Toothpick: Used to check doneness by testing the center of the donuts.
Spatula: Helpful for gently folding strawberries into batter and scraping bowl sides.
How to Bake Strawberry Donuts Without Frying
Oven Preparation Warmth and coziness begin with preheating the oven to a gentle 350° F and softly coating a donut pan with a light layer of grease.
Dry Ingredient Harmony Mix the dry ingredients together, creating a soft landscape of flour, sugar, and other powdery friends waiting to transform into something delicious.
Wet Ingredient Symphony Whisk the liquid ingredients until they dance together smoothly, creating a silky batter that welcomes chopped strawberries into its embrace.
Batter Transformation Carefully spoon the batter into each mold, letting the strawberry pieces peek through like little jewels of flavor.
Baking Adventure Watch the donuts transform in the oven, turning golden and filling the kitchen with sweet strawberry whispers. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
Cooling Moment Let the donuts rest and cool, giving them time to settle into their beautiful shape and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Glaze Glory Create a dreamy glaze by blending confectioners' sugar with a splash of milk, folding in remaining strawberry pieces for extra bursts of fruity delight.
Final Flourish Dip each donut into the glossy glaze, letting it cascade down the sides. Sprinkle with playful toppings that add a final touch of whimsy and color.
Tips for Soft Baked Strawberry Donuts
Enhance the fruity flavor by adding extra diced strawberries directly into the batter for more intense berry goodness.
Experiment with different glaze variations like white chocolate, cream cheese, or adding a splash of strawberry extract to intensify the flavor profile.
No donut pan? No problem! Use muffin tins or even silicone molds to create these delightful treats without compromising taste or texture.
Keep donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend their delicious lifespan.
Get playful with decorations like crushed freeze-dried strawberries, edible glitter, sliced almonds, or mini chocolate chips to add extra crunch and visual appeal.
Serving Baked Strawberry Donuts at Brunch
Breakfast Bliss Station: Serve these strawberry donuts alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that wakes up your taste buds.
Dessert Elegance Moment: Plate these donuts with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle extra strawberry glaze for an elevated sweet experience that feels restaurant-worthy.
Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these donuts in a cute container for outdoor adventures, matching them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced and portable snack that everyone will love.
Afternoon Tea Showcase: Arrange donuts on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves and additional sliced strawberries, creating a beautiful display that turns snack time into a special gathering.
Storing Baked Strawberry Donuts Correctly
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store glazed strawberry donuts in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual donuts separately in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags to freeze for maximum 2 weeks, ensuring a delicious treat is always ready.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare batter one day ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying morning baking preparations for busy schedules.
Room Temperature Tip: Keep unglazed donuts at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft, tender quality.
Homemade baked strawberry donuts offer a delightful twist on classic pastry treats. Fresh strawberries infuse these light, fluffy rings with natural sweetness, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ¼ cups (142 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cups granulated sugar
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup finely chopped strawberries
⅔ cup canola oil
½ cup buttermilk
1 egg
½ tsp white vinegar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 to 2 tbsps milk
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp baking soda
Optional sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously spray a nonstick donut or muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Dry Ingredient Fusion: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt, creating a receptive crater for incoming liquid components.
Wet Ingredient Harmonization: Whisk vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous texture.
Batter Creation: Gently merge liquid and dry ingredients, folding with delicate strokes to maintain a light, airy consistency without overmixing.
Strawberry Integration: Tenderly incorporate half the chopped strawberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution while preserving the mixture’s delicate structure.
Pan Filling and Baking: Distribute batter evenly into pan cavities, filling approximately two-thirds full, then bake for 13-15 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean and surfaces turn golden brown.
Cooling and Glazing Preparation: Allow donuts to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack; simultaneously, craft a luscious glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar with milk until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
Final Embellishment: Fold remaining strawberry pieces into the glaze, then delicately dip cooled donut tops, letting excess drip away; optionally sprinkle decorative elements and allow glaze to set completely.
Notes
Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture and avoid tough, dense donuts.
Check Doneness Carefully: Toothpick test ensures perfectly baked donuts without dry or undercooked centers.
Strawberry Distribution Tip: Fold strawberries delicately to prevent breaking down fruit and maintain batter consistency.
Cooling Technique: Allow donuts to rest in pan briefly before transferring to prevent breaking or crumbling.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.