldn’t let her birthday go without something more celebratory thanthese cupcakes. So, I thought I would surprise her and what better way than with my new pan making some delicious red velvet doughnuts!!! I asked for the doughnut pan for my birthday and Awa was happy to oblige. But, it’s just sat in its wrapping until this past weekend. Friday night, while I was home alone, I turned up the music and set to work.

The doughnuts were easier than I imagined, and also so much fun! Plus the look on my family’s face when I brought them in the door was awesome! I already have on order from M to make some chocolate doughnuts for her. I can’t wait to fulfill that request! I’ve noticed doughnuts becoming very popular lately and it was so nice that everyone loved these. They are baked, but they tasted so cake-like. I can imagine that the chocolate doughnuts will taste very similar to the chocolate doughnuts I love at a certain coffeehouse!

Red Velvet Doughnuts (adapted from here)
Serves: 12 (12 doughnuts)
Doughnuts
1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon white vinegar
3 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup powdered sugar

Time to make the doughnuts (hehe): Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat sugar, egg, butter, and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder. In a third bowl, combine milk, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Add 1/4 of the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Beat fully. Then add 1/3 of the milk mixture. Beat fully. Continue alternating, ending in the flour mixture. Grease the doughnut pans and pour the batter into them (about 2/3 of the way high). Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until fully cooked through (test with a toothpick).
To make the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until fully mixed. Store in the fridge until using. Frost each doughnut before serving.