Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your morning, these Strawberry Donuts are just the ticket! They are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s hard to resist the charm of a homemade donut, especially when you can whip them up in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings—everyone will love indulging in these sweet treats!

What makes these Strawberry Donuts truly special is how easy they are to make. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in creating these delicious bites. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have warm donuts ready to enjoy in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen! They can assist with mixing and pouring.
• Fresh Flavor: Using real strawberries means every bite is packed with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Baking Bliss: These donuts are baked to perfection, resulting in a light texture that melts in your mouth.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready for a sweet snack!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these Strawberry Donuts so special! You probably already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with ingredients based on what you have at home or the flavors you love.

• Add a Twist: Mix in some lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick!
• Swap the Berries: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Go Chocolatey: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the donuts instead of glaze for a rich touch.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F. This step ensures that your donuts will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a chunky puree. It’s important not to over-pulse; we want some texture here! Set it aside while we mix our other ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and egg. Mix on medium-high speed for about two minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your donuts that fluffy texture we all love.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix again until everything is well combined. The strawberry puree adds moisture and flavor—it’s what makes these donuts special!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add both types of flour along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can lead to dense donuts!

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag for easy filling. Place the bag into a large cup or mug and fold it over the edges. This technique helps keep things tidy while you fill.

Step 7: Prepare the Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin generously. Carefully squeeze batter into each tin until they are filled halfway. This allows room for rising as they bake.

Step 8: Bake Perfectly

Bake your donuts on the middle rack for about 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

While those beauties are cooling on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This glaze is what takes your Strawberry Donuts from good to great!

Step 10: Glaze and Enjoy!

Once cooled slightly, pour or dip each donut into the glaze letting it drip off before serving. The glaze will harden after about 20-30 minutes—if you can wait that long! Enjoy every delicious bite of these Strawberry Donuts with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making these Strawberry Donuts is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries enhance the flavor and provide a vibrant color to your donuts. Overripe or frozen strawberries can lead to a mushy texture that doesn’t hold up well in baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in denser donuts that are chewy instead of airy.

• Fill the donut pan halfway – This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing. If you fill them too much, you may end up with misshapen donuts that won’t have that perfect ring shape.

• Cool before glazing – Allowing your donuts to cool slightly on a wire rack before glazing ensures that the glaze adheres properly rather than melting away. It also helps maintain their fluffy texture!

• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to play around by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or using different types of extracts. A hint of lemon zest can brighten up the strawberry flavor even more!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts not only taste fantastic but also look gorgeous on any table! Here are some fun ideas for presenting them:

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves – A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and freshness, making your presentation even more appealing.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkling some finely chopped pistachios or almonds on top gives a nice crunch and complementing flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness of the donuts while adding a healthy touch.
• Yogurt parfaits – Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious side that balances the sweetness of your strawberry donuts.
• Coffee or tea – A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs beautifully, enhancing your breakfast or snack experience while balancing flavors.

Enjoy serving these delightful Strawberry Donuts at brunches, parties, or simply as an afternoon treat! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them a delightful treat to have on hand for breakfast or snacks throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container.
• Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the 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

• To reheat from frozen, microwave each donut for about 15-20 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Donuts that you might find helpful!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

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

How can I make my Strawberry Donuts even sweeter?

You can increase the sugar in the glaze or add more strawberry puree to the batter for extra sweetness.

Are Strawberry Donuts healthy?

While they are still a treat, these Strawberry Donuts have less fat than traditional fried versions and include fresh fruit!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They’re not just delicious but also easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast with family or a sweet snack during the day, these donuts will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking!