Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe

There is something truly magical about Baked Strawberry Donuts that just brightens your morning or sweetens your afternoon. Made with fresh, juicy strawberries folded into tender, cake-like dough, these donuts bring a perfect balance of fluffy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor. The secret ingredient of sour cream ensures each bite is soft and moist, while the luscious strawberry glaze adds a glossy, fruity finish that’s as irresistible as it is beautiful. Whether you’re craving a cozy brunch treat or a delightful dessert, these Baked Strawberry Donuts are a simple yet spectacular way to celebrate the taste of fresh strawberries all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Strawberry Donuts lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color, from tender crumb to fresh strawberry bursts.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the donuts, ensuring a soft yet sturdy base.
• Baking soda: Helps the donuts rise just enough to stay light and fluffy.
• Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and fruity flavors.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly, complementing the freshness of the strawberries.
• Oil: Keeps the donuts moist without weighing them down.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh strawberries: Bring natural sweetness, juicy bursts, and that quintessential strawberry flavor to both the donut and the glaze.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, sweet strawberry glaze that finishes the donuts beautifully.
• Lemon zest: Adds a bright, zesty note to balance the sweetness in the glaze.

How to Make Baked Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly misting your donut pan with non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This sets up the foundation for perfectly risen, tender donuts by evenly distributing the leavening and seasoning.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, granulated sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture is where the magic begins—sour cream keeps your donuts moist and tender, while the sugar and vanilla give it a sweet, aromatic lift.

Step 3: Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are perfectly fine. This ensures your donuts come out tender, not dense. Then fold in the diced fresh strawberries delicately so their shape and flavor remain intact.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake for around 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing.

Step 5: Create the Strawberry Glaze

To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, hulled fresh strawberries, and the zest of half a lemon in a food processor or blend with a hand blender. Pulse until smooth and luscious. This glaze adds a gorgeous pink hue and a fresh strawberry zing that perfectly complements the soft donuts.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

Dollop or dip each cooled donut in the strawberry glaze, letting it set just long enough to create a shiny, sweet coat. This finishing touch makes the donuts not only look irresistible but adds an extra layer of strawberry goodness.

How to Serve Baked Strawberry Donuts

Garnishes

Elevate your Baked Strawberry Donuts with simple garnishes like fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few edible flowers. These add color, texture, and an inviting freshness that makes your homemade donuts look as fantastic as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a cup of rich coffee, a creamy latte, or a chilled glass of milk for a classic pairing. For brunch, a bowl of fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait with granola works beautifully to balance the sweet indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the donuts on a pretty tiered plate for a delightful brunch centerpiece or placing each donut in a colorful cupcake liner to make them easy to serve at parties. You can also drizzle additional glaze artistically over a plate of donuts for a dramatic and tempting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Baked Strawberry Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the strawberry glaze from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat your donuts gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and tender rather than drying them out. Adding a fresh glaze after warming can revive their fresh-out-of-the-oven appeal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for these donuts?

Fresh strawberries are best because they maintain their shape and moisture well during baking. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could affect the donut texture.

What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will add moisture and tenderness, though the flavor might be slightly different—still delicious!

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free baking blend, but be aware that texture and rise might vary slightly.

How long will the strawberry glaze stay fresh?

The glaze is freshest on the day you make it but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well before applying if it thickens.

Can I make these Baked Strawberry Donuts vegan?

You’ll need to swap a few ingredients. Try using a flax egg or chia egg instead of a regular egg, plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternatives, and a neutral oil. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste fantastic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that beautifully highlights the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries, I can’t recommend these Baked Strawberry Donuts enough. They’re tender, moist, and topped with a glaze that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration. Give this recipe a go, and I promise these donuts will quickly become a beloved favorite for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity indulgence.