Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful taste of freshly baked strawberry donuts with this easy-to-follow recipe. Bursting with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and baked to perfection, these fluffy donuts are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast or a midday snack, these homemade delights are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Join us as we explore the steps to create these delectable baked strawberry donuts and elevate your baking game.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely diced fresh strawberries
- For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries until smooth)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- Make the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each one about 3/4 full. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag to pipe the batter into the pan for neater donuts.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more strawberry puree or a few drops of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the strawberry glaze, then place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
- Serve: Enjoy your baked strawberry donuts fresh or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- This delightful recipe brings the freshness of strawberries into a beloved baked treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Enjoy making and indulging in these deliciously fruity donuts!
Serving:
- Freshly Glazed: For the best taste and texture, serve the baked strawberry donuts freshly glazed. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch and enhances the overall flavor.
- Accompaniments: Pair the donuts with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite tea for a delightful snack or breakfast treat.
- Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Before serving, garnish the glazed donuts with sliced fresh strawberries to add a pop of color and extra fruity flavor.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Enjoy the donuts warm from the oven or at room temperature. They are delicious either way and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store leftover baked strawberry donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the donuts for a longer period, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. However, note that refrigeration may cause the glaze to become slightly tacky.
- Freezing: Baked strawberry donuts can be frozen for longer-term storage. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
- Reheating: To refresh refrigerated or frozen donuts, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Reheating will help restore the donuts’ texture and revive their flavors.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for the puree?
- Yes, frozen strawberries can be used to make the puree. Simply thaw the strawberries before pureeing them and use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.
- Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
- While a donut pan is ideal for achieving the classic donut shape, you can still make baked strawberry donuts without one. Simply shape the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to bake.
- Can I use other fruit purees instead of strawberries?
- Yes, you can experiment with different fruit purees to create variations of this recipe. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free baked strawberry donuts. Just ensure that the flour blend you choose is suitable for baking.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. You may reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet donut, but keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the texture and moisture of the donut.
Conclusion:
With their irresistible sweetness and fruity flavor, these baked strawberry donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these delightful treats are guaranteed to brighten your day and satisfy your cravings. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these heavenly baked strawberry donuts today!