Name: Strawberry Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 egg; ¾ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 12-15 strawberries (about 1 cup pureed); ¾ cup cake flour; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup sugar; Powdered sugar (quantity not specified, estimated 1 cup); Milk (quantity not specified, estimated 2-3 tablespoons)

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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, fluffy donut bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, I have the perfect treat for you. This Strawberry Donuts Recipe is a delightful way to brighten your mornings or impress your brunch guests with something that feels both comforting and special. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of tender cake-like texture and the natural sweetness of strawberries, all topped with a smooth, sugary glaze that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, these donuts are as fun to make as they are to eat, and once you try them, they might just become your new favorite homemade indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left, six baked donuts inside a grey metal donut baking tray, arranged in two columns and three rows. The donuts are two colors, pink and light brown, with small chunks of red fruit inside. The pink donuts are smooth on top with a slightly bumpy texture, while the light brown ones have a more uneven surface but are also soft looking. On the right side, the same six donuts are placed on a black wire cooling rack, now covered in a shiny glaze. Three of the donuts have a light pink glaze with some red spots showing through, while the other three have a white glaze that makes the donuts look smooth and slightly glossy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every item plays an essential role: from the butter that adds richness, to the fresh strawberries that give the donuts their vibrant color and flavor, and the combination of flours that create that perfect tender crumb. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this Strawberry Donuts Recipe to life.

1 tbsp butter, unsalted: Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps donuts moist.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the strawberries.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the donuts.
¾ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
½ cup buttermilk: Gives the donuts a tender crumb and slight tang that balances sweetness.
¾ cup cake flour: Keeps the donuts soft and delicate.
¾ cup all purpose flour: Adds just enough strength to maintain donut shape.
½ tsp baking soda: Works with baking powder to provide the perfect rise.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts stay light and fluffy.
¼ tsp salt: Builds flavor and balances the sweetness.
12-15 strawberries (about 1 cup pureed): Fresh strawberries are key here to infuse the batter with their vibrant flavor and color.

How to Make Strawberry Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

The first step is all about getting that luscious strawberry flavor just right. Trim and wash your strawberries, then pulse them gently in a food processor until you get a chunky puree. It’s important not to over-pulse — you want some texture in the puree to keep a fresh burst of strawberry bits in your donuts.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugar, and Egg

In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, and egg. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until this mixture is fluffy and creamy. This step is the foundation of your batter, letting the sugar dissolve well and creating a lovely lightness.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Buttermilk, and Strawberry Puree

Next, pour in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and that beautiful strawberry puree you prepared. Mix again until everything is completely blended. The buttermilk will give your donuts a tender texture while the strawberries brighten the batter with their juicy goodness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix here — you want the batter to be light and airy, not tough!

Step 5: Pipe the Batter into the Donut Tin

Transfer your batter into a large piping bag or freezer bag with the tip snipped off. Grease your donut tin well, then carefully pipe the batter into each cavity, filling only halfway. This helps the donuts rise beautifully without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Bake the donuts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes on the middle rack until they spring back when gently pressed. While they’re cooling on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Pour or dip the glaze over each donut and let it harden for about 20-30 minutes before digging in.

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts Recipe

Two pink donuts stacked on top of each other sit on a white plate, each donut covered with a shiny, light pink glaze that drips slightly over the sides. The donuts have a soft, slightly rough texture with bits of darker pink visible inside. In the background, fresh whole strawberries with green leaves add a bright red contrast, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your donuts even more irresistible, try garnishing with a few fresh sliced strawberries on top of the glaze or a sprinkle of edible flower petals to add a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a sweet snowy finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these strawberry donuts alongside a cup of hot coffee or green tea to balance the sweetness. A light fruit salad or yogurt parfait also makes a refreshing companion for a delightful brunch or snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, place your Strawberry Donuts Recipe on a tiered dessert stand or arrange them around a small vase of fresh flowers. You can even glaze half the donuts with a white chocolate drizzle for a fun contrast that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover strawberry donuts (unlikely, but if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. To prevent the glaze from sticking, freeze without glazing and add the glaze after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or stored donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Avoid overheating to keep the donuts from drying out or the glaze melting too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and drain excess juice before pureeing to avoid making the batter too wet, which can affect the texture of your donuts.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute the flours with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cakes, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to check if your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

While a donut pan gives the perfect shape, you can use a muffin tin for mini cakes or shape the batter into rounds on a baking sheet and bake slightly longer for a rustic effect.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?

Freshly baked strawberry donuts are best enjoyed within two days for optimal texture and flavor, but freezing can extend their life with minimal quality loss.

Can I add other fruits or flavors to the recipe?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even a splash of lemon zest can complement the strawberry flavor beautifully. Just adjust the puree quantity and sweetness accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Donuts Recipe is truly a little bundle of joy that brightens any day. Baking these homemade donuts is a rewarding experience—the sweet aroma filling your kitchen and that first bite of tender, fruity goodness is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re treating yourself, your family, or sharing with friends, these donuts are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy taste buds. Give them a try, and prepare to be delighted!