Strawberry Cake Donuts are a sweet, fruity treat that combines the tender, moist texture of cake donuts with the bright, juicy flavor of strawberries. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack.
I first made these donuts when I wanted a fun and fruity dessert to share with friends. The fresh strawberries added a natural sweetness and a beautiful pink hue, making them as eye-catching as they are delicious. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence, or even turn them into mini donuts for a bite-sized treat. Whether served with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, Strawberry Cake Donuts are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast or brunch
- Afternoon tea
- Valentine’s Day
- Birthday celebrations
- Strawberry lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Strawberry Cake Donuts will become your new favorite treat:
- Sweet and Fruity Flavor: The fresh strawberry flavor in both the donut and glaze is perfectly balanced and irresistible.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: These donuts have a light, cake-like texture that’s airy and moist, just like a soft sponge cake.
- Easy to Make: Baked, not fried, these donuts are quick and simple to make without the mess of deep-frying.
- Bright and Colorful: The natural pink hue from the strawberries makes these donuts visually striking and fun to serve.
- Customizable Glaze: You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze or add a touch of vanilla or lemon for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From special holidays to casual brunches, these donuts elevate any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake the donuts in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Versatile Topping: Top with sprinkles, additional fresh strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
- Kid-Friendly: These donuts are fun to make with little ones and perfect for a kid-approved treat.
- Light and Not Too Sweet: The strawberry glaze is sweet but not overpowering, making these donuts a light indulgence.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (as needed for desired consistency)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Rainbow sprinkles
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to both the donuts and glaze.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the donuts without overpowering the flavor.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- Powdered Sugar in Glaze: Creates a smooth, glossy glaze that pairs perfectly with the donuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Donuts:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until smooth.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Fold the strawberry puree into the batter until fully incorporated.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Assemble the Donuts:
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the top of each cooled donut into the strawberry glaze and let the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.
- Garnish: Top with fresh strawberries or sprinkles if desired.
Serve:
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or allow the glaze to set completely before serving for a glossy finish.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Strawberry Cake Donuts:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: These donuts are perfect for a morning treat with coffee or tea.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a creamy touch by serving with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
- As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy these donuts as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk.
- At Birthday Parties: A fun, festive addition to any birthday party spread.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside additional fresh strawberries or berries for a refreshing complement.
- With a Cup of Hot Cocoa: Perfect for chilly days when you want something sweet and comforting.
- On Special Occasions: Ideal for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day to impress loved ones.
- With Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- For Kids’ Parties: A kid-friendly treat that’s sure to be a hit at any kids’ party.
- As a Homemade Gift: Box these donuts up and present them as a sweet homemade gift.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and color, use ripe, fresh strawberries for the puree.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Make Sure Donuts Are Cooled: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Donut Pan Alternative: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make donut holes using a mini muffin tin.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Strawberry Cake Donuts: Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Glaze: Replace the strawberry glaze with a rich chocolate glaze for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Strawberry Donuts: Use flax eggs and dairy-free milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Strawberry Coconut Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the batter or glaze for a tropical variation.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coated Donuts: After glazing, toss the donuts in cinnamon-sugar for a cozy finish.
- Strawberry Lemonade Donuts: Add a little lemon juice and zest to the glaze for a strawberry lemonade flavor.
- Maple Glazed Donuts: Swap the strawberry glaze for a maple glaze for a warm, fall-inspired treat.
- Nutty Donuts: Top with chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Strawberry Shortcake Donuts: Layer the donuts with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a shortcake twist.
Special Equipment
- Donut Pan: For evenly shaped, perfect donuts.
- Blender or Food Processor: To puree the fresh strawberries for both the donuts and glaze.
- Electric Mixer: For easy mixing and creaming of the butter and sugar.
- Wire Rack: To cool the donuts and prevent sogginess after glazing.
- Spoon or Piping Bag: To fill the donut pan evenly with batter.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing to avoid excess liquid. - How long do these donuts last?
These donuts are best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. - Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw before glazing and serving. - Can I use a different type of fruit for the glaze?
Yes, you can swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries to create a different glaze flavor. - Can I bake these without a donut pan?
Yes, use a mini muffin tin for donut holes or shape the batter into rounds on a baking sheet. - Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! These donuts are delicious on their own, or you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar. - How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Ensure you grease the pan well or use parchment paper to line the wells. - Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. - Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, fold in chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the strawberry flavor. - How do I get a smooth glaze?
Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the strawberry puree to ensure a smooth glaze consistency.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cake Donuts are a sweet and fruity treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These baked donuts are bursting with the flavor of fresh strawberries and have a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Glazed with a luscious strawberry icing or dusted with powdered sugar, these donuts are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
This recipe is easy to follow and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. You can customize them by adding a drizzle of white chocolate, sprinkles, or even a touch of lemon zest to enhance the flavor. Whether served warm or cooled, Strawberry Cake Donuts are sure to brighten your day with their deliciously sweet taste.
I can’t wait to see how your Strawberry Cake Donuts turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!