These Strawberry Cake Donuts are a fluffy, sweet, and pink-tinged breakfast treat that you can bake right at home—no frying, no fancy equipment, and no stress. Whether you’re planning a brunch, a spring gathering, or a fun bake day with your kids, these donuts are a fresh-fruit-forward hit that captures the essence of ripe strawberries.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Strawberry Icebox Cake Summer Dessert for a no-bake twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 12 donuts:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla Extract | ¾ teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Cake Flour | ¾ cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | ¾ cup |
| Baking Soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh Strawberries (pureed) | 1 cup (12–15 berries) |
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar + milk (adjust consistency as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Wash, trim, and puree the fresh strawberries in a food processor. You’re aiming for a chunky texture, not a smoothie!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Beat together the butter, sugar, and egg until smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Add in the vanilla, buttermilk, and your strawberry puree. Mix again until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Mix in the flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed. Avoid overmixing to keep your donuts light and fluffy.
Step 4: Pipe Into Donut Molds
Scoop the batter into a piping or zip-top bag. Snip the corner and squeeze the batter into greased donut pans, filling only halfway.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 400°F for 7-8 minutes on the middle rack. Don’t overbake—they should spring back lightly when touched.
Step 6: Glaze
Combine powdered sugar and milk for your glaze. Once donuts cool slightly, pour or dip them into the glaze and let it set for 20-30 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe strawberries for max flavor. The riper, the sweeter.
- Cake flour makes a difference—it creates a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix! It’ll make your donuts dense.
- Want a pinker hue? Add a couple drops of red or pink food coloring to your batter or glaze.
- Grease pans very well and remove donuts while hot to prevent sticking.
Strawberry Flavor Options
You can intensify strawberry flavor in several ways:
- Add a spoonful of strawberry syrup for sweetness and color.
- Mix in some freeze-dried strawberries—they’re flavorful but may need extra moisture.
- If using frozen strawberries, drain well after thawing to avoid soggy donuts.
Substitutions and Variations
| If You Don’t Have… | Use This Instead |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | ½ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar |
| Cake Flour | Just use all-purpose, but expect denser texture |
| Strawberries | Try raspberries or blueberries for a twist |
| Vanilla | Almond extract adds a unique flavor pop |
Don’t miss our Raspberry Fudgy Chocolate Cookies if you’re exploring berry-based treats.
Donut Glaze Tips
A good glaze is thick enough to pour, not runny. Use milk for a creamier flavor, or water for a cleaner finish. You can even add fruit juice for a fruity twist. Want double the glaze? Just dunk them twice.
Looking for vibrant pink? Add food coloring. Kids will love it, and it gives a bold, party-worthy look.
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut)
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 133 kcal |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Vitamin C | 7mg |
Want More Strawberry Treats?
Check out our Healthy Strawberry Mochi, Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls, and Sakura Strawberry Mochi for berrylicious snacks.
Conclusion
These strawberry cake donuts are a beautiful, light alternative to fried donuts. They’re easy, delicious, and a fun way to enjoy fresh strawberries in a creative way. Whether you’re baking for a brunch or for fun, these will become your new favorite treat.
Don’t miss our Royal Purple Velvet Cake for a colorful celebration-worthy dessert.