Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your day, these Strawberry Donuts are just the treat! They’re light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. I love making these donuts for breakfast on lazy weekends or as a sweet surprise after family dinners. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so they feel indulgent without weighing you down.

You might find that this recipe becomes a favorite for various occasions—be it cozy brunches with friends or special celebrations at home. Plus, they’re simple enough that even kitchen novices can whip them up effortlessly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying these Strawberry Donuts in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts! These treats will surely bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the batter in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The real strawberry puree offers a wonderful taste that’s both fruity and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Donuts come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious treat:

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

The beauty of this Strawberry Donuts recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and try out these variation ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet twist that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries to create your favorite fruit-flavored donuts.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Experiment with less sugar or add a natural sweetener like honey for a different flavor profile.
• Create a Topping Bar: Set up toppings like shredded coconut or chopped nuts so everyone can customize their donuts!

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving those perfectly baked strawberry donuts that are soft and airy.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree. It’s important not to over-pulse; we want some texture in our puree for added fruitiness!

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 creates airiness in the batter, which helps your donuts rise beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is well combined. This blend of ingredients means every bite will be packed with delicious strawberry goodness.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts—so be gentle here!

Step 6: Prepare the Piping Bag

Scoop your donut batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag. Folding it over the sides of a cup makes it easier to fill without making a mess!

Step 7: Fill the Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin generously and carefully squeeze batter into each section, filling no more than halfway. This allows room for rising while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Place your donut tin on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should spring back when lightly touched!

Step 9: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl while your donuts are cooling slightly. This simple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, transfer the donuts to a wire rack and pour glaze over each one. Allow it to drip off; alternatively, dip each donut top into the glaze.

And there you have it! A batch of warm Strawberry Donuts ready to be enjoyed by family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making strawberry donuts can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll create the perfect batch every time!

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give your donuts the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can contain excess moisture, which might affect the batter consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter just until combined helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts that aren’t as enjoyable.
• Fill Halfway: Filling the donut molds halfway allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing. This ensures you get that perfect donut shape!
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your donuts a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should spring back when lightly pressed and have a golden edge.
• Let Them Cool Before Glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool slightly before glazing helps the icing adhere better, creating a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

Strawberry donuts are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and freshness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle some unsweetened shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist that adds both flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Yogurt: A creamy vanilla yogurt makes for a perfect dip alongside your strawberry donuts, adding a tangy balance to their sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like blueberries, bananas, and kiwi offers a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the rich strawberry flavor.
• Herbal Tea: Serving these donuts with a cup of herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere. Chamomile or mint tea works particularly well!
• Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl made with blended bananas and spinach topped with extra strawberries provides a nutritious side that complements the sweetness of your donuts.

Enjoy creating these delightful strawberry donuts! Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or snack time, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making breakfast or snack time a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through.
• Drizzle with glaze again if desired!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful Strawberry Donuts:

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well too. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before pureeing.

How do I make Strawberry Donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these Strawberry Donuts gluten-free. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free!

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

These Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in a lighter texture that is moist and fluffy without being greasy.

Can I add other flavors to my Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! Try incorporating a little lemon zest or using other fruit purees alongside strawberries for unique flavor combinations.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Donuts truly stand out as a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to prepare, beautifully light, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself! Happy baking!