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! Made with fresh strawberries and baked to perfection, they are a sweet indulgence that anyone can whip up at home. I love how simple this recipe is; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a special surprise for family gatherings. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh donuts filling your kitchen!

These donuts are not only delicious but also light and fluffy, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option. Trust me, once you try these Strawberry Donuts, they’ll become a favorite in your household too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can create these delicious donuts with minimal effort!
• Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, everyone will enjoy the sweet strawberry flavor.
• Baked, not fried: These donuts are healthier since we bake them instead of frying. They stay moist without the grease!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or an after-school snack, these donuts fit right in.
• Customizable glaze: The simple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and can be tailored to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Strawberry Donuts. They’re easy to find and come together quickly!

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 how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings.

• Add spices: Consider mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist!
• Swap the fruit: Try using blueberries or raspberries if strawberries aren’t available.
• Make them chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to the batter for rich chocolate strawberry donuts.
• Top with sprinkles: For a fun finish, sprinkle colored toppings over the glaze before it sets.

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 beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree. Be careful not to over-pulse; you want some texture for that lovely strawberry flavor! Set this aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, mix together your butter, sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. This step is essential as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your donuts that lovely lightness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix again until everything is nicely blended. The vibrant color from the strawberries should start shining through!

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, gently mix in both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; we want our donuts fluffy!

Step 6: Prepare Your Piping Bag

Scoop the donut batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag. To make filling easier and neater, place the bag inside a mug and fold over the sides—trust me, it makes cleanup so much simpler!

Step 7: Fill Your Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin lightly and carefully squeeze the batter into each mold until they are filled no more than halfway. This allows room for rising during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Place your filled tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when they’re golden brown!

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While those delicious donuts cool down on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set aside—this glaze is going to take these treats over the top!

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Finally, pour that lovely glaze over each cooled donut while allowing it to drip off a bit. You could also dip each one directly into the glaze if you’d prefer! Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes so the glaze hardens slightly before serving.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Strawberry Donuts! They are sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

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

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture to your donuts. Frozen strawberries may contain excess moisture which can affect the batter consistency.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that are less enjoyable to eat.
• Fill the donut pan halfway: This ensures that your donuts have enough space to rise without overflowing. Filling them too much can result in misshapen or flat donuts.
• Check doneness carefully: Every oven is different! Start checking your donuts around the 7-minute mark. They should spring back when lightly pressed and have a golden edge.
• Glaze while warm: Glazing your donuts while they’re still warm allows the glaze to adhere better, creating a deliciously sweet coating that complements the fruity flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

Serving these delightful Strawberry Donuts is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a refreshing touch and vibrant color to your presentation.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely visual appeal and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits pairs beautifully with strawberry donuts, providing freshness and balance to the meal.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries makes for a creamy, crunchy side dish that complements the sweetness of the donuts.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving these donuts with a cup of coffee or herbal tea not only enhances their flavor but also creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for brunch or dessert time.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade Strawberry Donuts! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making breakfast or snack time a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which will keep them good for about a week.

Freezing

• After the donuts have cooled, 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 be sure to label your bag!

Reheating

• To enjoy frozen donuts, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Donuts that you might find helpful!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries; just make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before pureeing.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from cake donuts?

Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that’s moist and delicious without being greasy.

How can I customize my Strawberry Donuts?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for added flavor and texture!

Are Strawberry Donuts healthy?

While they are still a treat, using fresh strawberries adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only simple to prepare but also bring a burst of fruity flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring one with your morning coffee, these donuts will surely brighten your day. Happy baking!