Imagine the tender bite of a fluffy pastry, bursting with sweet, ripe strawberries. Our delightful Strawberry Baked Donuts offer a healthier, easy-to-make treat, free from deep-frying. Enjoy these naturally delicious, wholesome donuts, bringing joy and warmth to your family’s table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Baked Donuts
These Strawberry Baked Donuts are more than just a treat; they’re a little parcel of joy, easy to make and wonderful to share. They bring smiles to every face and infuse your home with the most comforting aroma. Here’s why these beautiful strawberry baked delights will quickly become a treasured recipe in your home, creating lasting memories:
- Incredibly simple to prepare, making baking a joyous, stress-free experience for everyone, even little hands can help.
- Light, fluffy texture bursting with the vibrant, natural sweetness of fresh, ripe strawberries in every single bite.
- A deliciously healthier, baked alternative to traditional fried donuts, meaning less guilt and more wholesome enjoyment for all.
- Perfect for breakfast, a cozy brunch, or a heartwarming afternoon treat alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, creating moments of pure bliss.
- These particular Strawberry Baked Donuts offer a wonderful way to celebrate the season’s bounty, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Strawberry Baked Donuts begins with choosing quality ingredients, much like my grandmother always taught me. Every component plays a vital role in achieving that wonderfully tender crumb and vibrant strawberry flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather from your pantry and local market:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for our light and fluffy donut structure. Sift it for the best results, ensuring a delicate texture in your Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the strawberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, giving these Strawberry Baked Donuts their beautiful rise and airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors, making the strawberries sing and the sweetness more profound.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter. Whole milk is preferred for the best texture and taste, embodying that comforting, homemade feel.
- Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the donut’s structure and tenderness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and cooled, it provides incredible richness and a soft crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness precisely in your Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the strawberries beautifully, adding warmth and depth.
- Fresh Strawberries: Diced small, these are the stars of our show! Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the most intense and natural flavor in your Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Optional Glaze Ingredients: Powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tiny bit more vanilla extract for that classic, sweet topping that elevates these delightful treats even further.
Each ingredient contributes to the overall magic of these homemade Strawberry Baked Donuts, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone who tries them.
Substitutions & Variations
I believe baking should be flexible and adaptable, reflecting individual preferences and dietary needs while still delivering wholesome goodness. Here are some thoughtful and healthy substitutions and variations to help you make these Strawberry Baked Donuts perfectly suited for your family:
- Flour Alternatives: For a boost in fiber, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. This keeps the texture tender while adding nutritional benefits. A gluten-free all-purpose baking blend can also be used, ensuring these strawberry donuts are enjoyable for everyone.
- Sweetener Swaps: Reduce the granulated sugar slightly, or substitute half with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey (adjusting liquid content slightly if using liquid sweeteners). You can also use a sugar-free granulated alternative if preferred, keeping the delicious essence of these baked donuts.
- Dairy-Free Options: Easily swap regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For butter, use a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil (melted and cooled). These changes ensure your Strawberry Baked Donuts are dairy-free without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Fruit Variations: While fresh strawberries are divine, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them completely before adding to the batter to prevent the color from bleeding too much, ensuring your strawberry baked treats look as good as they taste.
- Add-ins: Introduce a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the strawberry flavor, or a touch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist. A handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can also add a delightful crunch to these wonderful Strawberry Baked Donuts.
These simple adjustments allow you to personalize your Strawberry Baked Donuts, making them truly your own while maintaining their wholesome charm.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
For those who enjoy a bit of creativity in their baking, exploring different flour alternatives can elevate your Strawberry Baked Donuts. Check out our comprehensive Galentine’s Brunch Menu for more tasty inspirations and ideas!
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable, especially when creating something as special as homemade Strawberry Baked Donuts. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already, ready to help you whip up these delightful treats:
- Donut Pan: Essential for achieving that classic donut shape. A 6-cavity donut pan is standard, and having two allows for continuous baking.
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk: For thoroughly combining dry ingredients and smoothly blending wet ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in the strawberries gently and scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring no delicious batter is left behind.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results in baking these Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag: Makes filling the donut pan much cleaner and easier, ensuring even distribution of the batter. Just snip off a corner of the Ziploc bag!
- Wire Rack: For cooling the baked donuts completely, allowing air circulation to prevent sogginess.
With these simple tools, you are well-equipped to create perfect batches of these heartwarming Strawberry Baked Donuts for your family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these tender Strawberry Baked Donuts is a straightforward and joyful process, perfect for a relaxed morning in the kitchen. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have warm, delicious treats ready to enjoy in no time. This recipe for Strawberry Baked Donuts is truly a labor of love, made simple:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour your donut pan(s) to ensure your Strawberry Baked Donuts release easily. This step is crucial for perfect results.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps, creating an even foundation for your baked donuts.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and ready to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and prevent tough donuts. Overmixing can lead to dry Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them too much. These strawberries are what make these baked donuts truly special.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. This technique keeps your donuts uniform and beautifully shaped.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into a donut comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep a close eye on your Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling properly ensures a good texture and makes glazing easier.
- Glaze (Optional): If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tiny bit of vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled Strawberry Baked Donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off before placing them back on the wire rack for the glaze to set.
Serve these beautiful Strawberry Baked Donuts fresh, and watch them disappear!
Making the perfect Strawberry Baked Donuts can set the tone for a delightful morning. Why not pair them with something unique like our Heart Shaped Pizza for a loving brunch experience?
Pro Tips for Success
Baking, like life, benefits from a few thoughtful insights that can elevate a good recipe to a truly cherished one. These specific technical tips will help ensure your Strawberry Baked Donuts turn out perfectly, embodying that homemade warmth and flavor:
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any baked good. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough, dense donuts instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined, leaving a few small lumps. This ensures tender Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk, egg, and melted butter are at room temperature. This allows them to combine more smoothly and evenly with the other ingredients, creating a homogeneous batter that bakes consistently.
- Chop Strawberries Uniformly: Dice your fresh strawberries into small, consistent pieces. This ensures that the strawberry flavor is distributed evenly throughout each donut and prevents the larger pieces from sinking to the bottom, giving every bite of your Strawberry Baked Donuts delightful fruit bursts.
- Fill Donut Pan Correctly: Avoid overfilling the donut cavities. Filling them about two-thirds full allows the donuts to rise beautifully without overflowing, maintaining their classic shape. A piping bag truly makes this step mess-free and efficient.
- Don’t Overbake: Baked donuts can dry out quickly if left in the oven too long. Start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Slightly underbaked is often better than overbaked for moist Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is key here! Glazing warm donuts will cause the glaze to melt and run off. Allow your Strawberry Baked Donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before applying any glaze for a neat, even coating.
- Grease and Flour Your Pan Well: Even with non-stick pans, a light greasing and flouring (or using baking spray with flour) ensures that your baked donuts release perfectly without sticking, preserving their beautiful shape.
Embrace these simple yet effective tips, and you will consistently create delightful Strawberry Baked Donuts that everyone will adore.
Storage & Reheating Tips
When you’ve baked a batch of these beautiful Strawberry Baked Donuts, you want to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible so that every bite feels just as special as the first. Proper storage helps maintain their tender texture and vibrant flavor, ready for another moment of enjoyment.
- At Room Temperature: Store unglazed Strawberry Baked Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If glazed, store them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent sticking, or place parchment paper between layers.
- In the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, especially if your kitchen is warm or if they are glazed, store the Strawberry Baked Donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing: These baked donuts freeze wonderfully! Place cooled, unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy a warm donut, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as directed. This brings out that comforting, freshly baked aroma of your Strawberry Baked Donuts once more.
With these storage tips, you can always have a delightful treat on hand, making every day a little sweeter with these exquisite Strawberry Baked Donuts.
To ensure that your Strawberry Baked Donuts stay fresh and delicious, it’s important to know the best storage methods. Discover more about keeping your baked goods delightful with our guide on Cream Toast.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These delightful Strawberry Baked Donuts are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience, making a simple snack or breakfast feel like a cherished family gathering. Dominique loves creating harmonious meals, and these suggestions complement the sweetness and lightness of our baked donuts beautifully:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful bowl of mixed berries, sliced kiwi, or melon offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts and adds a healthy dose of vitamins.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and extra fresh strawberries or other berries for a protein-packed, wholesome side that beautifully complements the Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Light Beverages: Serve with a warm cup of herbal tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a special treat, a homemade strawberry smoothie or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice would be absolutely perfect with these strawberry delights.
- Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: For a heartier breakfast or brunch spread, balance the sweet with a savory element. Fluffy scrambled eggs or a simple vegetable omelet provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Roasted Vegetables (for Brunch): While perhaps unconventional, for a truly balanced brunch, a small side of lightly roasted asparagus or sweet potatoes can offer a grounding, earthy counterpoint to the fruity sweetness, creating a diverse palette of flavors alongside your Strawberry Baked Donuts.
- Cheese Board with Fresh Berries: A selection of mild cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, paired with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, can create an elegant and balanced offering alongside your beautiful Strawberry Baked Donuts.
No matter your choice, serving these Strawberry Baked Donuts with love and thoughtfulness ensures a truly memorable experience for your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries for these Strawberry Baked Donuts?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries. However, do not thaw them completely before mixing them into the batter. Adding them frozen helps prevent the color from bleeding too much into the batter and keeps the texture of the donuts optimal. If they are too wet, you might want to toss them with a teaspoon of flour before adding them to absorb excess moisture, ensuring your Strawberry Baked Donuts bake perfectly.
How long do these Strawberry Baked Donuts stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Strawberry Baked Donuts will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If stored in the refrigerator, they can last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Always ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
Can I make these Strawberry Baked Donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Many gluten-free flour blends work wonderfully in baked donut recipes, often containing xanthan gum which helps with binding and texture. Just ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking, and your Strawberry Baked Donuts will be just as delightful and accommodating.
These delightful Strawberry Baked Donuts provide a sweet and fluffy treat that appeals to all ages, blending the joy of baking with the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries. They are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that still satisfies sweet cravings, thus embodying the evolution of healthier dessert options as showcased in culinary history.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Baked Donuts is an act of love, a simple joy for your family. Imagine the comforting aroma, shared smiles, and tender bites, creating cherished memories. This recipe embodies wholesome warmth, reminding us the best moments are shared, connecting hearts around a table of homemade goodness.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and a batch yielding 12 donuts. Actual values may vary.
| Calories | 180-200 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8-10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-6 g |
| Cholesterol | 30-40 mg |
| Sodium | 150-170 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25-30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Total Sugars | 15-20 g |
| Protein | 3-4 g |
Strawberry Baked Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced strawberries gently.
- Fill the donut pan cavities two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and drizzle over cooled donuts.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
