There’s just something magical about biting into a soft, pillowy donut that’s bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. These Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts are everything you could want in a homemade treat—light, fluffy, and coated in a simple glaze that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, which means you get all the indulgence with a fraction of the guilt.
Whether you’re looking for a brunch showstopper, a fun baking project with the kids, or a dessert that feels as special as it tastes, this recipe has you covered. The naturally sweet flavor of ripe strawberries shines through in every bite, complemented perfectly by the sugary glaze. Plus, their vibrant pink hue is practically begging to be posted on Instagram.
I first made these donuts on a whim during strawberry season, and they quickly became a household favorite. The smell of them baking in the oven is enough to make anyone wander into the kitchen, asking, “Are they ready yet?” Now, they’re my go-to whenever I need something that feels special but doesn’t take hours to make. Let’s dive in so you can fall in love with these donuts too.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts
These donuts are a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and ease, making them a must-try for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor: Using real strawberries gives these donuts a natural sweetness and fruitiness you just can’t get from artificial flavoring.
- Light and fluffy texture: Thanks to the combination of cake flour and buttermilk, the donuts are tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Healthier than fried donuts: Baking instead of frying means less mess, fewer calories, and no need for a deep fryer.
- Perfect for any occasion: From casual weekend breakfasts to bridal showers and birthday parties, these donuts are as versatile as they are delicious.
- Customizable: You can tweak the glaze, add food coloring for extra pink vibrance, or even toss in some chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Imagine biting into one of these donuts—the soft, airy cake practically melts on your tongue, while the sweet glaze adds a touch of crunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a little slice of heaven.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
Calories per serving: ~180 (based on one glazed donut)
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these irresistible donuts.
For the Donuts:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cake flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12–15 ripe strawberries (approximately 1 cup, pureed)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or water, juice, or any liquid of choice)
Each ingredient serves a specific purpose. The cake flour helps create a soft and tender texture, while the buttermilk adds richness and keeps the donuts moist. The real star here, though, is the strawberry puree, which infuses the batter with fresh, fruity flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when it’s time to bake. Then, grease your donut tin generously with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash your strawberries thoroughly, remove the stems, and place them in a food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve a chunky puree—you don’t want it too liquidy, as this can affect the batter’s consistency. Set the puree aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and prepared strawberry puree, mixing until everything is smooth and well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.
Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut tin, filling each mold about halfway.
Bake the Donuts
Place the tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 7–8 minutes, or until the donuts are set and spring back when gently pressed. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out. Once done, remove the tin from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze
While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If you’d like a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add a little more milk.
Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over them with a spoon. For an extra layer of sweetness, let the first coat set for 10 minutes, then dip them again.
How to Serve this Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts
These donuts are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a well-rounded brunch spread.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and extra strawberry slices for a fancy dessert option.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The flavor of your donuts will depend on the quality of your strawberries, so go for the sweetest, juiciest ones you can find.
- Grease the tin thoroughly: This step is crucial to ensure your donuts release easily without breaking.
- Avoid overmixing: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough donuts.
- Add a pop of color: If you want your donuts to have a more vibrant pink hue, add a drop or two of red food coloring to the batter.
- Double glaze for extra sweetness: If you’re a glaze lover, don’t hesitate to double-dip your donuts!
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Chocolate Strawberry Donuts: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Gluten-Free Donuts: Substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Coconut Glaze: Swap the milk in the glaze for coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Lemon-Strawberry Donuts: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and use lemon juice in the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Storage and Freezing
Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them without the glaze. Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and glaze them fresh.
Special Equipment for this Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts
While you don’t need anything fancy to make these donuts, a few tools can make the process easier:
- Donut Pan: Essential for shaping your donuts.
- Piping Bag: Makes it easy to fill the donut molds neatly.
- Wire Rack: Perfect for cooling the donuts and letting the glaze set.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
- What if I don’t have a donut pan? You can use a muffin tin instead, though the shape will be different.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake the batter immediately for the fluffiest donuts.
These baked strawberry cake donuts are the kind of treat that will make you feel like a pro baker, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Try them out and let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe: A Sweet and Vibrant Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling and glazing)
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked strawberry cake donuts are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. They’re light, fluffy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor, topped with a simple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a fun baking project.
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cake flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 12–15 ripe strawberries (approx. 1 cup, pureed)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease the donut pan.
- Puree fresh strawberries in a food processor until chunky. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and egg until creamy. Add vanilla, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag and fill donut molds halfway.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes or until donuts spring back when touched. Let cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and allow to set.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- For extra vibrancy, add a drop of food coloring to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American