Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your mornings, these Strawberry Donuts are just the ticket! They’re light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weekday breakfast or serving them at a family gathering, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, the fact that they’re baked instead of fried means you can enjoy them without the heaviness that usually comes with donuts.

This recipe is special to me because it’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying. Just imagine biting into a soft donut topped with sweet glaze while savoring the taste of strawberries. It’s like springtime on your plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and fun!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! They make a great snack or breakfast treat everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or just an ordinary Tuesday, these donuts fit right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can whip these up in no time and have delicious treats ready for when you need them.
• Bursting with Flavor: The fresh strawberries really shine through in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Donuts call for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. They come together quickly and easily, making this recipe perfect for any occasion!

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

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have at home or what flavors you’re craving.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Try Other Fruits: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Make Them Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and plant-based milk for a vegan version.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your donuts an extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and turn out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Trim your strawberries and toss them into a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree; you want some texture here, so don’t overdo it! Setting this aside allows the strawberry flavor to shine through in your donuts.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your butter, sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets in the mixture—helping your donuts rise beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Now add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and prepared strawberry puree to the bowl. Mix until everything is combined well. The buttermilk adds moisture and tanginess that balances out the sweetness!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently add both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your donuts light and airy.

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag (snipping off one corner). This makes it super easy to fill each mold without making a mess!

Step 7: Grease and Fill Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin well then carefully squeeze batter into each mold until they are no more than halfway full. This gives them room to rise!

Step 8: Bake Time!

Pop those beauties into the oven! Bake them for about 7-8 minutes until they’re golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched.

Step 9: Whisk Together Glaze

While your donuts are cooling slightly on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This glaze adds that lovely sweet finish we all adore.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Finally, pour or dip each donut into the glaze allowing it to drip off slightly. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes while the glaze hardens. Now comes the best part—enjoying these delightful Strawberry Donuts!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are not only delicious but also super fun to make! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you bake the perfect batch every time.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and natural sweetness. If you can, opt for seasonal berries for that vibrant taste.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined is key to light and fluffy donuts. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Fill the Tin Correctly: Filling each donut mold halfway allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing. This ensures a perfect shape and texture.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts while baking. They should be lightly golden on top and spring back when touched.

• Let Them Cool Before Glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool on a wire rack before glazing helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting away.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These delightful Strawberry Donuts can be served in various ways that enhance their sweetness and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying them solo, here’s how to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Chopped Mint: A sprinkle of fresh chopped mint adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Shredded Coconut: Lightly toasted shredded coconut provides a delightful crunch and tropical twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the glaze elevates both flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweet flavors of the donuts while adding a refreshing touch.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy, crunchy side that’s full of flavor.
• Smoothie Bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits with some spinach or kale for a nutritious smoothie bowl that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of donuts.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the donut experience, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these scrumptious Strawberry Donuts! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or sweet snacks throughout the week. They stay fresh and delicious, ready to brighten your day whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled donuts in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual donuts for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• If glazed, be careful not to overheat as this can affect the glaze.

FAQs

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

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before pureeing them. Frozen strawberries can work beautifully in this recipe.

How do I prevent my Strawberry Donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your donut pan well is essential. You can also use parchment paper circles at the bottom of each mold for easy removal.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

These Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, giving them a light and fluffy texture without the heaviness of traditional fried donuts.

Can I substitute the buttermilk in this Strawberry Donuts recipe?

Absolutely! You can use plain yogurt thinned with a little water or milk as a substitute. Alternatively, mix ½ cup of milk with ½ tsp of lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes to create homemade buttermilk.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They bring a pop of color and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!