Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a sweet and simple treat that brings smiles to faces, you’ve come to the right place! These Strawberry Donuts are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re whipping them up for a lazy weekend brunch or a fun family gathering, they are sure to please everyone at the table. The best part? They’re baked, which means they come out light and fluffy rather than heavy and greasy!

This recipe is one of my favorites because it highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these delightful donuts come together. Trust me; once you try them, they will become a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, these Strawberry Donuts are straightforward and forgiving.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping in the kitchen! Let them mix and decorate for some quality family time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert – they fit right in anytime!
• Make Ahead Option: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of strawberries and glaze creates a mouthwatering treat everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Strawberry Donuts is as easy as gathering some simple ingredients from your kitchen. You probably have most of them on hand already! Let’s take a look at what you 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

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter!
• Try Different Fruit Purees: Not just strawberries! Use blueberries or raspberries for a fun flavor change.
• Experiment with Glazes: Instead of a traditional glaze, try using lemon or orange zest for added zing.
• Make Them Mini: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree—just enough to keep some texture. Set this aside; it’s going to be the star of our donuts!

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

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

Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Now add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix again until it’s all nicely blended together. This is where all those lovely flavors start coming together!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next up, add in both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until everything is JUST incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag. This makes it super easy to fill your donut mold without making a mess! Snip off the corner when you’re ready.

Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan

Grease your donut tin well and squeeze the batter into each mold carefully—fill them no more than halfway so they have room to rise while baking.

Step 8: Bake Those Donuts!

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

Step 9: Prepare Your Glaze

While those delicious donuts are baking away, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This glaze will add that perfect finishing touch.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once baked, let the donuts cool slightly before moving them onto a wire rack. Pour glaze over each one or dip their tops directly into the glaze—whichever method you prefer! Just be sure to let them sit for about 20-30 minutes so the glaze can set nicely.

And there you have it! A delightful batch of Strawberry Donuts that are sure to brighten up any day! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making these Strawberry Donuts is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give your donuts the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can lead to a soggy batter, so stick to the fresh ones when possible.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense donuts. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for a light and fluffy texture.

• Fill the donut pan halfway: Overfilling the pan can lead to donuts that overflow and lose their shape. A half-full tin allows room for rising while keeping them perfectly rounded.

• Let the glaze set: Allowing the glaze to harden after pouring or dipping gives your donuts a beautiful finish and prevents them from becoming too sticky.

• Experiment with flavors: While strawberry is delightful, feel free to mix in other flavors like lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are not just delicious; they also make for an eye-catching presentation at any gathering. Here are some ideas to serve them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or almonds on top of your glazed donuts for added crunch and flavor.

• Fresh mint leaves: A couple of fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also bring a refreshing herbal contrast to the sweet donuts.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the donuts and adds a refreshing touch to your breakfast or dessert spread.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that balances out the sweetness of the donuts.

• Coffee or tea: Pairing your strawberry donuts with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Donuts any time of day, whether as a sweet breakfast treat or an indulgent dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or store them for later treats.

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 storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the donuts completely and 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.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their fluffy texture.

FAQs

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

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well too. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.

How do I make Strawberry Donuts without using buttermilk?

You can easily substitute buttermilk by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

These Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture that’s healthier without sacrificing flavor!

Can I add other fruits to my Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the fruit quantity accordingly.

How long do Strawberry Donuts stay fresh?

When stored properly, they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for about a week. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only simple to whip up but also bring such joy with every bite. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack during the day, these treats are sure to brighten your mood. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!