If you have a sweet spot for tender, fruity treats, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe. These donuts are more than just a breakfast option; they are a delightful celebration of fresh strawberries mingling with soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a special weekend indulgence or a fun baking project, this recipe yields donuts that are moist, flavorful, and topped with a simple glaze that brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe. From the fluffiness that the baking powder imparts to the fresh burst of strawberry flavor, everything combines to create a balance of taste and texture that is irresistible.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the donut’s soft and tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the natural strawberry tartness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the donuts their lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
- ½ cup whole milk: Keeps the donuts moist and tender with a creamy touch.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Brings a subtle buttery flavor and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the donut batter.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient for bursts of fresh fruitiness.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweet and smooth finish that makes these donuts shine.
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze): Creates the perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your donut pan. This ensures the donuts won’t stick and will come out with those perfect, smooth edges you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination sets the stage for a light and fluffy donut base. Mixing the dry ingredients first makes sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, large egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This wet mixture will give your donuts richness and moisture, contributing to that tender crumb we all love.
Step 4: Gently Fold in the Strawberries
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy. The star of our show, chopped fresh strawberries, gets folded in here to bring a juicy, fruity surprise to every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Use a spoon to fill each cavity of your donut pan about three-quarters full with the batter. This ensures your donuts rise beautifully without overflowing. Taking your time here means your final product will have those perfect, plump donut rings.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Once done, allow them to cool slightly before adding the glaze, so it sets perfectly without melting away.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These donuts are stunning on their own glazed with simple powdered sugar icing, but you can elevate them with a few extra touches. Try sprinkling some finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries on top or dusting with a bit of powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish. A small drizzle of white chocolate adds an elegant flair if you want to get creative.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe with a fresh berry salad or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a delightful breakfast or dessert spread. For an extra special occasion, a cup of lightly brewed tea or rich coffee balances the sweetness and gives you that comforting café vibe at home.
Creative Ways to Present
These cake donuts are versatile and look gorgeous arranged on a rustic wooden board for brunch or stacked on a pretty cake stand for parties. You can even thread them on sticks and drizzle the glaze over them for a fun donut pop presentation that will delight both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers after your donut feast, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready to be enjoyed again with hardly any effort.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the donuts tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. Remember to thaw them at room temperature and then reheat lightly for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, pop the donuts in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for about 5 minutes. This helps the donuts regain their soft texture and makes the glaze slightly melty again—a true joy to bite into.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and sweetness, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Do I need a special donut pan to bake these?
A donut pan helps shape the donuts perfectly, but if you don’t have one, you could try using a muffin pan for mini cake-like donuts or shape the batter into rounds on a baking sheet, though the shape won’t be the same.
Can I make these donuts dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine in place of butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a bit more milk to thin it out. The perfect drizzle glaze is pourable but not too runny.
Are these donuts best eaten fresh or do they improve after a day?
Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe is always best enjoyed fresh because of their tender texture and fresh fruit. However, they still taste great the next day when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about homemade donuts, especially when bursting with the vibrant freshness of strawberries. This Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe is straightforward enough for any home baker to try and delivers donuts that are irresistibly moist, sweet, and packed with flavor. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a whirl; your mornings (or anytime treats) will never be the same again!
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
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Cake Donuts, featuring a tender, moist crumb infused with fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, these baked donuts combine the fresh flavor of strawberries with a light, fluffy cake texture.
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
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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 to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, room temperature egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender. 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 space for rising during baking.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and slightly runny.
- Glaze Donuts: Once donuts are cooled enough to handle but still warm, dip or drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better batter consistency and rise.
- Chopped fresh strawberries add moisture; avoid overmixing to prevent breaking down the fruit too much.
- Use a silicone donut pan or grease well to avoid sticking.
- The glaze can be flavored by adding a drop of strawberry extract or lemon zest for a twist.
- Donuts are best enjoyed same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
