Introduction
Baked Strawberry Donuts offer a delightful twist to traditional fried donuts, bringing together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the comfort of a soft, cake-like texture. These donuts are not only lighter than their fried counterparts but also bursting with the flavor of real fruit, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or a sweet snack. Infused with natural strawberry puree and topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze, these donuts are as visually appealing as they are delicious. They’re sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults, providing a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
What’s Unique About This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it uses fresh strawberries in both the donut batter and the glaze, ensuring that the flavor is authentic and fresh. Unlike many donut recipes that rely on artificial flavors or store-bought jams, these baked donuts celebrate the natural sweetness and slight tartness of strawberries. Additionally, baking the donuts rather than frying them not only makes them lighter but also easier to prepare at home without the need for special equipment.
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh strawberries)
- For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Nutrition
Each baked strawberry donut approximately contains:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree
- Puree fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together sugar, milk, yogurt, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup strawberry puree.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Donuts
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about 3/4 full.
- 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.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons strawberry puree. Add milk as needed to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze and return to the wire rack to let the glaze set.
Serving Tips
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, particularly soon after glazing. Serve them as part of a festive breakfast spread or as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may absorb into the donut over time, altering the texture slightly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the puree? A: Yes, frozen strawberries can be used for the puree. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing to maintain the consistency of the batter and glaze.
Q: How can I make these donuts vegan? A: To make these donuts vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan yogurt, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Creating these Baked Strawberry Donuts has always been a joyful experiment in my kitchen. The freshness of the strawberries fills the space with a sweet aroma, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a batch of these soft, cake-like donuts out of the oven. They