Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the joy of baking, these Strawberry Donuts are just what you need! They are incredibly simple to make, and I promise they’ll bring a smile to your face. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a weekend gathering with friends and family, these donuts are perfect for any occasion.

What makes this recipe so special is not just the delicious strawberry flavor but also the fact that they are baked rather than fried. This means they’re light and fluffy instead of heavy and greasy. You can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing you made them from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful donuts in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves donuts! Kids will enjoy helping out in the kitchen while learning how to bake.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the batter ahead of time and bake when you’re ready for a fresh treat.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of strawberries and vanilla creates a sweet, fruity delight that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Donuts come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need for this delightful baking adventure!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add some spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.
• Change up the fruit: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a delicious twist.
• Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version of these tasty donuts.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top of the glaze for extra texture.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree. Remember, you don’t want it completely liquid; leaving some small pieces adds texture!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your butter, sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your donuts light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Next, add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is well blended. It’s important that these wet ingredients are combined thoroughly—they’re key to keeping your donuts moist!

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in both flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt at low speed until JUST incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; we want those delicate donuts to stay soft!

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag. Placing it in a mug makes filling easier—just fold over the sides! When it’s full, snip off one corner so you can easily pipe into your donut tin.

Step 7: Bake!

Grease your donut tin well before squeezing in the batter. Fill each mold no more than halfway—this allows enough room for rising without overflowing. Bake for about 7-8 minutes on the middle rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While your donuts are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This glaze adds that perfect sweet touch!

Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts

Once baked, transfer the donuts onto a wire rack and pour glaze over each one. Let it drip off for an even coating. If you prefer dipping, feel free to dunk each donut directly into the glaze.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Let the glaze set for about 20-30 minutes before diving in. Enjoy these Strawberry Donuts fresh out of your oven—they’re best shared with friends or family!

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

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

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also provide a vibrant color that makes your donuts visually appealing. Look for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best results.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing the batter just until combined ensures your donuts remain light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser, tougher donuts, so be gentle!

• Fill the Donut Pan Sparingly: Filling the pan halfway allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing. This keeps their shape perfect and avoids messy spills in your oven.

• Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re ready.

• Let Them Cool Before Glazing: Allowing your baked donuts to cool slightly helps the glaze adhere better. If they are too hot, the glaze may melt away instead of forming a lovely coating.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts make a cheerful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread! With their sweet strawberry flavor and delightful presentation, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Here are some creative serving ideas:

Garnishes

• Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle some unsweetened shredded coconut on top of your glazed donuts for a tropical twist that adds texture.
• Chopped Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped almonds or walnuts to enhance crunchiness and flavor contrast against the soft donut.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits pairs beautifully with strawberry donuts. The natural sweetness of fruit complements the sugary glaze.
• Greek Yogurt: Serve with a side of creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey or granola. The tanginess balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea offers a soothing complement to your sweet treat, perfect for brunch gatherings.
• Coffee: A classic pairing! The rich flavors of coffee contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberry donuts—ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Enjoy creating and sharing these delicious Strawberry Donuts! They’re not just treats; they’re memories waiting to happen.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. They stay fresh and delicious, making them an excellent option for busy mornings or sweet snacks.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to keep them fresher longer.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the frozen donut in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Refreshing them this way will help restore their fluffy texture!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Donuts.

Can I make Strawberry Donuts without buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using it in your recipe!

How do I get my Strawberry Donuts to rise properly?

Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Properly mixing your ingredients without overmixing is key to achieving that light and fluffy texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before pureeing. This will prevent your batter from becoming too watery.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

These Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in a lighter texture that’s moist yet not greasy. Plus, they’re packed with real strawberry flavor!

How should I serve my Strawberry Donuts?

Serve these delightful treats fresh with a light glaze on top. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these delightful Strawberry Donuts as I am! They’re not only easy to make but also bursting with fresh flavor that will surely bring joy to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing with friends, these donuts are bound to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to hear how they turn out!