The sweet charm of these Strawberry Baked Donuts lies in their simplicity and irresistible flavor. Made with real strawberries and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Because they’re baked, not fried, they’re lighter in texture while still delivering all the comfort of a classic donut.
These are perfect for a weekend brunch, a springtime gathering, or a fun family baking project. Kids will love dipping them in glaze, and adults will appreciate the soft, moist texture paired with the vibrant burst of strawberry in every bite. Whether you’re serving them with coffee or packing them for a picnic, they’ll disappear fast.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup flour
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup milk
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1 egg
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For the Glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
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Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let set.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 165 kcal | Servings: 6 donuts
A Sweet Treat That’s Healthier and Just as Delicious
When it comes to comfort food, donuts are right up there with the best of them. But what if you could enjoy that indulgent, bakery-style experience with a lighter, healthier twist? That’s where Strawberry Baked Donuts come in—a perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and real fruit flavor, with just the right touch of sweetness. They’re not fried, which cuts down on the grease and guilt, but still feel incredibly satisfying.
Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-afternoon treat, these donuts bring the joy of strawberry season into your kitchen all year long. Whether you’re baking for your family or looking to impress guests at brunch, these baked donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Baked Donuts are a Great Alternative to Fried Ones
Traditional donuts are usually deep-fried, giving them that classic crunch and richness. But frying often means extra calories, more fat, and a heavy feel that isn’t always what you want—especially for a morning meal. Baked donuts, on the other hand, are made in a donut pan using a cake-like batter. This method allows them to rise evenly while maintaining a light, tender crumb.
You also avoid the mess of frying oil and the lingering smell in your kitchen. Cleanup is easier, and you get to enjoy a warm, homemade donut in under 30 minutes. For anyone looking to reduce fried foods or simply try a cleaner, oven-baked version of a classic favorite, baked donuts are the answer.
The Flavor Star: Fresh Strawberries
What sets these donuts apart is the use of real, fresh strawberries. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness enhance the flavor of the donut itself without needing artificial flavoring or excessive sugar. The strawberries are finely chopped and folded gently into the batter, allowing you to get little juicy bits in every bite.
If strawberries are in season, it’s the perfect time to use local or freshly picked fruit. However, you can also enjoy this recipe with frozen strawberries—just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
The Secret to the Perfect Vanilla Glaze
The vanilla glaze on top is what transforms these donuts from simple breakfast fare to something worthy of a pastry display. It’s made with just a few pantry ingredients but makes a huge difference in taste and presentation. The glaze hardens slightly when it sets, giving you that classic shiny donut finish that looks just as good as it tastes.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a drop of pink food coloring to the glaze for a more vibrant appearance or a pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder to amplify the fruitiness. It’s also a great opportunity to get kids involved—let them dip and decorate their own donuts with sprinkles or crushed dried fruit.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Strawberry baked donuts are a fantastic baking project for kids. The batter is simple to mix, and spooning it into donut molds is both easy and fun. Once the donuts are cooled, decorating them becomes a creative activity for all ages. You can offer different glazes, toppings, and sprinkles for a make-your-own donut station. It’s a fun way to bond in the kitchen and also a healthier alternative to store-bought treats loaded with preservatives and artificial flavoring.
And if you’re making breakfast or brunch for a crowd, these donuts can be made the night before and stored in an airtight container. They stay soft and delicious, and a quick drizzle of glaze just before serving brings them back to life.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Baked donuts have a wonderful shelf life compared to their fried counterparts. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to five days. If you’re planning to glaze them, wait until just before serving so the glaze doesn’t soak into the donuts or become too sticky in storage.
To freeze, let the unglazed donuts cool completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Glaze once thawed for best results.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients to meet dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture. To make the donuts gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour also works, but it will give the donuts a denser texture.
For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Swap out butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The results are just as fluffy and flavorful—ideal for anyone following a plant-based diet.
Other Flavor Combinations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic strawberry version, there are endless possibilities to explore. You can mix in mini chocolate chips, lemon zest, or a touch of almond extract for a twist. Try replacing strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or chopped cherries for different seasonal variations.
The glaze can also be adapted. Add citrus juice like lemon or orange instead of vanilla for a tangy contrast, or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for a thicker, richer topping. You can even roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them for an entirely new flavor experience.
Presentation Tips for Brunch or Gifting
These donuts are not just delicious—they’re beautiful too. Their soft pink hue from the strawberries and glossy glaze make them perfect for special occasions. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning brunch centerpiece, or package them in a bakery box tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Consider adding edible flower petals, colored sugar crystals, or dried strawberry slices as toppings to elevate the look. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar can transform them into a photo-worthy treat.
Healthier Doesn’t Mean Less Delicious
One of the biggest misconceptions in baking is that healthier versions lack flavor or texture. These baked donuts prove that theory wrong. Using wholesome ingredients and natural flavorings like real strawberries and vanilla, you can create a donut that not only tastes amazing but also fits into a balanced lifestyle.
It’s all about enjoying your favorites in a more mindful way. You get all the comfort of a classic sweet treat—without the heavy after-feel of fried food. For those who care about what they’re eating but still crave indulgence, this is the perfect compromise.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Every Home Baker
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your kitchen journey, Strawberry Baked Donuts are a simple, satisfying, and fun recipe to have in your rotation. They bring together the freshness of fruit, the comfort of a homemade treat, and the ease of a one-bowl bake.
Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also offer the kind of versatility, beauty, and crowd-pleasing appeal that every recipe developer dreams of. Serve them at your next brunch, make them as a surprise for your kids, or bake a batch just for yourself—you deserve it. This recipe truly proves that baked can be just as exciting as fried, and sometimes, even better.