Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a bit of sunshine to your day, these Strawberry Donuts are just the thing! Fresh strawberries blend beautifully into a soft, moist donut that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack. This recipe is special to me because it combines simple ingredients with the joy of baking, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to indulge in something sweet during a busy weeknight, these donuts will brighten up any occasion.

Imagine the aroma of fresh strawberries filling your kitchen as these delicious treats bake in the oven. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look beautiful with their vibrant pink glaze. So grab your donut mold pan and let’s get started on this fruity adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious Strawberry Donuts.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet strawberry flavor and soft texture. They are perfect for sharing!
• Make ahead: These donuts can be prepared in advance and stored for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
• Light and fluffy: Baking instead of frying keeps these donuts light, fluffy, and free from excess oil.
• Customizable toppings: You can switch up the glaze or add sprinkles for extra fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating delicious Strawberry Donuts. You’ll find that these simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create something truly special.

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

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with flavors or ingredients to suit your taste.

• Change up the fruit: Swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Add spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring an exciting twist to your donuts.
• Make it chocolatey: Mix in some cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored donuts—who wouldn’t love that?
• Try different glazes: Experiment with lemon or almond flavored glazes for unique tastes.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures your donuts will 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. It’s important not to over-pulse; you want some texture in there! Set aside so you can add it later.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter, sugar, and egg. Using medium-high speed, mix them together for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your donuts nice and airy.

Step 4: Add Vanilla, Buttermilk, and Strawberry Puree

Now it’s time to add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and that lovely strawberry puree. Mix again until everything is well combined—it should smell heavenly!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your donuts tender!

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer the donut batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag. Place it in a mug to help hold it steady while you fill it up neatly using a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Prepare Your Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin before carefully squeezing batter into each mold—fill them no more than halfway for perfect rising!

Step 8: Bake Away!

Pop those beauties into the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 7-8 minutes. They’ll be ready when they spring back when touched gently.

Step 9: Whisk Together Glaze

While those donuts are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl. This glaze will give your donuts that extra sweetness we all crave!

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once baked and cooled slightly on a wire rack, pour glaze over top of each donut or dip them one by one if that’s more fun! Allow them to set for about 20-30 minutes before devouring.

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Donuts—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

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

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and sweetness for your donuts. Frozen strawberries can alter the texture and moisture of the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Check your oven temperature: Every oven is different! Use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s at the right temperature before baking to achieve that perfect rise.
• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool on a wire rack ensures that the glaze doesn’t slide off but instead sets beautifully on top.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a hint of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a unique twist on your strawberry donuts!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the donuts.
• Chopped nuts: Consider adding chopped pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the donuts.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt parfait: A creamy yogurt parfait layered with granola and more fresh strawberries makes for a delightful side dish that balances sweetness with tanginess.
• Fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad with seasonal fruits like blueberries, bananas, and kiwi offers freshness and variety alongside your strawberry donuts.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with these treats, enhancing their flavor while providing a comforting beverage option.
• Smoothie bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with sliced fruits, seeds, and nuts creates a wholesome breakfast option that complements your delicious donuts.

Enjoy serving these Strawberry Donuts as part of a lovely brunch spread or simply as an afternoon snack! The possibilities are endless, and I’m sure you’ll find your favorite way to enjoy them.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for a delightful treat whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the donuts fully and then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, place a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious Strawberry Donuts:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

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

How do I get my Strawberry Donuts to rise properly?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you don’t overmix the batter. This will help your donuts rise and remain fluffy.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in this Strawberry Donuts recipe?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

How long do homemade Strawberry Donuts last?

Homemade Strawberry Donuts stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or they can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Can I make these Strawberry Donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around. So grab those strawberries and get baking—I can’t wait for you to taste this deliciousness!