These Baked Strawberry Shortcake Donuts offer a light, fruity twist on a classic favorite. The tender cake infused with fresh diced strawberries is perfectly balanced by a smooth glaze, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet fresh. The donuts’ airy texture and sweet glaze make them ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
This recipe is wonderfully approachable for all skill levels and can easily be adapted with other seasonal berries or fruit. Their baked nature ensures a less greasy, more wholesome treat compared to traditional fried donuts. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a fruity baked good, these donuts deliver on flavor, ease, and charm.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
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Optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries.
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Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
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Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
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Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let set before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 220 kcal per donut | Servings: 8 donuts
Baked Strawberry Shortcake Donuts: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
When it comes to dessert or even a sweet breakfast option, few things are as universally loved as strawberry shortcake. The combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and sweet glaze or cream has been a staple in bakeries and home kitchens for generations. But what if you could enjoy the same delightful flavors and textures in a fun, portable form that’s easier to make and lighter than traditional fried donuts? Enter baked strawberry shortcake donuts an inspired, modern twist on both donuts and strawberry shortcake, combining the best of both worlds into one irresistible bite.
The Appeal of Baked Donuts
Baked donuts have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Unlike their fried counterparts, baked donuts are generally lower in fat and calories, making them a more wholesome option without sacrificing flavor or texture. The baking process yields a tender, cake-like donut with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth, ideal for those who want a lighter treat. Plus, baking donuts at home is often simpler and less messy than frying no need to worry about hot oil or heavy frying equipment. This makes baked donuts perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
The baked strawberry shortcake donuts take full advantage of these benefits. Incorporating fresh strawberries into the batter infuses every bite with bursts of juicy sweetness and natural moisture, keeping the donuts tender and flavorful. The light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar complements the berries perfectly without overwhelming the palate. This recipe also uses classic shortcake elements such as buttermilk and vanilla extract, which add depth and a subtle tang to the dough, reminiscent of traditional strawberry shortcake cake.
Why Fresh Strawberries Make a Difference
One of the most important aspects of this recipe’s success is the use of fresh strawberries. While strawberry extracts or jams can provide flavor, fresh strawberries bring natural texture, vibrant color, and a bright fruity essence that can’t be duplicated. The juicy pockets of fruit soften the donut’s crumb and provide natural sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the cake and glaze.
Strawberries also offer nutritional benefits they’re rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, adding a small health boost to your sweet treat. Choosing ripe, fragrant strawberries ensures the best flavor and the most visually appealing results when baked into the donuts.
Versatility and Customization
One of the joys of making baked strawberry shortcake donuts is their versatility. While the recipe shines with fresh strawberries, you can easily swap in other fresh or frozen berries depending on the season or your preference. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can all be used to create delicious variations.
The glaze can also be customized. While a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze is classic, you might try a lemon glaze to add zing, a cream cheese glaze for richness, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra special touch. Additionally, sprinkling the donuts with cinnamon sugar or crushed nuts after glazing can introduce new textures and flavor contrasts.
For those with dietary needs, this recipe can be adapted as well. Using gluten-free flour blends or dairy substitutes like almond milk or coconut milk in place of buttermilk can make it accessible for gluten-free or dairy-free diets without major changes to the overall texture or taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Baked strawberry shortcake donuts are incredibly versatile in terms of when and how to enjoy them. They work wonderfully as a bright and cheerful breakfast treat, especially during spring and summer when strawberries are in season. Paired with coffee, tea, or fresh juice, they offer a satisfying start to your day.
They also make for an elegant dessert option at gatherings, brunches, or afternoon teas. Their individual size means they’re easy to serve and share, and their beautiful pink hue and glossy glaze always catch the eye. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or just craving a bit of sweetness on a quiet afternoon, these donuts fit the bill.
Additionally, baked donuts are ideal for on-the-go snacks, packed lunches, or even as a treat for kids after school. Their portability and mess-free nature mean they’re easy to enjoy anytime, anywhere.
Baking Tips for Success
While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure perfect results every time. First, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts rather than tender, fluffy ones. Stir just until everything is incorporated, and gently fold in the strawberries last.
Using fresh but not overly ripe strawberries helps maintain the structure of the donuts without adding too much moisture, which can make the batter runny. Dicing strawberries into small, uniform pieces ensures even distribution and prevents the donuts from collapsing during baking.
Greasing the donut pan well is essential to allow easy removal of the baked treats without breaking. If you don’t have a donut pan, small muffin tins can be a substitute, though the shape and bake time may differ slightly.
Finally, allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing. Warm donuts can cause the glaze to run off and not set properly. Letting them rest on a wire rack also helps them keep their texture intact.
The Experience of Enjoying Baked Strawberry Shortcake Donuts
There is something truly special about the experience of biting into a baked strawberry shortcake donut. The softness of the donut cake, slightly tangy and sweet from the buttermilk and vanilla, mingles perfectly with the fresh strawberry bursts and the sweet, glossy glaze. Each bite feels light and tender yet satisfying enough to quell any sweet craving.
The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is equally inviting a subtle mix of vanilla, sweet strawberries, and warm cake that hints at the deliciousness to come. The pinkish hue of the baked donuts, speckled with red strawberry pieces, creates a visually stunning treat that can brighten any table.
Conclusion:
Baked strawberry shortcake donuts are an inspired reinvention of two classic desserts, bringing together the best qualities of fresh fruit, tender cake, and sweet glaze in an easy-to-make, lighter baked form. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a sweet but approachable treat, these donuts combine fresh seasonal ingredients with the simplicity of home baking.
Their versatility allows you to experiment with different berries, glazes, and toppings, adapting them to your tastes and dietary needs. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, they are an ideal recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a fresh twist on a beloved classic.
Whether you’re seeking a charming brunch addition, a festive party snack, or just a delicious way to enjoy fresh strawberries, these baked strawberry shortcake donuts will delight your taste buds and become a staple in your baking repertoire.