If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe is your new best friend. These baked doughnuts are tender and fluffy, bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and a tangy hint of buttermilk that keeps every bite remarkably moist. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a charming dessert, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. The luscious strawberry glaze adds just the right pop of fruity brightness, making these doughnuts unforgettable and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these heavenly strawberry doughnuts, you’ll rely on simple pantry staples paired with fresh, vibrant strawberries. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic doughnut softness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and lightness needed for tender doughnuts.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise beautifully in the oven.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for a delicate crumb and slight tang.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and encourages golden browning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and keeps the doughnuts moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds a tender crumb.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and ensures fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses subtle sweetness and aroma.
- ¾ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries: Bursts of juicy freshness throughout every bite.
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweet and smooth base for the glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries: Brings vibrant color and natural fruity flavor.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a touch of brightness and balances sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your doughnut pan so your doughnuts pop out easily after baking. Getting this done early sets you up for a smooth process.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. This step ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and seasoning for perfectly balanced doughnuts.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mixture contributes richness and moisture, which will shine through in the final texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here — you want the batter to be smooth but still a little lumpy for tender doughnuts.
Step 5: Fold in Fresh Strawberries
Now gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries. These little bursts of fruity flavor are what make this recipe special, so be gentle to keep those juicy bites intact throughout the dough.
Step 6: Pipe and Bake
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with its corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the doughnut pan cavities, filling them about three-quarters full for perfect rise and shape. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the doughnuts are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let your doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth to create the divine glaze. Dip the tops of your cooled doughnuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off, then set them back on the rack to let the glaze set beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch that brings both texture and flavor, consider sprinkling finely chopped toasted almonds, small fresh strawberry slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze. These little extras elevate the presentation and add delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
Strawberry buttermilk doughnuts pair wonderfully with a bright cup of black coffee or a creamy latte. For a more indulgent brunch, serve alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt to balance sweetness with fresh acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not transform your doughnuts into a charming dessert centerpiece? Arrange them stacked with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers, or serve in a basket lined with a colorful cloth. You could also thread a skewer through mini doughnuts for a fun, portable treat perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your strawberry buttermilk doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 2 days, making a perfect treat to enjoy the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze the doughnuts before glazing by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This extends their freshness for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before adding your fresh glaze.
Reheating
To bring your doughnuts back to that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds. For an extra touch, lightly toast them in a toaster oven to revive a bit of crispiness around the edges.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and color, you can substitute frozen strawberries that have been fully thawed and drained. Be mindful that frozen berries might release more moisture, so gently pat them dry before incorporating.
Are these doughnuts healthier than fried doughnuts?
Yes! Because this recipe is baked, the doughnuts absorb less fat, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried versions without sacrificing any of the comforting doughnut experience.
Can I make these doughnuts vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax or chia seed egg, use a plant-based milk with a bit of acid as a buttermilk replacement, and swap butter for a vegan margarine. Keep in mind the flavor may vary slightly.
What is the role of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds acidity which reacts with the baking soda to give the doughnuts a tender crumb and subtle tang. It also keeps the doughnuts moist and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How do I prevent my glaze from being too runny?
For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of strawberry puree or add a bit more powdered sugar. Straining the strawberry puree before mixing can also help you achieve a smoother, more controlled consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking doughnuts at home, and this Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe embodies that magic perfectly. Soft, fruity, and simply divine, these doughnuts will quickly become a favorite go-to for your breakfast table or dessert tray. Grab your baking pan and fresh strawberries, and treat yourself to a batch—you deserve it!
Print
Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 8 doughnuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these tender and fluffy Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts, baked to perfection and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze. Made with fresh strawberries and a touch of vanilla, these doughnuts offer a sweet, fruity twist on a classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the doughnuts tough.
- Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold the finely chopped strawberries into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
- Fill Doughnut Pan: Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag and snip the tip. Pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the doughnuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While the doughnuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, pureed strawberries, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth. For a smoother glaze, strain the strawberry puree before mixing.
- Glaze Doughnuts: Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then return them to the wire rack to let the glaze set.
Notes
- For a smoother glaze, strain the strawberry puree before mixing.
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
