Strawberry Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will brighten your mornings, look no further than these Strawberry Donuts! They’re not just a breakfast item; they’re perfect for snacks, family gatherings, or even a cozy brunch with friends. The sweet flavor of fresh strawberries shines through in every bite, making these donuts a favorite in our home. Plus, baking them means they’re light and fluffy — a welcome change from the traditional fried versions.

Baking has never been easier or more fun! With a simple donut mold pan and some basic ingredients, you’ll be on your way to enjoying homemade Strawberry Donuts in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, these donuts are straightforward and quick to whip up.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fruity flavor and fun shape — a sure hit at family breakfast!
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for fresh donuts whenever you want!
• Delicious Flavor: The mixture of strawberries and vanilla creates a delightful taste that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these yummy Strawberry Donuts. You probably have most of them already in your kitchen!

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and textures.

• Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Make it Chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to the batter for delicious chocolate strawberry donuts.
• Top with Sprinkles: After glazing, sprinkle colorful toppings on the donuts for extra fun!

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your donuts cook evenly and come out perfectly baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and toss them into a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree. Remember, we want texture here! Having some bits of fruit adds great flavor to your donuts.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Egg

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 incorporates air into the mixture, giving your donuts their lightness.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla, Buttermilk, and Strawberry Puree

Next up, add your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree into the bowl. Mix until everything is well blended. This combination adds moisture and that delicious strawberry flavor we all love!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add both flours along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can make your donuts dense instead of fluffy.

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag or freezer bag. To make filling the donut tin easier, place the bag inside a mug and fold it over the sides. This little trick keeps things tidy!

Step 7: Fill the Donut Tin

Grease your donut tin generously before squeezing the batter into each cavity. Fill them only halfway; this allows room for rising while baking!

Step 8: Bake Away!

Bake those beauties on the middle rack for about 7-8 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing as they bake!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your donuts cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. This glaze adds that perfect finishing touch.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly (but still warm), pour or dip each donut into the glaze so it drips off nicely. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes so the glaze hardens just right.

And there you have it! Delicious Strawberry Donuts ready to be enjoyed at any time of day!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Donuts

Making these Strawberry Donuts is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also provide the best texture for the puree, making your donuts moist and delicious.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mixing just until everything is combined will yield light and fluffy results.
• Fill donut pans halfway: Filling your donut molds only halfway allows room for rising without overflowing, ensuring you get that perfect donut shape.
• Allow the glaze to set: Letting the glaze sit for 20-30 minutes after pouring or dipping ensures it hardens nicely, giving your donuts a beautiful finish that’s delightful to bite into.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a hint of lemon zest or almond extract to your batter for an exciting twist on the classic strawberry flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are not just delicious; they also make a beautiful presentation for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few fresh mint leaves on top brightens up the appearance and adds a refreshing note to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts and adds nutritional value.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a tasty side that complements the flavors of your strawberry donuts while adding creaminess.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, making for a cozy breakfast or snack option.
• Smoothie bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds can balance out the sweetness of the donuts while being nutritious and filling.

Enjoy presenting these delightful Strawberry Donuts at your next gathering or simply as a special treat for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Strawberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their freshness:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, place them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about a week.
• To keep them extra moist, consider placing a slice of bread in the container with the donuts.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about an hour.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their fluffy texture.

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 ensure they’re thawed and drained well before pureeing.

How do I make Strawberry Donuts more flavorful?

For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter or incorporate some chopped strawberries into the mix!

Are these Strawberry Donuts gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Strawberry Donuts, substitute both flours with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

What makes these Strawberry Donuts different from regular donuts?

These Strawberry Donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture without sacrificing taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these charming Strawberry Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only simple to prepare but also bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or enjoying one as an afternoon snack, these delightful treats will surely bring joy to your day. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!