Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that balances lightness and bursts of fresh strawberry flavor, this Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine biting into a tender, cake-like donut with juicy bits of strawberries inside, topped with a luscious strawberry glaze that feels like a summer day on your palate. These baked donuts are not only incredibly delicious but also simple to make, bringing that bakery-quality indulgence right into your home kitchen without the fuss of frying. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this recipe promises happy smiles and satisfied sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s contributing to the fluffiness, lending that perfect sweetness, or adding bright, fruity notes. These essentials come together effortlessly to create donuts that are both light and packed with flavor.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the donut, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
• 1½ tsp baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Brings moisture and helps develop a soft texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to richness and fluffiness.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil): Keeps the donuts tender and adds a subtle buttery note.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries: Bursts of juicy, natural fruitiness inside each bite.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a silky smooth, sweet glaze.
• 1–2 tbsp strawberry puree (from about 2–3 strawberries): Gives the glaze a fresh strawberry punch and pretty pink color.
• ½–1 tbsp milk, if needed for consistency: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect dipping thickness.
• A pinch of salt (optional): Balances the glaze’s sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your donuts as soon as your batter is mixed. Lightly grease a 6-cavity donut pan so the donuts come out easily after baking. Using a non-stick spray or brushing with a touch of butter works perfectly here.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This dry mix is crucial because it distributes the leavening agent evenly, ensuring every donut rises to fluffy perfection.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Strawberries

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Then, gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. These vibrant fruit pieces not only add bursts of juicy flavor but also a lovely natural pink hue inside the donuts.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir just until everything is combined. It’s important not to overmix here – a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, while gentle mixing keeps them soft and fluffy like the recipe promises.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan about three-quarters full. This gives the batter room to rise without overflowing, creating perfectly shaped donut rings that bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out, robbing those donuts of their signature fluffy texture.

Step 7: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently transfer them onto a wire rack. Cooling before glazing ensures the glaze sets properly instead of melting right off, making every bite perfectly sweet and sticky.

Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze

For the glaze, puree fresh strawberries until smooth, then mix with powdered sugar and a splash of milk. Adjust the milk to get a creamy but dippable consistency. If you like, add a pinch of salt to enhance the glaze’s sweetness and bring out that strawberry brightness.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the strawberry glaze. Let any excess drip off before returning the donut to the rack. Give the glaze a few minutes to set so your donuts have that irresistible glossy finish and fruity flavor boost.

Step 10: Enjoy or Store

Serve immediately for the best experience, savoring the contrast between the fluffy cake and the fresh, fruity glaze. If you’re saving some for later, just store the donuts in an airtight container to keep them moist and delicious.

How to Serve Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped strawberries, colorful edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed donuts for an appealing, fragrant presentation. Adding a few small mint leaves can also enhance the freshness and make each plate look like a work of art.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a fruity smoothie for a comforting combination. They also go surprisingly well alongside a small bowl of vanilla yogurt topped with granola if you want to balance indulgence with a bit of crunch and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the donuts on a cake stand for a stunning centerpiece at brunch or serve them on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. You could even skewer smaller donut holes with berries on cocktail sticks for a playful finger food option that’s perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This method helps maintain their fluffy texture without drying them out or losing the glaze’s shine.

Freezing

If you want to keep these donuts longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat thawed donuts briefly in a microwave or oven to bring back their softness. A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave or warming at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes in the oven works wonders. Avoid overheating, which can toughen the cake.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture from the strawberries before chopping and folding them into the batter. This prevents the batter from becoming too wet.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that can substitute cup-for-cup to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just use a plant-based milk and a neutral oil instead of butter to keep the donuts moist and flavorful while keeping them dairy-free.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Ensure you grease the donut pan thoroughly or use a non-stick baking spray. Also, allowing the donuts to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them helps prevent breakage or sticking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two batches or use two donut pans if you have them. This way, you can get more of these delicious donuts ready to share or freeze.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making your own Fluffy and Fruity Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe at home. It’s the perfect way to combine the comfort of cake with the freshness of strawberries and the joy of donuts without any guilt from frying. Give this recipe a go—you’ll love how it brightens your kitchen and your day with every fluffy, fruity bite.

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