Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy to any morning or afternoon snack time, these Strawberry Donuts are just the thing! They combine the fresh sweetness of strawberries with a light and fluffy texture that is simply irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is, even for those who might feel like baking is not their strong suit. Trust me, anyone can whip these up, and they are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

These baked Strawberry Donuts are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Instead of being heavy and greasy, these donuts come out moist and fluffy every time. Plus, you get to enjoy the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 22 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for any day of the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping to mix the batter and decorate with glaze—baking together creates wonderful memories!
• Fresh Flavor: Using real strawberries gives these donuts a deliciously fruity taste that is sure to please everyone.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and bake them fresh in the morning for an extra special breakfast treat.
• Lightened Up: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a lighter option that still satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Donuts use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Grab some fresh strawberries and let’s get baking!

For the Batter

• 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

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to put your own spin on it! Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Swap the Fruit: Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for different flavors.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warmth and depth.
• Try Different Glazes: Mix things up by using lemon juice or almond extract in your glaze for a unique taste.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your donuts cook evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree—this texture adds nice bits of fruit throughout your donuts. Remember not to over-pulse; we want some texture here!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter, sugar, and egg. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until it’s creamy and well mixed. Then add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly helps create a flavorful base.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so be careful here!

Step 5: Fill the Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag. This makes filling your donut molds neat and easy! Snip off one corner when ready to fill.

Step 6: Fill Donut Molds

Grease your donut tin lightly before squeezing the batter into each mold. Fill them no more than halfway—this allows room for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Place the filled donut tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for about 7-8 minutes until they’re lightly golden and spring back when touched.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the donuts bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This simple glaze adds that perfect sweet finish!

Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts

Once baked, let them cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Pour or dip each warm donut into the glaze so it coats beautifully.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Let the glaze set for about 20-30 minutes before serving. Now you’re ready to indulge in these delightful Strawberry Donuts! Enjoy each bite knowing you made something special from scratch!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making these delightful Strawberry Donuts is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only add vibrant color but also enhance the flavor of your donuts. They provide that sweet, natural taste that frozen berries simply can’t match.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures your donuts remain light and fluffy. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour too much, leading to dense donuts.

• Fill the donut mold halfway: This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing. Filling them too much can result in misshapen donuts that lose their lovely ring shape.

• Cool before glazing: Letting your donuts cool on a wire rack before adding glaze will prevent it from melting off. This keeps your glaze intact for a beautiful finish.

• Experiment with flavors: While strawberry is fantastic, feel free to mix in other flavors like lemon zest or almond extract to create unique variations of this recipe!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

Serving these Strawberry Donuts can be as fun and creative as making them! Whether it’s for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or just a sweet snack, they are sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds sweetness and visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted almonds or pistachios add a delightful crunch and complement the softness of the donut.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and freshness alongside your rich donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy counterpoint to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with these sweet treats, making for a cozy snack experience.
• Smoothies: A berry smoothie can enhance the fruity flavor while keeping things light and refreshing.

These serving suggestions will elevate your Strawberry Donuts into an engaging experience for you and your guests. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, you can store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life (up to 5 days).

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat donuts in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each donut for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delicious Strawberry Donuts!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes! Frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing. This ensures your batter won’t be too watery.

How do I make Strawberry Donuts gluten-free?

To make these Strawberry Donuts gluten-free, substitute the cake flour and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s suitable for baking!

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

These Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in a lighter texture without compromising on flavor. Plus, they’re filled with real strawberry puree!

Can I add toppings to my Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts or drizzle chocolate over your glazed donuts for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Donuts! They’re not only simple but also bring a burst of strawberry goodness to your day. Enjoy every bite and share them with friends and family; they’ll surely love this sweet treat as much as you do. Happy baking!