Strawberry cake donuts are a delightful treat combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the soft, fluffy texture of baked donuts. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, these donuts are a healthier alternative to fried versions and are incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Bursting with Flavor: Fresh strawberries in the batter and glaze create a naturally fruity sweetness.
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Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lower in fat but still deliciously moist.
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Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations, casual gatherings, or as a quick pick-me-up.
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Origin: Donuts originated in the Netherlands as “olykoeks” (oil cakes) and evolved into their modern form in America. Strawberry cake donuts are a contemporary twist on this classic dessert.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg (room temperature)
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup milk (2% or non-dairy)
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1 tablespoon canola oil
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
For the Strawberry Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries
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1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
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In another bowl, mix egg, sour cream, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and chopped strawberries until combined.
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Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just moistened.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
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Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off.
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Pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Allow donuts to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
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Blend fresh strawberries into a puree.
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In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with strawberry puree and optional lemon zest until smooth.
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Dip each cooled donut halfway into the glaze and let excess drip off.
Cooking Tips
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Sift Dry Ingredients: This ensures light and fluffy donuts by removing lumps.
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Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the donuts dense.
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Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh fruit enhances flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping Pan Greasing: Always grease your donut pan to prevent sticking.
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Overfilling Molds: Fill molds only halfway to maintain the donut shape.
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Glazing Too Soon: Let donuts cool completely before glazing to avoid melting.
Serving Tips
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Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast.
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Add sprinkles or drizzle cream cheese frosting for extra flair at parties.
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Pair with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a more indulgent dessert.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
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Strawberries: Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, promoting skin health and immunity.
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Sour Cream: Adds protein and calcium while keeping the donuts moist.
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Milk: A source of calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones.
Interesting Facts
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Donuts were first introduced in America by Dutch settlers in the 19th century.
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The hole in donuts was invented to ensure even cooking.
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Strawberry cake donuts are often associated with springtime due to their fresh flavors.
Summarized Recipe
Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries, flour, sugar, baking powder/soda, sour cream, milk, egg, oil, vanilla extract.
Steps:
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Mix dry ingredients; combine wet ingredients separately; fold together with strawberries.
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Pipe batter into greased donut pan; bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes; cool completely.
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Prepare strawberry glaze; dip cooled donuts; let set before serving.
Enjoy these strawberry cake donuts as a sweet treat that’s easy to make yet irresistibly delicious!
