Baked Strawberry Donuts with Glaze: A Sweet Start for Beginner Bakers

There’s something deeply comforting about homemade baked goods, especially when they fill the kitchen with the scent of vanilla and strawberries. The first time I made these baked strawberry donuts, I wasn’t planning anything fancy. It was just one of those mornings where I craved something warm, soft, and sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or deal with hot oil. I pulled out a donut pan I’d barely used, grabbed a few strawberries, and within 30 minutes, I had a batch of beautiful, fluffy donuts cooling on the rack. What surprised me most wasn’t just how easy they were to make—but how satisfying they were to eat.

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These donuts are ideal for beginner bakers. The batter is straightforward, there’s no frying involved, and the glaze comes together in a flash. Better yet, they’re baked instead of fried, which makes them a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they use common pantry staples and fresh strawberries, making them a great choice for anyone looking to whip up a treat with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch, a cozy breakfast, or just want something homemade and sweet to share, these strawberry donuts are an excellent place to start.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started. Measurements are designed for 12 donuts, so you can easily double the batch for a crowd.

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 fresh strawberries, diced very small
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Flour Substitute: You can use whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier version, though the texture will be slightly denser.
• Oil Options: Coconut oil or light olive oil can be substituted for vegetable oil.
• Fruit Flexibility: If strawberries aren’t in season, try chopped blueberries or raspberries. Just make sure they’re fresh and not overly juicy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 12-cavity donut pan with nonstick baking spray or grease with a bit of oil. This prevents the donuts from sticking and ensures a smooth release.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Set this mixture aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the large egg with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is slightly pale and combined. Then add:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk everything until smooth and well blended.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense donuts.

5. Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh strawberries. Try not to stir too vigorously, as strawberries are delicate and can break down.

6. Fill the Donut Pan

Using a spoon or piping bag (a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off works too), fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise.

7. Bake

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed.

8. Cool

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the pan upside down onto a wire rack to release the donuts and allow them to cool completely.

9. Make the Strawberry Glaze

While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze:

• In a small bowl, mash 2 small diced strawberries with a fork until smooth.
• Stir in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, adjusting as needed until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat but still pourable.

10. Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it on using a spoon. Place them back on the wire rack so any excess glaze can drip off.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t Overmix: Stirring the batter too much can cause the donuts to become dense. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
• Strawberries Too Wet? If your strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before folding into the batter to avoid soggy spots.
• No Donut Pan? You can use a muffin tin instead. The shape will be different, but the texture and flavor will still be delightful.
• Glaze Too Thin? Add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of milk at a time until just right.
• Donuts Sticking to the Pan? Make sure your pan is well-greased, and don’t try to remove the donuts too early. Cooling helps them release more easily.

Serving Suggestions

These baked strawberry donuts are delicious as they are, but here are a few ways to elevate them even further:

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries for a colorful breakfast plate.
• Add a Savory Side: Balance the sweetness with scrambled eggs or chicken sausage for a complete brunch spread.
• Extra Glaze: Set out a small bowl of extra glaze for those who love a more indulgent bite.
• Tea or Coffee Pairing: These donuts go beautifully with a warm cup of black tea or a light roast coffee.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate and reheat briefly in the microwave.

Engagement Features

Baking your own donuts might sound like a challenge, but this recipe proves that even first-time bakers can create something truly delightful. The simplicity of the ingredients, the forgiving baking process, and the fresh, fruity flavor all come together in a way that feels special—without being stressful.

If you’ve been hesitant to bake from scratch, let this recipe be your first step. Donuts are fun to make and even more fun to share. Whether you serve them at a brunch, pack them for a picnic, or treat yourself after a long day, these strawberry donuts are sure to bring joy.

Have you tried this recipe? Did you use a different fruit or add your own twist? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your experience and tips in the comments below—because baking is better when we learn together.