Strawberry Donuts

These Strawberry Donuts are a delightful treat that anyone can whip up in their kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these baked donuts are light and fluffy rather than greasy. With fresh strawberries as the star ingredient, they bring a burst of flavor to any occasion. Plus, they are easy to make, ensuring you’ll impress family and friends without any stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even beginners can create these delicious donuts with minimal effort.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The use of real strawberries gives these donuts a vibrant taste that is hard to resist.
• Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as breakfast treats, dessert, or afternoon snacks.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 22 minutes from start to finish!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Strawberry Donuts, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut mold pan
• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bag or freezer bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut mold pan: Ensures even shaping and baking for perfectly formed donuts.
• Food processor: Quickly purees strawberries for a fresh flavor without chunks.
• Mixing bowls: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Piping bag or freezer bag: Allows precise filling of the donut molds for uniform sizes.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• ¾ cup cake flour
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter, unsalted
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 12-15 strawberries (about 1 cup pureed)

How to Make Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your donuts bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim your strawberries and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a chunky puree. Avoid over-pulsing to prevent turning them into liquid. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, sugar, and egg. Mix on medium-high speed for approximately 2 minutes until well blended.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate your vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree into the mixture. Continue to mix until everything is combined smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add both types of flour along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix! Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 6: Fill Your Piping Bag

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or freezer bag. To do this neatly, place the bag inside a large cup or mug and fold it over the edges. Use a rubber spatula to fill it with batter before sealing and snipping off one corner.

Step 7: Prepare Donut Molds

Grease your donut tin generously. Carefully squeeze the batter into each mold until it’s filled halfway—this helps them rise perfectly during baking.

Step 8: Bake Donuts

Place the filled donut tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for about 7–8 minutes or until they spring back when touched lightly.

Step 9: Make Glaze

While donuts bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set aside for later use.

Step 10: Glaze Your Donuts

Transfer baked donuts to a wire rack after cooling slightly. Drizzle glaze over each donut allowing it to drip off or dip each one directly into the glaze for an even coating. Let them sit for about 20–30 minutes as the glaze hardens. Enjoy!

With this simple yet delicious recipe for Strawberry Donuts, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Serve Strawberry Donuts

Strawberry Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or enjoying them as a snack, these donuts are sure to please everyone.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Top your donuts with slices of fresh strawberries for added flavor and texture.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve your strawberry donuts with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a rich and creamy contrast.

With Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the donuts for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

With Ice Cream

• Pair your strawberry donuts with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

As Breakfast Sandwiches

• Slice the donuts in half and fill them with cream cheese or yogurt for a sweet breakfast option.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your strawberry donuts alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making for a perfect afternoon snack.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Donuts

To achieve the best Strawberry Donuts, follow these simple tips that ensure they turn out light, fluffy, and delicious every time.

• Use fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries enhance flavor and moisture in the donuts, making them irresistible.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to keep your donuts light. Overmixing can lead to dense textures.
• Fill donut pans halfway – Filling the pans too much can cause your donuts to overflow. Aim for half full for perfect shapes.
• Check doneness carefully – Use a toothpick; it should come out clean when the donuts are baked through, ensuring they are not undercooked.
• Let them cool before glazing – Allowing your donuts to cool slightly prevents the glaze from melting away completely.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your strawberry donuts!

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Donuts

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Donuts can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement their sweetness beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries pairs well, offering a creamy contrast.
3. Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes provide a hearty option that matches the sweet theme.
4. Oven-Baked Bacon – The salty crunch of bacon is an excellent savory pairing with sweet strawberry flavors.
5. Granola Bars – For something portable, granola bars add crunch and nutrition alongside the sweet treats.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds complements the flavors while adding health benefits.
7. Coffee Cake – Another sweet treat, coffee cake goes perfectly with morning coffee alongside strawberry donuts.
8. Savory Scones – For those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory, scones can provide an interesting contrast on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Donuts can be easy, but a few mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors. Always use measuring cups and spoons.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can change the baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Filling the donut mold too much: Overfilling can cause donuts to overflow. Fill only halfway for a nice rise.
• Skipping the glaze step: The glaze adds a delightful sweetness and finish. Don’t skip it for an extra treat!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Donuts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a donut in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Donuts that might help you out.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Donuts?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw and puree them before adding to your batter.

How can I customize my Strawberry Donuts?

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or other fruits for different flavor profiles. You could also experiment with different glazes!

What is the best way to store leftover Strawberry Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container either in the refrigerator or at room temperature for short-term freshness.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends that work well for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Donuts are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying them as breakfast or dessert, they bring joy with every bite. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!