Vampire Bite Red Velvet Donuts with White Glaze

Halloween season calls for treats that are as eerie as they are delicious—and these Vampire Bite Red Velvet Donuts are the perfect indulgence! These baked red velvet donuts boast a tender, moist crumb with a subtle hint of cocoa and buttermilk tang. What makes them extra haunting is the glossy white vanilla glaze, artistically splattered with “bloody” red raspberry sauce, creating the illusion of a vampire’s bite.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween brunch, an office party, or a spooky movie night, these donuts are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. They look dramatic, taste incredible, and are surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of theatrical presentation and irresistible flavor. The deep crimson hue of the donuts paired with the pure white glaze creates a striking contrast that’s both creepy and beautiful. Every bite delivers the luscious flavor of classic red velvet cake—soft, slightly chocolatey, and melt-in-your-mouth moist—balanced by a sweet, silky glaze.

And then there’s the “vampire bite” detail—tiny puncture marks filled with red raspberry sauce that oozes slightly when you take a bite. It’s clever, playful, and guaranteed to make guests smile (and maybe squirm just a little!).

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect for Halloween Parties: Eye-catching and delightfully spooky presentation.
• Baked, Not Fried: Healthier and less messy to make.
• Moist & Flavorful: True red velvet taste with a hint of cocoa and tangy buttermilk.
• Fun to Decorate: Great for kids and adults to make together.
• Versatile: Works as breakfast, dessert, or a party centerpiece.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling & Decorating Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories: ~280 kcal per donut (including glaze and filling)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American (Halloween-themed, Baked Donuts)

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Donuts:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)

For the White Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the “Vampire Bite” Filling (Bloody Sauce):

• ¼ cup raspberry or strawberry preserves
• 1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
• 1 tsp corn syrup (optional, for glossy effect)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan or spray with non-stick baking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, oil, egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and vinegar until smooth.

Step 4: Add Coloring and Combine

Add the red food coloring to the wet ingredients and whisk well. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-lock bag (snip one corner). Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make the White Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 8: Make the “Bloody” Sauce

In a saucepan over low heat, combine raspberry preserves and water. Stir until smooth. Add corn syrup for extra shine, if desired. Let cool slightly.

Step 9: Decorate — The Fun Part!

1. Dip each cooled donut halfway into the white glaze. Allow excess glaze to drip off.
2. Place on parchment paper and let the glaze set slightly.
3. Use a toothpick or piping bag to make two small “vampire bite marks” on one side of each donut.
4. Drip or pipe a bit of red raspberry sauce at the bite mark and let it slightly run down the sides—it’ll look like dripping blood!

How to Serve

Serve your Vampire Bite Red Velvet Donuts on a dark platter or cake stand for maximum effect. They’re perfect with coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced apple cider.
For extra flair, decorate the serving area with fake spider webs, mini pumpkins, or red rose petals for a gothic Halloween vibe.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of fluffy.
• Perfect Red Color: Gel food coloring gives a more vibrant hue than liquid.
• Smooth Glaze: Use a fine sieve for powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
• Thicker Glaze: For a more opaque finish, dip twice—let the first coat dry slightly before re-dipping.
• Bloody Detail: Warm raspberry jam gives a realistic dripping effect—avoid over-thinning.

Variations

• Vampire Cream-Filled Donuts: Inject cream cheese frosting into the center before glazing for a surprise filling.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, oil, and an egg substitute (like flax egg).
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and reduce baking time to 7 minutes.
• Bloody Glaze Swap: Try cherry coulis or pomegranate syrup for a deeper, darker red “blood.”

Freezing & Storage

Storage:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if glazed.

Freezing:

• Freeze unfrosted donuts in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cavity donut pan (baked donut pan)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Piping bag or zip-lock bag
• Wire cooling rack
• Saucepan (for the bloody sauce)
• Toothpick (for vampire bite marks)

Conclusion

These Vampire Bite Red Velvet Donuts with White Glaze are the ultimate blend of spooky fun and gourmet flavor. Their hauntingly elegant appearance makes them a Halloween showpiece, while the soft, moist texture and sweet vanilla glaze satisfy every dessert craving.

With every bite revealing “bloody” berry drips, they’re equal parts eerie and enchanting—guaranteed to delight guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a vampire-themed party or simply want to impress your friends with a chillingly good treat, these donuts are a must-try this Halloween season.