Strawberry Cake Donuts
Table of Contents
In the heart of my kitchen, where the aroma of fresh strawberries mingles with sweet vanilla, I find myself whisked back to sun-drenched summer mornings. Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen flood in, where her laughter was as abundant as her love for baking. Today, let’s create something that captures that same essence—Strawberry Cake Donuts. These delightful treats are not just about indulging your sweet tooth; they’re a heartfelt nod to those cherished moments when life was deliciously simple.
Imagine biting into a warm, soft donut, the tang of strawberries dancing with the creamy sweetness of vanilla glaze. These donuts bring more than just flavor to the table—they offer a handful of emotional benefits. First, they’re a beautiful way to connect with loved ones, perfect for a cozy brunch or an afternoon tea. They also make for a charming addition to any dessert spread, instantly uplifting the mood with their vibrant color and inviting aroma. For those who bake with little helpers, this recipe is a fantastic way to create memories while teaching the joys of baking. Finally, the simplicity of the ingredients means less time in the grocery store and more time in the kitchen, where the real magic happens.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Bringing Strawberry Cake Donuts to your table is like inviting a little sunshine into your home. These donuts are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with their beautiful pink hues and glossy glaze. Perfect for any occasion, they add a touch of elegance and joy, whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea. Plus, the recipe’s simplicity makes it a delightful project for bakers of all skill levels, encouraging everyone to partake in the joy of homemade treats.
The vibrant pink of these donuts makes them an eye-catching centerpiece. Serve them on a pretty cake stand or platter, and watch them disappear as guests can’t resist their allure. Whether it’s a child’s birthday party, a bridal shower, or a simple family gathering, these donuts fit right in, bringing a nostalgic charm that resonates with all ages. Their lightness and flavor make them just as suitable for breakfast as for dessert, offering versatility that few desserts can match.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Creating these delightful donuts doesn’t require a cabinet full of fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:
A food processor or blender for the strawberries. This tool helps in achieving the perfect consistency for the strawberry puree, which is crucial for ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the donuts.
A large mixing bowl and a hand mixer or stand mixer. These are essential for mixing the batter to the right consistency, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated without overmixing.
A donut tin or mold. This is where the magic takes shape. A non-stick donut mold can make a big difference, preventing the donuts from sticking and ensuring an even bake.
A piping bag or a large freezer bag. This makes filling the donut molds clean and efficient, minimizing mess and ensuring evenly shaped donuts.
A wire rack for cooling. A proper cooling rack allows air to circulate around the donuts, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
A whisk for the glaze. A small whisk is perfect for mixing the glaze ingredients until smooth, providing the ideal consistency for drizzling or dipping.
These basic tools transform simple ingredients into something truly special, keeping the process easy and straightforward. Each tool serves its purpose, ensuring that the process is smooth from start to finish.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
¾ cup sugar
1 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 strawberries (about 1 cup pureed)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°F. Ensuring the oven is properly preheated is key to achieving the perfect texture for these donuts. A hot oven will help them rise quickly, giving them a light and airy finish.
Trim strawberries and pulse in a food processor until a chunky puree forms. Set aside. The puree should have small chunks of strawberries for bursts of flavor in every bite.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and egg on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, which is crucial for a light donut.
Add vanilla, buttermilk, and strawberry puree; mix until blended. The buttermilk adds a tangy richness that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully.
Add flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until just incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough donuts, so stop as soon as the dry ingredients are blended in.
Fill a piping bag with the batter and pipe into greased donut tins, filling halfway. This ensures the donuts rise properly without overflowing.
Bake for 7-8 minutes on the middle rack. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can dry them out. They should be just set and spring back when lightly touched.
Whisk powdered sugar and milk for the glaze; set aside. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more sugar for thickness or more milk to thin it out.
Cool donuts on a wire rack and drizzle or dip in glaze. Allow glaze to harden for 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for the glaze to set properly, making them easy to handle and eat.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 8 minutes • Total Time: 23 minutes • Calories: 180 • Servings: 12
Note: For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract. This is especially useful if your strawberries are not at their peak sweetness.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in these Strawberry Cake Donuts plays a special role. Fresh strawberries are the stars, offering natural sweetness and a boost of Vitamin C. Their antioxidants are a bonus, helping to protect your body while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Buttermilk adds a tender crumb and slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It reacts with the baking soda to help the donuts rise, making them fluffy and light. Using a combination of cake and all-purpose flour ensures the donuts are light and fluffy, while a touch of vanilla extract elevates the aroma and taste.
These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, combining to create a treat that feels indulgent without being overly rich.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These donuts are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and sides. For a morning treat, enjoy them with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. The acidity of a good cup of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of the donuts, cutting through the glaze and highlighting the strawberries.
Pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. A simple fruit salad can complement the donuts’ sweetness, adding a refreshing contrast. They also complement savory dishes, like a spinach and cheese quiche, balancing the palate with their sweet and fruity notes. This creates a well-rounded brunch spread that satisfies all taste preferences.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you find yourself with leftover donuts (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them at room temperature maintains their texture, preventing them from becoming too hard or drying out.
For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To revive their just-baked goodness, pop them in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature or enjoy them cold with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold donuts with ice cream create a delightful contrast, perfect for a quick dessert.
Whether fresh or stored, these donuts remain a sweet reminder of homemade joy. They are delightful at any time of the day, whether as a quick snack or a lovingly prepared treat.
As we wrap up our time in the kitchen, I’m reminded of the warmth that homemade cooking brings. These Strawberry Cake Donuts are more than just a recipe—they’re an invitation to savor life’s simple pleasures, one bite at a time. Whether you’re baking with little ones or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
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Strawberry Cake Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Trim your strawberries and add them to a food processor. Pulse until you have a chunky puree. Set aside.
- Mix together your butter, sugar and egg in a large mixing bowl on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes.
- Add in your vanilla, buttermilk and strawberry puree and mix again until blended.
- Add in both flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt and mix on low speed until JUST incorporated.
- Add donut batter to a large piping bag or freezer bag, fold the bag over a large cup for easier filling.
- Use a rubber spatula to scoop the batter neatly into the bag. Close bag and snip off the corner of the freezer bag (if using).
- Grease donut tin and squeeze batter into each tin carefully, filling no more than HALFWAY.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes on the middle rack.
- Whisk together your powdered sugar and milk in a bowl and set aside.
- Add donuts to a wire rack and pour glaze over top of each allowing the glaze to drip off, or dip the top of each donut into the glaze. Let the glaze harden for 20-30 minutes.
