If you crave a sweet treat that'll impress your friends and family, you've come to the right place! Strawberry Shortcake Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberries. In this post, I’ll share easy steps and tips to create this delicious dessert. Whether it's for a special occasion or a fun weekend bake, you’ll love how simple they are to make. Get ready to dive into a world of sweet goodness!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Fruity: The combination of fresh strawberries and lemon zest creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor that is perfect for summer.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun baking project with kids.
- Light and Airy: The baked donuts are soft and fluffy, offering a delightful alternative to traditional fried donuts.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, these donuts look as good as they taste, making them ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
When I make strawberry shortcake donuts, I love how simple the ingredients are. You need common items that you can find in your kitchen or local store. The star of this recipe is the strawberries. Fresh strawberries add sweetness and bright flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. If you don’t have buttermilk, use yogurt mixed with water. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil instead of butter and coconut cream for whipped cream. These swaps keep the donuts tasty and fun!
Using these ingredients and substitutions, you can make these donuts fit your needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the donut pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the donuts bake evenly. Lightly grease your donut pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.
3. Combining wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat 1 large egg. Then, add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Baking Process
1. Folding in strawberries
Gradually pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Then, add 1 cup of diced strawberries. Carefully fold them into the batter. This keeps the strawberries intact.
2. Filling the donut pan and baking time
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake the donuts for 10 to 12 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Use a toothpick to check if they are done. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
3. Cooling the donuts properly
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them stay fluffy and prevents sogginess.
Whipping Cream Topping
1. Instructions for making lemon whipped cream
While the donuts cool, make the topping. In a bowl, whip 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the zest of 1 lemon. Beat until soft peaks form. This adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
2. Application method for topping donuts
Once the donuts are cool, top each with a dollop of lemon whipped cream. Add a few fresh strawberry slices on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your delicious strawberry shortcake donuts!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Donut
To check if your donuts are done, use a toothpick. Stick it in the center; it should come out clean. This tells you they are ready. For a fluffy texture, do not overmix the batter. Gently fold in the strawberries to keep the batter light.
Presentation Tips
Get creative when serving your donuts. Place them on a cake stand for a nice touch. You can also sprinkle extra lemon zest around them. This adds color and bright flavor. Use thin slices of strawberries on top for beautiful garnishing.
Baking Tips
To ensure even baking, use a quality donut pan. This helps each donut cook at the same rate. If you want better presentation, use a piping bag. It makes filling the donut pan neat and easy. You’ll love how your donuts look and taste!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give your donuts the best flavor and texture. Make sure they are ripe and sweet for optimal taste.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Cool Completely Before Topping: Ensure the donuts are completely cool before adding the whipped cream. This prevents the cream from melting and sliding off.
- Add a Lemon Glaze: For an extra zesty kick, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the donuts in addition to the whipped cream.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can switch up the flavors in your strawberry shortcake donuts. For a fun twist, try chocolate chip strawberry shortcake donuts. Just fold in some chocolate chips with the strawberries. The rich chocolate taste pairs well with the sweet strawberries.
Another option is lemon-glazed strawberry donuts. After baking, make a simple lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle it over the donuts for a zesty finish.
Dietary Variations
If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily make vegan strawberry shortcake donuts. Replace the egg with a flax egg, made from one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk and coconut oil instead of butter.
For gluten-free strawberry shortcake donuts, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free. The donuts will be just as tasty and fluffy!
Seasonal Variations
Spring is the perfect time to add more fresh flavors. Consider mixing in some chopped mint leaves for a refreshing taste.
In summer, you can add other fruits like peaches or blueberries. These fruits bring a bright flavor and colorful touch to your donuts. Feel free to experiment and have fun with seasonal ingredients!
Storage Info
How to Store Donuts
To keep your strawberry shortcake donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place the container in a cool, dry spot on your kitchen counter. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. Just remember to wrap them well to keep moisture in.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your donuts, follow these steps:
1. Cool Completely: Let the donuts cool fully before freezing.
2. Wrap Well: Use plastic wrap to tightly wrap each donut. This helps avoid freezer burn.
3. Use a Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
To thaw, take the donuts out of the freezer and leave them in the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy them once they are soft again!
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your strawberry shortcake donuts can last about 3 to 5 days. To check if they are still good, look for signs like a dry texture or an off smell. If they feel hard or stale, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time! Just bake them and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for two days. You can also freeze them. This way, you can enjoy them later.
What can I substitute for strawberries? If you need a substitute for strawberries, try blueberries or raspberries. You can also use diced peaches or mango. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on sweetness. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor.
How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the pan? To prevent donuts from sticking, grease the pan well. Use non-stick spray or melted butter. You can also dust the pan with flour after greasing. This helps the donuts pop out easily after baking.
Donut Buying Questions
Where can I buy strawberry shortcake donuts? You can find strawberry shortcake donuts at bakeries or donut shops. Many grocery stores sell them too. Check the bakery section for fresh options. Some cafes also offer them as a seasonal treat.
Are there popular bakeries known for these donuts? Yes, many bakeries are known for their amazing strawberry shortcake donuts. Look for local spots that focus on fresh ingredients. Some well-known chains might have seasonal versions as well. Don’t forget to ask for recommendations from friends!
Nutritional Information
Calorie count per serving Each donut has about 150 calories. This is a nice treat without overdoing it.
Breakdown of macronutrients and allergens
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Allergens: Contains wheat, dairy, and eggs.
Check for substitutes if you have allergies. Enjoy these donuts while knowing what's in them!
You learned how to make delicious strawberry shortcake donuts, from mixing ingredients to baking. I shared tips on storage and variations that keep things fresh and exciting. Remember, you can always switch ingredients for your needs. Whether you want a classic version or a dairy-free twist, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don't forget to share your tasty treats!
