If you’ve been craving a delightful twist on classic donuts, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe. Imagine soft, tender donuts bursting with sweet, fresh strawberry flavor that come together quickly and easily in your own kitchen. The moist cake-like texture paired with a simple glaze makes these treats perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or sharing with friends at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, Strawberry Cake Donuts will become your new favorite way to enjoy a fruity, homemade indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all simple pantry staples and fresh fruit that effortlessly come together to create incredible flavor, texture, and color in your Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe. Each item plays its role in making every bite perfectly soft, sweet, and satisfying.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the batter provides structure and a tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the strawberries.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures your donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and gives richness to the batter.
- ½ cup whole milk: Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds a subtle richness for a cake-like texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warm depth to complement the strawberries.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient, providing juicy bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding a sweet, smooth finish.
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze): Gives the glaze the perfect consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure to grease your donut pan well. This little prep step is crucial to ensuring your donuts come out perfectly shaped and don’t stick, making it easier to enjoy every bit.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients upfront helps distribute the rising agent evenly, so your donuts puff up just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the melted butter, room temperature egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This mix will add moisture and richness, which are key for that irresistible cake donut texture.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients and Add Strawberries
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture without overmixing to keep the donuts tender. Then, carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. This step brings bursts of fruity freshness into each bite, making these donuts uniquely delicious.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This ensures the donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly without overflowing.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing, so the sweet coating melts just enough to create a glossy, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate your Strawberry Cake Donuts even more? Sprinkle with a little extra powdered sugar or fresh strawberry slices on top of the glaze. You can also add some finely chopped pistachios or a drizzle of white chocolate for a fancy touch that creates delightful taste contrasts.
Side Dishes
These fluffy strawberry donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy breakfast treat. If serving after dinner, add a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to keep the strawberry theme going and balance the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch or party platter, stack your strawberry cake donuts on a pretty tiered cake stand with fresh strawberry garlands and edible flowers for a charming display. You can also place single donuts in mini paper bags or boxes as adorable take-home favors that anyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Strawberry Cake Donuts (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for 1 to 2 days, perfect for enjoying the next morning without any fuss.
Freezing
These donuts freeze exceptionally well! Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 2 months, allowing you to indulge in your Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe anytime you want a fruity treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen donuts, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm them in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick reheat brings back their soft texture and fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture impacting the donut batter.
Do I need a special donut pan to make this recipe?
Yes, using a donut pan helps achieve the signature donut shape and even baking. If you don’t have one, muffin tins can be a substitute, though the shape will be more like cupcakes.
Can I make these donuts vegan or dairy-free?
You can adapt this recipe by using plant-based milk and vegan butter, as well as an egg substitute like flaxseed meal. However, the texture might vary slightly but still delicious!
Is it necessary to glaze the donuts?
Glazing is optional but highly recommended since it adds a beautiful shine and a touch of sweetness that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.
What’s the best way to chop the strawberries?
Try to chop the berries into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the batter and don’t create large soggy spots in your donuts.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe and experience the joy of homemade donuts bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making them perfect for any occasion or just a simple treat to brighten your day. Once you make these, they’ll be a staple in your baking repertoire and a sweet way to share a little happiness.
Print
Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Strawberry Cake Donuts, baked to perfection with fresh strawberries and finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. This easy-to-make recipe offers a fruity twist on classic cake donuts, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan to ensure the donuts don’t stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures and Add Strawberries: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to retain their texture within the batter.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze. Once donuts have cooled, dip or drizzle the glaze over the donuts for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to ensure a better batter consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and light.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
