Raise your hand if you think donuts should count as a fruit because they’re made with strawberries! 🙋♀️ These Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts are the perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and fluffy, offering a light, guilt-free treat that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down. The best part? They’re baked—not fried! That means you can enjoy a donut (or two) without the heavy greasiness of traditional fried versions.
Perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a fun dessert, these donuts are a surefire way to brighten your day. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes! So whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is totally doable and absolutely worth it.
Let’s dive into what makes these donuts so special, how to whip them up, and why you’ll want to make them again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts
- Easy to Make: This recipe keeps things simple with basic pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh strawberries in the batter and glaze mean every bite is packed with fruity goodness.
- Customizable: Want extra sweetness or a touch of tanginess? You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special day, or just treating yourself, these donuts are the perfect addition.
When you bite into one of these donuts, you’ll get the soft, cake-like texture with pops of juicy strawberry in every bite. The strawberry glaze on top adds the perfect hint of sweetness and an irresistible glossy finish. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds) before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Adds natural sweetness and bursts of fruity flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our batter, creating structure for the donuts.
- 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda: Together, these leaveners make the donuts light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that soft texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: For moisture and a touch of richness.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind everything together while contributing to the fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: The acidity works with the baking soda for a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed: Adds bold, fruity flavor and a vibrant pink hue.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional): To adjust the glaze’s consistency, if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prep Your Tools
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and puff up nicely. Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter, so your donuts slide out effortlessly once baked.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leaveners are evenly distributed, giving you perfectly risen donuts.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.
Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts dense instead of light and fluffy. Fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cavity of your prepared donut pan about 3/4 full. This gives the donuts enough room to rise without spilling over.
Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Glaze
While your donuts cool, it’s time to prepare the glaze. Blend or mash the fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. In a small bowl, combine the strawberry puree with powdered sugar, stirring until the glaze is smooth. If it’s too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Glaze and Decorate
Once the donuts are fully cooled (this is important, or the glaze will slide right off!), dip the tops into the glaze. Let the excess drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle some colorful toppings or crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts
- Use Fresh Strawberries: They make all the difference in flavor. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the donuts tender.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting right off.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter.
- Lemon Strawberry Donuts: Add the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
How to Serve
These donuts are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Brunch Delight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete spread.
- Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Freezing and Storing
If you want to save some for later (though it’s hard to resist eating them all!), here’s how to store and freeze them:
- Storage: Place leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, thaw at room temperature and glaze before eating.
Special Equipment
- Donut Pan: A must-have for creating that classic donut shape.
- Piping Bag: Makes it easier to fill the donut pan, but a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works too.
- Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the strawberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the donuts a day in advance and glaze them just before serving.
- What if I don’t have a donut pan? Use a muffin tin and only fill each cup halfway for “donut muffins.”
- Can I make these dairy-free? Absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk with almond milk and vinegar, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny? Start with less liquid and add it gradually until the consistency is just right.
Conclusion
There you have it—delicious, fruity, and fluffy Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts that are sure to become a favorite in your household. They’re simple to make, packed with fresh strawberry flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or just because you’re craving something sweet, these donuts are always a good idea.
I can’t wait to see how your donuts turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media. Happy baking!
Print
Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts: Sweet, Fruity, and Guilt-Free!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked strawberry cake donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Made with fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet strawberry glaze, they’re a healthier, oven-baked treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- Donuts:
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in diced strawberries.
- Fill the donut pan cavities 3/4 full and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool donuts for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, puree strawberries and mix with powdered sugar. Adjust thickness with milk if needed.
- Dip cooled donuts into the glaze, let excess drip, and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Substitute buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American