Name: Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup sour cream (room temperature); 3 Tablespoons heavy cream (room temperature); 2 Tablespoons melted butter; 1 large egg (room temperature); ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla if preferred); ½ cup chopped freeze-dried strawberries; 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar; 2 Tablespoons powdered freeze-dried strawberries (see notes); 4-6 Tablespoons heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 25 reviews

If you have a soft spot for fruity treats that melt in your mouth, you are going to fall head over heels for this Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe. These donuts offer a delightful balance of tender crumb and vibrant strawberry flavor, thanks to the use of freeze-dried strawberries both inside the batter and as a gorgeous pink glaze. They’re baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that still satisfies your sweet cravings with an irresistible burst of fruity freshness and a hint of almond. Whether you’re treating yourself, entertaining guests, or looking to impress with a homemade delight, these donuts bring a perfect mix of simplicity and show-stopping flavor to your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

A top view of small white bowls filled with various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, including granulated sugar, almond extract with a small amount of clear liquid, freeze-dried strawberries in bright red chunks, sour cream in a thick white texture, an egg showing the yellow yolk and clear white inside a glass bowl, baking powder as a fine white powder, all purpose flour with a soft white powdery look, confectioners' sugar showing a fluffy white texture, heavy cream in a small clear glass bowl, salt with small white crystals, freeze-dried strawberry powder in a vibrant red fine powder, and a small glass bowl with a pale yellow cube of butter photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe starts with simple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tangy sour cream that keeps the donuts moist, to the crunch and flavor pop from the freeze-dried strawberries, every item is carefully chosen to create balance and color.

All-purpose flour: The base that forms the light, airy structure of the donuts.

Baking powder: A little lift to help these donuts rise beautifully in the oven.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and fruity flavors without overpowering them.
Granulated sugar: Provides necessary sweetness and helps with browning.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang for tender, flavorful texture.

Heavy cream: Contributes richness and silkiness to the batter and glaze.
Melted butter: Brings depth of flavor and helps keep the donuts soft.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a tender crumb.

Almond extract: Offers a subtle nutty note that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Freeze-dried strawberries (chopped): Concentrated strawberry flavor and a lovely texture inside the batter.
Confectioners’ sugar: The smooth sweetness essential for the glaze.
Powdered freeze-dried strawberries: This adds natural color and intense strawberry essence to the icing.

How to Make Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Donut Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 6-cup donut pans. Getting this step right ensures your donuts will come out cleanly and hold their perfect shape.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these together helps distribute your leavening agent evenly so your donuts rise consistently.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, sour cream, heavy cream, melted butter, egg, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. This blend provides moisture and flavor, creating a batter that is rich yet light.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Strawberries

Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender. Then fold in the chopped freeze-dried strawberries to evenly distribute bursts of fruity flavor throughout the dough.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pans

Transfer your batter to a piping bag fitted with a 1-inch opening, or simply use a spoon, and carefully fill each section of your prepared pans. This step helps control portion size and gives the donuts their signature shape.

Step 6: Bake Until Light and Fluffy

Bake the donuts for 12 to 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Let them rest in the pans for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely — a crucial step for the glaze to set nicely.

Step 7: Make the Strawberry Glaze

For the icing, sift together the confectioners’ sugar and powdered freeze-dried strawberries to eliminate any clumps. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the glaze is smooth and pourable — you can adjust with more cream if needed for your preferred thickness.

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

Dip the tops of your cooled donuts into the luscious strawberry glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the icing to set. This final touch gives your donuts an irresistible, glossy finish bursting with strawberry flavor.

How to Serve Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a baking cooling rack on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the cooling rack holds six plain yellow doughnuts with small bits of fruit visible inside. Above the rack is a white bowl filled with bright red strawberries, and next to it, a clear glass bowl with pink powder inside. To the right of the glass bowl is a small white cup filled with white icing. The right side of the image shows the same cooling rack now holding five doughnuts; four have been partly coated with a pale pink glaze on the top side, and one is plain. Above the rack is the same white bowl of strawberries, and the clear glass bowl now contains a yellow doughnut dipped halfway in the pale pink glaze. A woman’s hand is holding a spoon, dipping the doughnut in the glaze. The background throughout is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra freeze-dried strawberry crumbs or finely chopped nuts atop the glaze to add texture and an extra pop of color. Fresh mint leaves or a few thin strawberry slices make the presentation feel fresh and inviting for guests.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, a creamy latte, or a freshly brewed tea. For a brunch gathering, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe on a pretty cake stand for a striking centerpiece, or present them individually in colorful cupcake liners for a fun and festive touch. Personalize each donut with piped whipped cream or edible flowers for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked strawberry donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain their lovely soft texture without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring your donuts back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for five to seven minutes or microwave gently in short bursts. Be sure not to overheat as they can become tough or dry.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried in this Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe?

Fresh strawberries have more moisture and won't provide the same concentrated flavor or texture as freeze-dried. If you use fresh, you might need to adjust the batter to compensate for extra liquid, but overall, freeze-dried strawberries are ideal for this recipe.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum to help retain structure. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.

What’s the purpose of almond extract in this recipe?

Almond extract adds a subtle nutty warmth that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully. If you prefer, vanilla extract is a great alternative that keeps the taste classic and sweet.

How do I prevent the glaze from cracking?

Ensure your donuts are completely cooled before glazing. Also, apply the glaze in a smooth, even layer and allow it to set slowly at room temperature to reduce cracking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! The ingredients scale up nicely, but make sure you have enough pans or bake in batches. Adjust the baking time slightly if making larger batches, keeping an eye on doneness with a toothpick test.

Final Thoughts

With their vibrant color, tender crumb, and naturally fruity glaze, the Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe is a delightful way to brighten any day. They are simple to make, easy to share, and will quickly become a favorite go-to for homemade sweetness. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these donuts as much as I do — they’re the kind of treat that feels like a hug in pastry form.

Baked Strawberry Donuts Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need