Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day, these Strawberry Donuts are just the thing! Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this recipe is a favorite in my home. They are light, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying, making them perfect for busy mornings or fun family gatherings. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can enjoy them without the guilt!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple and forgiving. Grab your donut mold pan and let’s dive into making these delicious Strawberry Donuts together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These donuts come together quickly with just a few simple steps. Perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids love the sweet strawberry flavor and fun shape. They’ll be asking for seconds!
• Healthy Twist: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter and less greasy than traditional options.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack any time of day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Strawberry Donuts is part of the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have on hand.

For the Donuts

• 1 tbsp butter, unsalted
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup cake flour
• ¾ cup all purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 12-15 strawberries (about 1 cup pureed)

Variations

The great thing about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter.
• Mix in Other Fruits: Swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to create different fruity flavors.
• Try Different Glazes: Experiment with flavored glazes like lemon or almond for an extra zing!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the cake flour and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully as soon as you put them in.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree. This texture will give your donuts those delightful strawberry bits while maintaining moisture without turning them into liquid.

Step 3: Mix Butter, Sugar, and Egg

In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter, sugar, and egg. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mixture, keeping your donuts nice and airy!

Step 4: Blend in Wet Ingredients

Next, add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is well blended. The buttermilk adds richness while keeping the donuts moist.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in both flours along with the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until JUST incorporated—this helps prevent overmixing which could lead to dense donuts.

Step 6: Prepare Your Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag. This makes filling the donut tin so much easier! Snip off the corner of the bag when you’re ready to fill.

Step 7: Fill Your Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin and carefully squeeze batter into each cavity until they’re filled no more than halfway. This allows room for rising without overflowing!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts for about 7-8 minutes on the middle rack until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly cooked through but not dry!

Step 9: Whisk Your Glaze

While the donuts are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set aside—this glaze will take your Strawberry Donuts over the top!

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once baked, transfer your donuts to a wire rack. Pour glaze over each donut allowing some to drip off—this creates that irresistible glossy finish! Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes so the glaze can harden slightly before enjoying.

And there you have it—delicious homemade Strawberry Donuts that will be loved by all! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Baking these delightful Strawberry Donuts can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best flavor and moisture. Frozen strawberries can work, but they may result in a more diluted taste.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can make your donuts dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Fill the Donut Mold Sparingly: Only fill each mold halfway to allow room for rising. This prevents overflow and ensures you have perfect donut shapes.
• Let Glaze Set: Allowing the glaze to set on a wire rack helps it harden properly without sticking to surfaces or making a mess.
• Experiment with Flavors: While strawberry is delicious, feel free to add a hint of lemon zest or almond extract for an unexpected twist!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

Serving these Strawberry Donuts can be as fun and creative as baking them! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and enhances visual appeal without overwhelming the strawberry flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Mint: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves brings a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a thin drizzle of chocolate sauce can create an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the donuts and adds vibrant colors to your plate.
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries not only boosts nutrition but also makes for a beautiful breakfast spread next to your donuts.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea makes an excellent accompaniment, enhancing your donut experience during breakfast or snack time.
• Smoothie Bowl: Whip up a fruit smoothie bowl topped with granola and seeds; it’s a nutritious side that balances out the sweetness while adding texture.

Enjoy serving these delightful Strawberry Donuts at brunch, gatherings, or as a sweet treat anytime!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat anytime. Whether you’re planning for a busy week or just want to have some sweet snacks on hand, here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creations.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week.
• If you notice any glaze hardening, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
• Transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight freezer bag or container; they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen Strawberry Donuts, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• You can also place them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a nice crisp.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Donuts that may help you in your baking journey!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries! Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before pureeing. This will help maintain the right consistency of your batter.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts so light and fluffy?

The combination of cake flour and buttermilk helps create a tender crumb, resulting in light and fluffy Strawberry Donuts that aren’t heavy or greasy.

How do I know when my Strawberry Donuts are done baking?

Your donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when touched and are golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted should come out clean!

Can I make these Strawberry Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum if it is not already included.

What other flavors can I add to my Strawberry Donuts?

Feel free to experiment by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even chocolate chips to elevate your Strawberry Donuts and create a unique flavor twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as much as it does to mine! These Strawberry Donuts are not only simple to make but also wonderfully satisfying. Enjoy sharing them with friends or savoring them during quiet moments at home. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!