If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things fruity, I cannot wait for you to try this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe. These donuts are soft, tender, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cakey, moist donut that’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy, topped with a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the natural berry goodness. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these donuts will quickly become one of your favorites. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you get all the fun with a slightly lighter touch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays an important role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the fluffy flour to the juicy strawberries, everything works together harmoniously.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb that make these donuts feel like a cake.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the fresh strawberry taste.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the donuts their light, airy rise.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind ingredients while adding richness and moisture.
- ½ cup whole milk: Keeps the dough tender and brings a smooth texture.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds buttery flavor and moistness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a warm, comforting note.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient, bringing bursts of juicy sweetness and natural color.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a shiny, sweet topping that perfectly complements the fruity donuts.
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the ideal glaze 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) and greasing your donut pan thoroughly. This step ensures your donuts will bake evenly and release easily once done. I like to use a little butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent so that your donuts rise uniformly while keeping the sugar evenly spread to sweeten every bite.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Using room temperature egg and milk helps everything blend seamlessly, creating a luscious base for your donut batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones, careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, so aim for just combined. Then, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Their juicy bursts will infuse the batter with natural sweetness and that irresistible strawberry color.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full. Don’t overfill because the batter will rise during baking, and you want them to keep perfect donut shapes.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your strawberry cake donuts in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and spring back lightly when pressed. Let them cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents the glaze from melting off when applied.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple glaze is all these donuts really need to shine. Whisk powdered sugar with a bit of milk to create a smooth, glossy glaze that you can drizzle or dip your donuts in. For an extra touch, sprinkle some freeze-dried strawberry powder or chopped nuts on top for texture and an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful donuts with a warm cup of coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy morning treat. They also make a charming companion to fresh fruit salads or yogurt parfaits if you want to add some wholesome balance to your indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, stack the glazed strawberry cake donuts on a pretty tiered stand alongside bowls of fresh fruit and a small pot of whipped cream. You might also serve them alongside homemade strawberry jam to really amplify the berry flavors and let guests customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover strawberry cake donuts (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts for longer storage. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well frozen for up to a month, perfect for preparing ahead of a big event.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen donut, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few minutes and warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will refresh that soft, cake-like texture and make it taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your batter, which could affect the donut’s consistency.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. The donuts might be a tad more delicate but will still taste delicious.
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make these as cupcakes or muffins by adjusting the baking time slightly, typically baking for 15 to 18 minutes. The strawberry cake flavor will be just as lovely!
How do I add glaze without making a mess?
Using a small bowl, dip the top of each cooled donut quickly into the glaze, then lift and let excess drip back into the bowl. Placing the donuts on a wire rack over parchment makes cleanup easier and keeps the glaze smooth.
What other fruits work well with this cake donut recipe?
Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches all work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly if using juicier fruits to keep the batter balanced.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe is such a joyful experience because of how beautifully the flavors and textures come together, and how simple the process is from start to finish. Whether you bake these for a family weekend treat or a casual get-together, they bring smiles and warm hearts with every bite. So go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Print
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 combining the softness of cake donuts with the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze, they make a perfect snack or breakfast indulgence that’s easy to prepare 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
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, large egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined for even moisture and flavor.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender. Then, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Bake the donuts: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool slightly before applying the glaze.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the tops of the slightly cooled donuts into the glaze, then set on a rack to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help with better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use fresh strawberries for optimal flavor and moisture balance.
- Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
