Green Velvet Donuts & Whoopie Pies

I have a confession: I have never had red velvet cake before. I've always wanted to try it, and today was the day! Since we are close to St. Patrick's Day, I decided to make green velvet instead. Instead of making it into a cake or cupcakes, we went with a little something different: baked donuts and whoopie pies!

I know, I know... these aren't "real" donuts. In fact, they aren't fried at all, and would probably be amazing covered in glaze. Honestly, these are more of a cake in the shape of a donut. Either way, I think they are pretty fun to eat and they sure look cute!!

Add a bit {or a lot} of frosting, some colorful sprinkles and you've got one tasty treat on your hands!! I love how they turned out. My daughter had a fun time helping with the sprinkles and helping to mix the batter and frosting. These would be perfect for any St. Patrick's Day or even a spring party depending on your sprinkles.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 - 1 oz green food coloring

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Grease donut and/or whoopie pie pans.
2. Lightly stir eggs, and add remaining liquid ingredients. Stir together until blended. 
3. Place all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir together well.
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on medium-high for about a minute or until completely combined.
5. Pour by tablespoons into donut or whoopie pie pans and tap pans on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
6. Bake for about 10-13 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool for about ten minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Adapted from Bakerella

What are donuts and whoopie pies without frosting?!
Answer: Just cake.

I absolutely love this easy for Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe from Cookies & Cups:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shortening
2 lbs powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1. Cream butter and shortening together until smooth.
2. Slowly add sugar. Once all added, turn up mixer speed to medium-high and whip for about a minute.
3. Slowly add milk. You can more or less to get the consistency you like. If you add too much, just add a little more sugar.
4. Put frosting into a Ziploc or icing bag, clip the corner, and frost your donuts and/or whoopie pies. I used a Wilton #32 Open Star Tip.