If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor and tender cake texture, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe. Imagine bite-sized donuts that are perfectly soft, gently sweetened, and loaded with little pops of juicy strawberries baked right in. These homemade delights bring together the charm of classic cake donuts with the vibrant freshness of strawberries, making every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving them up for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a fun dessert, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Strawberry Cake Donuts so special is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role: from the flour giving structure to the sugar adding just the right hint of sweetness, and, of course, the fresh strawberries bringing that irresistible fruity burst and beautiful color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that creates the soft, cakey texture every donut should have.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness without overpowering the strawberries.
- 2 tsp baking powder: The magic that makes these donuts rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances out the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind all of the ingredients together.
- ½ cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter and keeps the donuts tender.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds a subtle buttery flavor and richness you can’t resist.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient, offering bursts of juicy, natural sweetness.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth topping that perfectly hugs each donut.
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze): Helps to thin out the glaze for easy drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake donuts that are golden on the outside and soft inside. While that’s warming up, grease your donut pan thoroughly so your donuts pop right out with ease and keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the foundation, ensuring your donuts have just the right lift and sweetness balanced with a pinch of salt to make all the flavors shine.
Step 3: Whisk Your Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is silky and well blended. Getting this smooth means your batter will be nicely uniform, which is key for donuts that bake evenly.
Step 4: Combine and Add Strawberries
Pour the wet ingredient mix into the dry mixture, folding them together gently. Avoid overmixing — you want to keep the batter tender and light. Now, fold in those gorgeous chopped strawberries carefully so they’re evenly spread but not mashed, delivering delightful little strawberry treasures in every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon your batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about three quarters full. This gives your donuts room to rise without overflowing and ensures that perfect donut shape we’re after.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the donuts for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for a lovely golden color on top — that’s your cue that they’re perfectly done. Once out of the oven, let them cool just enough so you can handle them, especially before adding that irresistible glaze.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and taste of your strawberry cake donuts by sprinkling them with a bit of powdered sugar or decorating them with fresh strawberry slices on top. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of edible flower petals can make them look like a work of art, perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten up your day.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a cup of fresh brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk for a classic combo. For a brunch spread, consider adding a bowl of mixed berries or a yogurt parfait to complement those fruity flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donuts stacked on a tiered cake stand to create a stunning centerpiece, or place each donut inside individual mini bread baskets lined with pretty napkins for a charming touch. You could even turn these into donut sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting in the middle for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to resist), store your strawberry cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts if needed — wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When ready to enjoy again, thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be almost as delightful as fresh-baked.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored donuts back to life, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them gently in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. This quick heat refreshes their tender texture and enhances their aromatic strawberry flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries because they hold their shape and moisture better during baking. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid making the batter too wet.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to keep the texture just right.
Is it possible to fry these donuts instead of baking?
This particular recipe is designed for baking. Frying could work but may require a different batter consistency and frying technique. Baking keeps them light and less greasy while highlighting the strawberry pieces beautifully.
How long do these donuts stay fresh?
Because there are fresh strawberries inside, these donuts are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Beyond that, they may start to lose their tender crumb.
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even small bits of peaches would be delightful substitutes or additions. Just be sure to chop them to a similar size for even distribution and baking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats. They’re tender, fruity, and bursting with fresh flavors that feel both comforting and special. Whether you make them for loved ones or for yourself, every donut feels like a little celebration—you just can’t help but smile with each bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of homemade strawberry cake donuts!
Print
Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cake Donuts are a delightful treat featuring a moist, fruity cake base infused with fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts are baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes.
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 generously grease a donut pan to ensure the donuts do not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing. 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 while baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the donuts for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth to form the glaze. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle over the top, allowing it to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries. If unavailable, frozen strawberries can be thawed and drained to remove excess moisture before use.
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help with even mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the donuts tender and light.
- If a donut pan is not available, you can use a muffin tin, but the shape will differ.
- The glaze can be customized by adding a drop of strawberry extract or a pinch of lemon zest for extra flavor.
