Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a burst of summer flavors to your kitchen, these Strawberry Donuts are just the ticket! They’re light, fluffy, and packed with fresh strawberries, making them perfect for breakfast or even a sweet snack during the day. Baking them instead of frying means they stay moist without all the grease, which is a win for everyone!

These donuts are not just delicious; they are also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a busy weekday morning or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is simple enough for any skill level. Trust me, once you share these beauties with family and friends, they’ll be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time! With just 15 minutes of prep and 7-8 minutes of baking, you’ll have fresh donuts ready in a flash.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts! These Strawberry Donuts are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Healthier Option: Since we bake instead of fry, these donuts come out light and fluffy—perfect for guilt-free indulgence!
• Make Ahead: You can easily prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh when you need them.
• Flavorful Twist: The strawberry puree adds a natural sweetness that makes these donuts stand out from the crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Grab some fresh strawberries, and let’s get started!

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 super flexible. Feel free to get creative with these variations that can add your personal touch!

• Add Some Zest: Mix in some lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavor profile.
• Berry Medley: Swap out some strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for different fruity flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top off your glazed donuts with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for extra decadence.

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 rise perfectly as soon as you put them in.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a chunky puree. It’s important not to over-pulse; we want pieces of fruit in our donuts for that lovely texture!

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter, sugar, and egg. Use medium-high speed to mix this together for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step adds air into the mixture which helps give our donuts that airy texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree until everything is well blended. The combination creates a wonderful flavor base that will make every bite enjoyable.

Step 5: Mix 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!

Step 6: Pipe the Batter

Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag. This makes filling the donut molds much cleaner! If you’re using a freezer bag, snip off one corner before piping.

Step 7: Fill the Donut Molds

Grease your donut tin lightly and carefully fill each mold halfway with batter. Filling them too full could lead to messy overflows while baking!

Step 8: Bake

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

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your donuts cool slightly on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a separate bowl until smooth. This glaze will add an extra layer of sweetness!

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled but still warm, pour glaze over each donut allowing it to drip off nicely. Alternatively, dip each donut top into the glaze one by one for an even coat. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes so the glaze hardens before serving—if you can wait that long!

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Donuts as they bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

These tips will help you achieve the lightest and most flavorful strawberry donuts, ensuring a delightful treat every time.

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a vibrant flavor and natural sweetness that frozen berries may lack. The freshness really shines through in your donuts!
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy. You’ll achieve that perfect cake-like texture.
• Fill the donut pan halfway: Filling the pan too much can lead to overflow, which makes a mess. Filling it halfway ensures that your donuts rise perfectly without spilling over.
• Let the glaze set: Allowing the glaze to harden for 20-30 minutes gives it a beautiful finish, enhancing both appearance and taste. This step creates a delightful contrast with the soft donut.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an exciting twist. This elevates your strawberry donuts and keeps things interesting!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

Serving strawberry donuts is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your treats shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh mint: A sprinkle of chopped mint adds a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their visual appeal and adds an extra hint of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce can elevate your donuts to a whole new level of indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess, making it a satisfying accompaniment for breakfast or a snack.
• Fresh fruit salad: Pair your donuts with a colorful medley of seasonal fruits for a refreshing side that balances out the sweetness.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Enjoying these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea creates a cozy, delightful experience perfect for brunch or afternoon snacks.
• Oatmeal: A bowl of hearty oatmeal served alongside offers a wholesome option that pairs nicely with the sugary treat, providing fiber and nutrients.

Now that you have all these wonderful serving suggestions, it’s time to whip up those delicious Strawberry Donuts! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are fantastic for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• For a crispy texture, you can also place them in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Donuts!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

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

How do I ensure my Strawberry Donuts turn out fluffy?

To achieve fluffy Strawberry Donuts, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined!

What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How many calories are in one Strawberry Donut?

Each Strawberry Donut contains approximately 133 calories, making them a delightful treat without too much guilt!

Are there gluten-free options for these Strawberry Donuts?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Donuts! They’re not only easy to whip up but also bring that sweet strawberry goodness into every bite. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or just a little snack during the day, these donuts are perfect. Enjoy every moment of preparing and sharing this treat with your loved ones! Happy baking!