Strawberry Cake Donuts are a perfect combination of light, tender cake and a burst of fresh, fruity flavor. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these baked donuts are an easy-to-make indulgence, topped with a delicious strawberry glaze for an extra dose of sweet strawberry goodness. Their vibrant color and irresistible taste make them a great addition to any table setting, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
For the Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure the donuts don’t stick.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring just until the mixture comes together. Be sure not to overmix the batter.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
Spoon or pipe the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more strawberry puree to thin it out; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Step 4: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have completely cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the strawberry glaze. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
If you’d like, sprinkle some optional toppings, like colorful sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries, onto the wet glaze for added texture and decoration.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
These donuts are best enjoyed while fresh but can be served at room temperature for a more relaxed presentation. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them the perfect treat for any time of the day.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To keep the donuts fresh and flavorful, it’s recommended to glaze them just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! You can use a muffin tin as an alternative. Simply fill each cavity halfway to resemble the shape of a donut. Keep in mind that baking time may need to be slightly adjusted.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries will work. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before chopping. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the donut batter.
3. What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
4. Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
This recipe is designed for baked donuts. To make fried donuts, you’d need a different recipe that calls for yeast as the leavening agent.
These Strawberry Cake Donuts are a delicious way to enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries in a soft, moist cake. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a treat, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Perfectly glazed with a sweet strawberry topping, they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Strawberry Cake Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the strawberry glaze and place them back on the wire rack to set.
- If desired, add sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top of the glaze while it’s still wet.
