Want a sweet breakfast treat that’s easy to make and always a family favorite? Try these quick homemade fluffy baked strawberry donuts with glaze made from fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet glaze, save for later

Fluffy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Glaze

Introduction

Imagine starting your day with a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Our Fluffy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Glaze are the perfect breakfast or brunch option, combining the natural sweetness of strawberries with the simplicity of baked donuts. This recipe is a masterclass in using everyday ingredients to create something truly special, with a focus on flavor balance and creative presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these donuts are sure to impress with their fluffy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of strawberry puree, sugar, and vanilla extract creates a well-rounded flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The batter for these donuts comes together in just a few minutes, and the baking process is straightforward and quick, making this a great option for busy mornings.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a batch of beautifully glazed donuts that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery, perfect for impressing friends and family.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, strawberry puree, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. For the glaze, you’ll need powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and a little bit of milk. Practical substitutions can be made for some of these ingredients, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk for a non-dairy version, or substituting the strawberry puree with raspberry or blueberry puree for a different flavor twist. The quality of the ingredients, especially the freshness of the eggs and the flavor of the strawberry puree, will have a significant impact on the final taste and texture of the donuts.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Once the dry and wet ingredients are ready, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Step 2: Pour the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake the donuts for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and a little bit of milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but still pourable; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar, and if it’s too thick, add a bit more milk.
4. Step 4: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the donuts. If desired, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar or chopped fresh strawberries before serving.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in dense donuts. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a smooth batter.
• Don’t overfill the donut pan, as the donuts will rise during baking. Filling the cavities about 2/3 full is the perfect amount.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, you can also use a muffin tin. The baking time might be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the donuts after 15 minutes.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking these donuts is 375°F (190°C), and the baking time is 15-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. If not, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again. It’s also important to keep an eye on the donuts during the last few minutes of baking, as the tops can go from perfectly golden to too brown very quickly.

Crunch Factor

The texture of these donuts should be fluffy and soft, with a slightly crunchy glaze on top. To achieve this, make sure to not overbake the donuts, and let them cool completely before glazing. The glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape but still be pourable; if it’s too thin, it will soak into the donuts instead of forming a crunchy top layer.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra fluffy texture, try adding an extra tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. This will add moisture and tenderness to the donuts.
• To ensure the donuts bake evenly, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This will help the donuts cook consistently and prevent some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• For a shortcut in cleaning, line the donut pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray before adding the batter. This will make removing the donuts and cleaning the pan much easier.

Storage Tips

• These donuts are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you won’t be serving them within 2 days, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• For reheating, wrap a donut in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help restore some of the freshness and moisture.
• The best containers for storing these donuts are airtight containers or zip-top bags. If you’re giving them as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These donuts are perfect for gifting, especially when packaged in a decorative and appealing way. Consider placing a few donuts in a decorative tin or a small gift box, or bagging them in cellophane bags and tying with a ribbon. You could also include a card with the recipe or a personal message, making the gift even more special and thoughtful. For a more rustic look, place the donuts in a paper bag and tie the top with twine, adding a handwritten note or a small gift tag.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist on the classic strawberry flavor.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: Instead of the strawberry glaze, top the donuts with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces for a fun and playful look.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Substitute the strawberry puree with raspberry or blueberry puree for a different fruit flavor, or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the donuts turn out too dense, it might be because the batter was overmixed. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together, and then stop mixing. If the donuts are too dry, they might have been overbaked; try reducing the baking time by a minute or two.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a certain ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk, or applesauce instead of vegetable oil. Just be aware that substitutions can affect the final texture and flavor of the donuts.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the donuts during the last few minutes of baking. If they’re starting to brown too quickly, cover the top of the pan with foil to prevent overbrowning. If they’re not browning at all, they might be undercooked; try baking for an additional 2-3 minutes and checking again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place the cooled donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer. To thaw, leave at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Note that gluten-free flours can affect the texture and flavor of the donuts, so some experimentation might be necessary to get the best results.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe if you need to make a larger batch of donuts. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly, as the donuts will be more crowded in the pan.

Conclusion

With these Fluffy Baked Strawberry Donuts with Glaze, you’ll have a delicious and impressive breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to please both kids and adults. The combination of fluffy texture, sweet strawberry flavor, and crunchy glaze is a winner, and the fact that they’re baked instead of fried makes them a guilt-free treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations and toppings to make the recipe your own, and consider sharing some with friends and family as a thoughtful gift. Happy baking!