Strawberry Cake Donuts

Introduction

Strawberry Cake Donuts are a sweet, soft, and fluffy treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. With a hint of vanilla and the natural sweetness of strawberries, these cake donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The strawberry flavor shines through in both the donut and the glaze, making them a delightful way to enjoy this beloved fruit.

I remember the first time I made these for a weekend brunch, and the kitchen was filled with the inviting aroma of fresh strawberries. The combination of the soft, cake-like texture and the sweet, tangy glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors. Each bite is like a little burst of sunshine!

What’s great about these donuts is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them fresh, or store them for later when you’re craving something sweet. Whether served as a fun treat for a gathering or enjoyed quietly with a warm cup of coffee, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re a sweet reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Afternoon tea
• Special occasions
• Strawberry lovers
• Family gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Donuts

Here’s why Strawberry Cake Donuts will become your go-to treat:

• Delicate Strawberry Flavor: The fresh strawberries in the batter and glaze provide a natural, fruity sweetness that isn’t overwhelming but just right.
• Fluffy and Soft Texture: These donuts are cake-like, with a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Unlike yeast donuts, these are quick and easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and no proofing time.
• Perfectly Glazed: The strawberry glaze adds a lovely sweetness and a beautiful pink color, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
• Versatile: These donuts can be served as a breakfast treat, a party snack, or a dessert at any gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Cake Donuts:

• For the Donuts:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (mashed)
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to bringing that natural fruity flavor into the donuts. They add both moisture and sweetness to the dough.
• Butter: The butter in the donuts helps create a rich, tender crumb that elevates the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making the strawberries taste even more vibrant and sweet.
• Powdered Sugar: For a smooth and glossy glaze, powdered sugar is essential, as it dissolves quickly and gives the glaze its perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cake Donuts:

Prepare the Donuts:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Add Strawberries: Fold in the mashed strawberries, mixing gently until fully incorporated into the wet ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even surface.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

9. Make the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donuts back on the wire rack.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake Donuts

Strawberry Cake Donuts can be served in many different ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: These donuts are the perfect morning treat, served alongside coffee, tea, or fresh fruit.
• As a Dessert: Pair these donuts with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or fresh berries for a dessert that’s both satisfying and light.
• For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday gathering, or a picnic, these donuts are sure to impress guests with their vibrant color and delicious flavor.
• For Afternoon Tea: Serve them as part of an afternoon tea spread, along with other pastries and small treats.
• Gift-Giving: Package the donuts in a decorative box or jar for a homemade gift that shows you care.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cake Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cake Donuts are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries instead of frozen, as they will give the donuts a fresher, brighter taste.
• Mash the Strawberries Well: Mash the strawberries thoroughly to avoid large chunks in the batter. This helps ensure an even texture in the donuts.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for a lighter texture.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Let the Donuts Cool Completely: Ensure the donuts are fully cooled before glazing to avoid the glaze melting off.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cake Donuts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Cake Donuts:

• Strawberry and Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the strawberry glaze for a cream cheese glaze made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for an extra indulgent treat.
• Lemon Strawberry Cake Donuts: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the donut batter for a zesty contrast to the sweet strawberries.
• Strawberry Jam Filling: Fill the center of each donut with strawberry jam before baking for a gooey, fruity surprise.
• Strawberry Coconut Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top of the glaze for extra texture and flavor.
• Strawberry Shortcake Donuts: Top the glazed donuts with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a shortcake-inspired twist.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake Donuts: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these donuts.
• Strawberry Muffins: If you don’t have a donut pan, use this same batter to make strawberry muffins instead.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Instead of glazing the donuts, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced coating.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts: Add a cheesecake filling inside the donuts for a rich and creamy treat.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cake Donuts

• Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Place the donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If the glaze starts to soften, you can re-glaze them just before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cake Donuts

Here are some tools that will make preparing Strawberry Cake Donuts easier:

• Donut Pan: A donut pan is essential for baking donuts, giving them their signature shape.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack allows the donuts to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl for the wet ingredients and a medium bowl for the dry ingredients.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk will help combine the wet ingredients, while a spatula helps with folding in the strawberries and filling the donut pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right consistency in the batter and glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cake Donuts

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but if you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. Can I make these donuts in advance?
   Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving for the freshest taste.
3. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
   Yes, you can make these as muffins instead by using a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time to around 15-20 minutes.
4. How do I know when the donuts are done?
   The donuts are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
   Yes, you can substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version of these donuts.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cake Donuts are a sweet, delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With a tender crumb and a vibrant strawberry glaze, these donuts are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, they’ll delight anyone who loves the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any time of day, Strawberry Cake Donuts are a must-try!

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, ideal for everything from casual mornings to special celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them with friends, these donuts will bring a burst of strawberry sweetness to your day.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cake Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!