Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe

Strawberry Cake Donuts are a delightful blend of soft, moist texture and fresh strawberry flavor that instantly brightens your day. Baked to perfection and finished with a sweet, vibrant strawberry glaze, these donuts are as inviting to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a cheerful brunch gathering, or just craving a homemade dessert with a fruity twist, these donuts deliver that just-right balance of sweetness and charm. Easy to make and even easier to love, they bring a burst of berry joy to every bite.

What You’ll Need

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Pure vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, finely chopped

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Blend a handful of fresh strawberries until you get a smooth puree.
• Vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Sprinkles
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries

How to Cook Strawberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Make the Donut Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or a touch of butter—just enough to keep the donuts from sticking.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. Whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly blended.

In another bowl, whisk together your melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, gently stirring until a smooth batter forms. Stir gently—just until everything comes together. You don’t want to overmix here; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in the fresh chopped strawberries gently so they don’t break down too much. This step gives your donuts those beautiful little bursts of berry flavor.

Step 2: Bake the Donuts

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. Try not to overfill, or the donuts might lose their shape.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Once baked, let the donuts rest in the pan for around 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set properly and keeps them from getting soggy.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, make your glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, and a splash of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and easy to pour.

Want it thinner? Add a bit more puree. Thicker? Just whisk in a bit more powdered sugar until it feels right to you.

Step 4: Glaze and Decorate

Once your donuts are cool to the touch, dip the tops into the glaze and gently twist as you lift them out. Return the donuts to the rack so any extra glaze can drip off and set.

While the glaze is still wet, you can get creative: add a pinch of sprinkles, some crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or even a tiny dusting of lemon zest for a bit of zing.

Let the glaze set for about 10–15 minutes, and your homemade strawberry cake donuts are ready to enjoy—soft, fruity, and beautifully sweet with every bite.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

The flavor of your donuts depends heavily on the strawberries you use. Choose ripe, sweet berries for the best natural flavor. If your strawberries are too watery or under-ripe, your batter might turn out bland or too wet.

2. Chop Strawberries Finely

Cut your strawberries into small, evenly sized pieces. Large chunks can sink to the bottom of the donuts or make the batter uneven. Small bits distribute flavor more evenly and prevent sogginess.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

After adding the wet ingredients to the dry, stir only until the mixture is evenly combined—avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts instead of the light, cakey texture you want.

4. Use a Piping Bag for Neat Filling

For neat, evenly sized portions, place the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan for cleaner results and more uniform donuts.

5. Grease the Pan Thoroughly

Even if your pan is nonstick, lightly grease it to ensure the donuts release easily without breaking or sticking.

6. Allow the donuts to cool fully before glazing them.

Warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt and slide right off. Make sure they’re fully cooled to room temperature before you dip them for a smooth, picture-perfect finish.

7. Adjust the Glaze Consistency Carefully

If your glaze is too thin, it will run off the donuts; if it’s too thick, it won’t coat smoothly. Adjust the consistency by gradually mixing in a bit more strawberry puree or powdered sugar until the texture is just right.

8. Add Glaze Toppings Quickly

If you’re using toppings like sprinkles or freeze-dried strawberries, add them while the glaze is still wet. This helps them stick and adds extra color and texture.

9. Store Properly to Maintain Freshness

For the best taste and texture, enjoy these donuts the day they’re made. Any extras can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, skip the glaze and freeze the plain donuts. Glaze just before serving.

10. Experiment with Flavor Additions

For a twist, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter or glaze, or even a drop of almond extract for depth. Adding your own twist to the flavor makes the recipe feel uniquely yours.