Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your day, these Strawberry Donuts are just the ticket! Fresh strawberries give these treats a burst of flavor that’s both sweet and refreshing. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can indulge without any guilt. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast or a sweet snack for family gatherings, these donuts are sure to be a hit!

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find joy in whipping up these light and fluffy donuts right in your own kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious Strawberry Donuts ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these sweet treats! They’re perfect for breakfast or as an after-school snack.
• Make Ahead: You can bake these donuts in advance and store them for later. Just reheat before serving!
• Fresh and Fruity Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries adds a natural sweetness that makes this treat irresistible.
• Customizable Glaze: Feel free to get creative with the glaze—experiment with flavors or colors to make them even more fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Strawberry Donuts is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Strawberry Donuts recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
• Try Different Berries: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
• Infuse with Citrus: Add some zest from an orange or lemon into the batter for a refreshing citrus note.

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 will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a chunky puree; this will give your donuts that wonderful strawberry flavor without turning it into liquid. Set aside while you mix the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your donuts a light texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is well combined—it should smell amazing already!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently mix in both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts fluffy!

Step 6: Fill the Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag (or a freezer bag). This makes filling your donut tin much easier and mess-free.

Step 7: Grease the Donut Tin

Spray your donut tin lightly with cooking spray or grease with butter. Carefully squeeze the batter into each tin until they are filled halfway—that way they’ll rise perfectly without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake

Place your donut tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes. The donuts should spring back when touched—they’ll be ready when they look lightly golden!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While those lovely donuts cool down on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl to create your glaze.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, pour the glaze over each donut allowing it to drip off. Alternatively, dip each donut into the glaze for full coverage! Let them sit until the glaze hardens—then they’re ready to enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They are sure to become a favorite in your household!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making these Strawberry Donuts is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be on your way to creating perfectly fluffy bites of heaven!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only provide the best flavor but also ensure your donuts stay moist. Frozen strawberries can change the texture, so go for fresh whenever possible.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mixing the ingredients until just combined keeps your donuts light and airy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, which we want to avoid!

• Fill donut pans carefully: To achieve that perfect donut shape, fill each cavity no more than halfway. This allows them to rise beautifully without spilling over.

• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool on a wire rack prevents the glaze from melting off. The slight cooling will help it adhere better and look more appealing.

• Experiment with flavors: While strawberry is fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix things up! Try adding lemon zest or using other fruits in your glaze for an exciting twist.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are not just delicious; they’re a feast for the eyes as well! Presenting them beautifully can enhance the whole experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
• Shredded coconut: Lightly toasted coconut flakes add texture and a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with strawberry flavors.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt with honey: Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey makes for a delightful balance against the sweetness of the donuts, providing protein and satisfaction.
• Fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits enhances freshness on your plate. It’s a fun way to add variety and nutrition!
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack time.
• Smoothie: A refreshing berry smoothie blends well with strawberry flavors and makes for a nutritious accompaniment to start your day right.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for an irresistible treat that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week for extra freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing to maintain their texture.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, you can also warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these delightful Strawberry Donuts.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

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

How do I make Strawberry Donuts without eggs?

You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as an alternative.

How long do Strawberry Donuts last?

When stored properly, Strawberry Donuts will last about 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Are Strawberry Donuts healthy?

These baked Strawberry Donuts are lighter than traditional fried ones and made with fresh strawberries, making them a delicious treat that’s not too indulgent!

Can I add chocolate chips to my Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add a delightful twist to your donuts. Just fold in some mini chocolate chips when mixing the batter.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your home! These Strawberry Donuts are not only easy to make but also allow you to enjoy fresh flavors any time. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack, I encourage you to give this delightful recipe a try. Happy baking!