If you’re searching for a delightful treat that feels both fresh and comforting, look no further than this Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Strawberry Glaze Recipe. Imagine soft, tender donuts bursting with juicy strawberry bits, all baked to perfection instead of fried, and then finished with a luscious strawberry glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, a fun snack, or a charming way to brighten your dessert table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe’s simple ingredients and straightforward baking method make it a joyous kitchen adventure you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward and essential is key to the success of these donuts. Each component plays a special role, from the fluffy texture provided by the flour and baking powder to the natural sweetness and vibrant color brought by fresh strawberries. The glaze ingredients come together to create a glossy, flavorful coating that makes these donuts irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for light and tender donuts that hold their shape perfectly when baked.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness that balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This natural leavening agent ensures your donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the donuts from tasting flat.
- 1/2 cup milk: Gives the batter the right amount of moisture for a soft crumb.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for all the ingredients while contributing to the richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the donuts with buttery flavor and adds tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic depth that complements the strawberries.
- 3/4 cup finely diced fresh strawberries: The star ingredient that adds juicy bursts of flavor and a natural strawberry sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, giving a smooth sweetness with a fine texture.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree: Brings intense fresh strawberry flavor and vibrant color to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness in the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed: Adjusts the glaze consistency to be perfectly pourable.
How to Make Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Strawberry Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan, whether it’s a 6-cavity or 12-cavity model. This step is crucial because it prevents the donuts from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mix is what will give structure to your donuts, so getting an even blend ensures every donut bakes uniformly with that lovely tender crumb we love.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and flavor, setting the base for a batter that’s smooth and easy to work with.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and gently stir just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in dense donuts, which we want to avoid.
Step 5: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries
Carefully fold in the finely diced strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. To keep the batter from becoming too watery, pat the strawberries dry with paper towels before adding them in.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds full. This method helps create perfectly shaped donuts with smooth tops, ready for baking.
Step 7: Bake Your Donuts
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the donuts are done when they spring back lightly to the touch and are just starting to turn golden around the edges. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Strawberry Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk little by little until the glaze is thick but pourable. This glaze not only adds a lovely sweetness but also makes the donuts look stunning.
Step 9: Glaze the Donuts
Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off. Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying your sweet creation!
How to Serve Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Strawberry Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces or edible flower petals over the glazed donuts for an extra pop of color and charm. You could also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve these donuts alongside a fresh fruit salad, a cup of homemade yogurt, or a rich mocha coffee to complement the strawberry flavors while rounding out a delightful breakfast or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the donuts on a tiered dessert stand for a brunch party or stack them with parchment paper between layers in a pretty box for gifting. Another fun idea is to create donut sandwiches filled with whipped cream or mascarpone and sliced strawberries for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain their softness. For a little longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days, but be aware that chilling may slightly affect the texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Strawberry Glaze Recipe later, freeze the plain baked donuts (without glaze) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature before glazing.
Reheating
Warm donuts gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back their soft, fresh-baked texture. Add the glaze afterward for the best flavor and appearance.
FAQs
Can I substitute frozen strawberries for fresh ones in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries—just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
Is there a way to make these donuts dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The donuts will still turn out delicious and moist.
How can I make the strawberry glaze thicker or thinner?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze or a little more milk to thin it out, adjusting until you reach your desired consistency for dipping or drizzling.
What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I use a muffin tin instead?
You can bake the batter in a muffin tin for a similar treat—just expect a different shape. Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake 15 to 18 minutes, checking for doneness the same way.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking in the batter?
Toss the diced strawberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter—this helps suspend them evenly throughout the donut so you get bursts of flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade donuts, especially when they’re as fresh, flavorful, and easy to make as this Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Strawberry Glaze Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles at breakfast tables and sweet moments in the afternoon. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple it is to bake up a batch of tender, strawberry-kissed donuts that feel both special and satisfying. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Strawberry Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts are soft, tender, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Baked rather than fried and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze, they offer a delightful breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup finely diced fresh strawberries
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6- or 12-cavity donut pan to ensure the donuts easily release after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to create a smooth base for the batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
- Fold in strawberries: Gently fold the finely diced fresh strawberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the fruit.
- Pipe batter into pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full for ideal rising.
- Bake the donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when gently touched, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the glaze adheres nicely.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the glaze is smooth, thick, but pourable.
- Glaze the donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the strawberry glaze and place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pat the diced strawberries dry before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture that can make donuts soggy.
- Do not overmix the batter as overworking the flour can cause dense, tough donuts.
- For a more intense strawberry glaze, blend 2-3 strawberries and strain to make a smooth puree prior to mixing.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods, Donuts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
