Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a burst of flavor to your day, these Strawberry Donuts are just the ticket! They are not only easy to whip up but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re surprising your family on a busy weekend morning or bringing something sweet to a gathering, these baked beauties will surely impress. Plus, they’re made with fresh strawberries, which means you get all that juicy goodness in every bite.

What makes this recipe even more special is its light and fluffy texture. By baking instead of frying, we avoid that heavy grease while still enjoying a delicious donut experience. Trust me; once you try these Strawberry Donuts, they’ll become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these donuts ready to bake in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts! This recipe is simple enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can whip up the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Deliciously Light: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are moist and fluffy without the heaviness.
• Fresh Flavor: The strawberry puree adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color that makes them irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make your Strawberry Donuts:

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)

These ingredients come together beautifully to create moist and flavorful donuts that everyone will love.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Top with Sprinkles: After glazing, sprinkle colorful toppings for an eye-catching finish.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Make them Mini: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized versions that are perfect for snacking.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. A hot oven ensures that your donuts rise perfectly and develop that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Trim your strawberries and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a chunky puree—this adds texture and flavor. Be careful not to over-pulse; you want some bits of fruit in there!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps make your donuts light and fluffy. Then add in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is well blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Slowly mix in both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your donuts tender!

Step 5: Fill the Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag. This makes filling the donut pan so much easier and cleaner! Just snip off the corner of the bag when you’re ready.

Step 6: Fill Your Donut Pan

Grease your donut tin generously and carefully squeeze the batter into each mold until they’re filled halfway. This allows room for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake!

Place your filled donut pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. This glaze will add that sweet final touch!

Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, transfer your donuts to a wire rack. Pour or dip each donut into the glaze allowing it to drip off a bit before serving. After about 20-30 minutes, watch as the glaze hardens slightly—perfect for munching!

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Donuts as breakfast or dessert—they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results with your Strawberry Donuts!

• Use fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture. If strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen strawberries but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.

• Avoid overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Just mix until the ingredients are combined to keep them light and fluffy.

• Fill the donut pan halfway – Filling the pan no more than halfway allows the donuts to rise properly without overflowing, ensuring they maintain their lovely shape.

• Cool before glazing – Letting your donuts cool on a wire rack before glazing helps prevent the glaze from melting off. It also allows for better glaze adherence and a prettier finish.

• Experiment with flavors – While strawberry is delicious, feel free to try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a twist! These flavors complement strawberries beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual breakfast or a festive gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this sweet treat!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top of your glazed donuts for an added crunch that contrasts nicely with their softness.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add color but also provide a refreshing aroma that enhances the overall experience.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar can give your donuts a classic look and an extra hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the donuts while adding freshness to your plate.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a healthy side dish that balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Smoothies: A berry smoothie or green smoothie makes for a nutritious drink that pairs wonderfully with these baked delights and keeps breakfast vibrant.
• Coffee or tea: Serve your strawberry donuts alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a warm, cozy breakfast or snack that brings everything together.

Enjoy serving and sharing these delightful Strawberry Donuts—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week or for special occasions. They can be made in advance and stored or frozen for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them cold, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their fluffy texture.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen donuts, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• For a warm treat, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious Strawberry Donuts.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes! Frozen strawberries can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing them.

How do I make my Strawberry Donuts fluffier?

To achieve fluffier Strawberry Donuts, ensure that you don’t overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined helps retain air and keeps them light.

Can I substitute the buttermilk in Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! You can create a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

How long do Strawberry Donuts last?

When stored correctly, these Strawberry Donuts will last for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! Their light texture and sweet strawberry flavor make them a special treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and let me know how they turn out. Happy baking!