Strawberry Frosted Donuts

Donuts are a beloved treat that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack at any time of day. These Strawberry Frosted Donuts take the classic donut recipe and elevate it with the sweetness and freshness of strawberries. With a soft, fluffy donut base and a luscious, strawberry-flavored frosting on top, these donuts are a perfect combination of sweetness and flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Making donuts from scratch might sound intimidating, but this recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring basic ingredients and a few easy steps. The addition of diced strawberries in the donut batter imparts a burst of natural fruit flavor, making each bite even more irresistible. Top them off with a smooth, strawberry glaze and a sprinkle of finely chopped strawberries for an extra pop of color and flavor. These donuts are sure to be a hit at any breakfast table, special occasion, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy any time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Frosted Donuts combine everything you love about classic donuts with the added goodness of fresh strawberries. The donut itself is light, airy, and subtly sweet, enhanced by the fruity burst of strawberries baked right into the batter. The frosting, made with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries, brings a rich strawberry flavor that perfectly complements the donut base. The vibrant pink frosting is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making these donuts a standout treat for any event.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and fruity—creating a donut experience that feels refreshing and indulgent all at once. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these donuts are easy to make and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Large egg
• Buttermilk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries (diced)

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
• Milk

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: If you’re a chocolate lover, swap the strawberry glaze for a rich chocolate frosting or drizzle.
• Fruit Glazes: Instead of strawberries, use other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Vegan Donuts: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce and use a dairy-free milk and butter alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Baked or Fried: These donuts can be baked for a lighter version or fried for a traditional, crispy donut texture. Frying will give them a more classic donut experience, while baking is a healthier option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg until lightly beaten, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the diced strawberries. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full. This will give the donuts room to rise as they bake without overflowing.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Frosting

While the donuts are cooling, make the frosting by combining the powdered sugar, finely chopped strawberries, and milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops of the donuts into the strawberry frosting. You can use a spoon to spread the frosting evenly over the tops if you prefer. If desired, sprinkle additional finely chopped strawberries on top for added texture and a burst of color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your homemade Strawberry Frosted Donuts! These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Ensure Even Baking: Fill each donut mold evenly so the donuts bake uniformly. Use a spoon or piping bag for a cleaner, more consistent filling.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries in both the batter and the frosting. Frozen strawberries may release excess moisture and affect the texture of the donuts.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to reach the right consistency for dipping.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Frosted Donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat. They can also be served as part of a dessert spread at parties or celebrations. For a more festive touch, you can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, the frosting may begin to soften and lose its texture. For the best taste and texture, try to consume them within the first 24 hours.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked donuts (without the frosting) for up to 1 month. Place the cooled donuts on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the donuts at room temperature and frost them as desired.

Reheating

To reheat, place the donuts in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their freshness and give them a slight crispness on the edges. Frost after reheating for the best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using them in the frosting.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk adds richness and a slight tang, you can substitute it with regular milk or make a homemade buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.

3. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If your frosting is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry the donuts if you prefer a more traditional donut texture. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and then frost.

5. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free. Just ensure that the other ingredients you use, such as the baking powder and frosting ingredients, are also gluten-free.

6. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can prepare the donuts in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.

7. Can I add sprinkles to the frosting?

Yes, sprinkles make a fun addition to the donuts. After frosting, sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or other toppings for a festive touch.

8. How many donuts does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 12 standard-sized donuts. If you use a mini donut pan, you can expect to make around 24 mini donuts.

9. Can I add more fruit to the donuts?

Yes, you can experiment by adding other fruits to the donut batter, such as blueberries or raspberries, for additional flavor variations.

10. Can I use this recipe to make donut holes?

Yes, you can use this recipe to make donut holes. Simply pipe or spoon the batter into a mini muffin tin, and bake at the same temperature for about 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

Strawberry Frosted Donuts are a delicious and visually appealing treat that brings together the flavors of fresh strawberries and the indulgence of donuts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a sweet snack, or just because, these donuts are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, fruity, and perfectly frosted donuts in no time. Make these donuts for your next brunch or dessert spread, and they’ll be a delightful addition to any table.

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