Easy Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts: A Perfect Recipe for Beginners

Baking at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when making a recipe that is both simple and delicious. These baked strawberry cake donuts are the perfect treat for those who are new to baking. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked in the oven, making them lighter and easier to prepare. The fresh strawberry flavor combined with a sweet glaze creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.

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This recipe is designed with beginners in mind. It uses basic ingredients, requires minimal kitchen tools, and follows straightforward steps. With a little preparation, you can enjoy homemade donuts that look and taste like they came from a bakery. Whether you are making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts will impress family and friends. They can also be customized with different toppings and flavors to suit your preference.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it does not require deep frying. Many people avoid making donuts at home because they do not want to deal with hot oil or messy frying. Baking eliminates those concerns, making this recipe an excellent choice for first-time bakers. The batter comes together quickly, and the donuts bake in just a few minutes. The glaze is also simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients to create a smooth and flavorful topping.

These donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries, and the sweetness can be adjusted based on preference. If you prefer a more natural sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly or use honey instead. The donuts can be enjoyed plain, with a simple glaze, or topped with sprinkles and freeze-dried strawberry pieces for extra texture.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Donuts

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 g) fresh strawberries, pureed or finely chopped

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

• Sprinkles
• Freeze-dried strawberry pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent the donuts from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mixing these ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The fresh strawberry puree adds natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor to the donuts.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off can make this process easier and less messy.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the donuts dry.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them properly helps the glaze set better later.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree (or jam), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with sprinkles or freeze-dried strawberry pieces for extra flavor and texture.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Measuring Ingredients Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can result in dry donuts.
• Using Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the donuts dense.
• Substituting Buttermilk: If you do not have buttermilk, mix one teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice with regular milk and let it sit for five minutes before using.
• Checking for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into a donut; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, they are done.

Serving Suggestions

These baked strawberry cake donuts can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference and the occasion.

• With a Beverage: Pair them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a simple and satisfying treat.
• As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With a Savory Breakfast: Enjoy them alongside scrambled eggs and a protein like chicken or beef sausage for a balanced breakfast.
• For Special Occasions: Decorate them with colored sprinkles for birthday parties or drizzle them with melted white chocolate for a fancier presentation.

Storage Tips

To keep the donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If refrigerating, they can last up to four days, but allow them to come to room temperature before eating for the best texture. To freeze, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months and thawed at room temperature when ready to eat.

Encouragement to Try the Recipe

Baking homemade donuts may seem intimidating at first, but this recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and foolproof. With simple ingredients, clear instructions, and easy preparation, anyone can make delicious baked strawberry cake donuts at home. The joy of baking comes from experimenting and finding flavors that you love, so do not be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your taste.

If you try this recipe, share your experience with friends and family. Baking is not just about following a recipe—it is about creating memories in the kitchen. Whether you are baking for yourself, your loved ones, or a special occasion, these donuts are sure to bring happiness with every bite.