If you have a soft spot for something sweet, fruity, and utterly delightful, then the Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These donuts bring together the tender crumb of classic cake donuts with the vibrant freshness of real strawberries, delivering a burst of summer flavor in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend breakfast or surprising friends at a brunch gathering, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and spectacular taste that feels like a warm hug with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is surprisingly straightforward, and each component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect strawberry cake donuts. From the flour that forms the base to the fresh strawberries that shine through, every item contributes to the donut’s flavor, texture, and beautiful color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the tender crumb essential for cake donuts.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create a light texture.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Leavens the batter, making the donuts soft and fluffy.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly, balancing the sweetness.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
- ½ cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender with a creamy touch.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds richness and gives the donuts a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): The superstar ingredient, bringing juicy bursts of bright, fruity flavor.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet coating for that classic donut finish.
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze): Perfectly thins the powdered sugar to a glossy, drizzle-ready consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, generously grease your donut pan to ensure those beautiful strawberry cake donuts come out cleanly and keep their perfect shape without sticking. This simple prep step makes all the difference later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. By combining these dry ingredients thoroughly now, you’re setting the foundation for an evenly flavored and well-risen donut.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly glossy. This blend brings richness and moisture that balances the sturdiness of the flour mixture perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, being careful not to overmix—the batter should come together but keep its light, airy texture. Once combined, carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, spreading those juicy bits evenly through the batter for wonderful pops of flavor.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of the greased donut pan about three-quarters full. This level allows the donuts enough space to rise and get that perfect golden dome without spilling over the edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for that lovely golden-brown color on top and a toothpick that comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to finish cooling on a rack.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip or drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled donuts for that luscious, sweet coating. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also creates that irresistible shiny finish that makes these strawberry cake donuts pop.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To bring an extra-special touch to your Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe, consider sprinkling finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even thinly sliced fresh berries on top of the glaze. These simple garnishes add a beautiful aesthetic and enhance the fresh strawberry vibe you love.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness. They also go wonderfully with chilled vanilla yogurt or a simple fruit salad for a brunch spread that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by stacking your strawberry cake donuts on a pretty tiered stand, or thread them onto a skewer for an eye-catching donut kabob. Wrapping them individually in parchment with a colorful ribbon also makes a fun gift or party favor that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your baked strawberry cake donuts keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them stay soft and moist without drying out, ready for an easy snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these donuts later, freeze them after glazing by placing them individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover strawberry cake donuts, gently warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick reheat brings back that freshly made softness and revives the luscious glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can work in the Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy batter. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for these donuts.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
While a donut pan ensures perfect shape, you can bake the batter in muffin tins for strawberry cake muffins or pipe it into greased cupcake molds as a fun alternative.
Is it possible to make these donuts dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of melted butter. The donuts will still come out tender and delicious.
How do I prevent the glaze from running off?
Allow your donuts to cool completely before glazing and use a slightly thicker glaze by using less milk if you want it to stay put on the donuts longer without sliding off.
Can I substitute the powdered sugar glaze for something else?
Cream cheese frosting or a simple strawberry syrup drizzle both make excellent alternatives, adding unique flavors while complementing the strawberry cake donuts beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing homemade donuts, and the Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe offers a fantastic way to bring fresh, fruity goodness into your kitchen with minimal fuss. The tender crumb, juicy strawberries, and sweet glaze create a perfect harmony that’s bound to brighten any day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how incredibly satisfying homemade donuts can be!
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Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cake Donuts are a delightful treat featuring a soft, moist cake base studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine the fruity freshness of berries with the comforting texture of baked donuts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Then fold in the chopped fresh strawberries evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Glaze and Coat Donuts: While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to form the glaze. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep donuts tender and light.
- Fresh strawberries add the best flavor, but frozen (thawed and drained) strawberries can be used as a substitute.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use a non-stick spray or butter to grease the donut pan to ensure easy removal.
