Strawberry Shortcake Donuts are a delightful fusion of classic strawberry shortcake and fluffy baked donuts. These tender donuts are packed with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a rich, creamy glaze and crunchy shortcake crumbs. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these donuts bring a taste of summer to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the flavors of strawberry shortcake with the texture of a soft donut.
- Baked instead of fried, making them a lighter treat.
- Uses fresh strawberries for a natural burst of flavor.
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (diced)
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Graham crackers or shortbread cookies (crushed)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the diced strawberries.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Coat the donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies over the glazed donuts for a crunchy shortcake-inspired finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for extra indulgence.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the heavy cream in the glaze with softened cream cheese for a richer topping.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of glaze, brush the donuts with melted butter and coat them in cinnamon sugar.
- Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the batter or glaze for a bright citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep the donuts moist?
To keep the donuts moist, store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. Adding a little extra butter or oil to the batter can also help.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Do I need a donut pan to make these?
A donut pan is recommended, but you can also pipe the batter onto a baking sheet in circular shapes or use a muffin tin.
Can I fry this batter instead of baking it?
No, this batter is designed for baking and may not hold up well to frying.
How can I make these dairy-free?
Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, butter with a dairy-free alternative, and heavy cream with coconut cream.
Why did my donuts turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the donuts dense. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance and glaze them before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to crush the shortbread cookies?
Use a food processor for fine crumbs or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Can I add other fruits to the batter?
Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches can be great additions.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze or more cream to thin it out.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Donuts offer a delicious twist on a beloved classic, combining soft, baked donuts with the flavors of fresh strawberries, creamy glaze, and crunchy shortcake crumbs. Easy to make and versatile, they are perfect for any occasion. Try them for a delightful homemade treat that everyone will love.
Description
These strawberry shortcake donuts are a decadent treat featuring glazed donuts, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for a brunch or dessert!
Ingredients
Instructions
- For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of white chocolate.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes for a firmer texture before serving.
Notes
Strawberry shortcake, donuts, easy dessert
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