Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your morning, these Strawberry Donuts are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut bursting with the freshness of strawberries. They’re light, sweet, and oh-so-simple to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cheerful family gathering, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. You’ll find that they quickly become a favorite in your household!

There’s something special about sharing homemade treats with loved ones, and this recipe is one you’ll want to pass down. The best part? You can whip them up without feeling overwhelmed, making it an ideal cooking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe is beginner-friendly! Even if you’ve never baked before, you’ll nail it.
• Family-approved: Kids love these Strawberry Donuts! Get them involved in mixing and decorating for extra fun.
• Perfect for any time: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet dessert after dinner!
• Make ahead: Bake a batch and store them for a quick treat throughout the week. They taste just as good the next day!
• Deliciously fresh flavor: The combination of strawberries and sweetness creates a mouthwatering treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you probably have in your pantry. Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe, bringing sweetness and flavor to every bite.

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 wonderful things about these Strawberry Donuts is how flexible they can be! Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings.

• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrus twist.
• Change up the fruit: Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity delight.
• Try different glazes: Experiment with chocolate glaze or a simple vanilla glaze instead of strawberry.
• 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 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; we want some texture in our donuts!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add in your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is blended well. This will create that lovely strawberry flavor throughout your batter.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently mix in both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed until just combined. Remember not to overmix; this keeps our donuts tender!

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag. Folding it over the sides of a cup helps keep everything neat as you fill it up.

Step 7: Prepare Your Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin generously to prevent sticking. Squeeze the batter into each mold carefully until they are filled halfway—this gives them room to rise without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake Away!

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

Step 9: Make the Glaze

While your donuts are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This delicious glaze will top off your donuts beautifully.

Step 10: Glaze & Enjoy!

Once baked, transfer the donuts onto a wire rack. Pour the glaze over top each one or dip them individually for extra fun! Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes so the glaze can harden before enjoying.

Now you’re all set to share these scrumptious Strawberry Donuts with friends and family! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making these delightful Strawberry Donuts can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only offer the best flavor but also vibrant color. They help create a more luscious glaze and give your donuts that irresistible fruity sweetness.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts rather than light and fluffy ones, so be gentle!

• Fill the Donut Pan Correctly: Filling each cavity halfway allows for proper rising and prevents overflow. This way, you’ll get perfectly shaped donuts with a nice dome.

• Cool Before Glazing: Allow your donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. This helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from sliding off.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your donuts! Adding lemon zest or almond extract can give them an extra zing that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts aren’t just delicious; they also look gorgeous on any table! Here are some fun ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a splash of color and a hint of refreshing flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Shredded Coconut: Lightly toasted shredded coconut offers a delightful crunch and pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the donuts.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the tops adds a rich touch that chocolate lovers will adore.

Side Dishes

• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a wholesome side that balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the baked treats, making for a light and colorful complement.
• Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding adds texture and is loaded with omega-3s; serve it alongside for a healthy breakfast option.
• Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with sliced fruits will not only look beautiful but also pack in extra nutrients to kickstart your day.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to whip up these scrumptious Strawberry Donuts! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends, or savor them all by yourself—no judgment here!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or sweet snacks throughout the week. With just a few steps, you can have these delicious treats ready to enjoy whenever you want!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for a slightly longer shelf life—up to one week.
• To prevent them from drying out, consider placing a piece of parchment paper in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual donuts for about 10-15 seconds, but this may make them softer.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our delightful Strawberry Donuts!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing the strawberries. This will keep your donut batter from becoming too wet.

How do I make my Strawberry Donuts extra fluffy?

To achieve extra fluffiness, make sure not to overmix your batter. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined to maintain that light texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Strawberry Donuts recipe?

Yes! You can use dairy-free milk instead of buttermilk and a plant-based butter alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option. The donuts will still turn out delicious!

What toppings go well with Strawberry Donuts?

You can get creative with toppings! Consider adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh strawberries on top are also a lovely touch.

How long do Strawberry Donuts last?

When stored properly at room temperature, they can last about 2 days. Refrigerated, they stay good for up to a week. Freezing extends their life to about 2 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Donuts! Their sweet strawberry flavor and fluffy texture are bound to bring smiles all around. Whether it’s breakfast or a treat during the day, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this fun baking adventure—happy baking!