Oh, let me tell you about my obsession with Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Donuts! There’s something utterly enchanting about the combination of fluffy donuts, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping. They’re the perfect way to make any day feel special, but especially around Valentine’s Day. In fact, the first time I made these, it was for a sweet little brunch with friends. The look on their faces when I brought out a platter of these delightful goodies was priceless!
Whenever I whip up a batch of these heart-shaped creations, I can’t help but reminisce about my childhood days of making heart-shaped cookies with my mom. She always had the best sprinkles and toppings, which inspired me to add my own twist to these donuts. So, whether you’re celebrating love or just a little self-love, I promise these donuts will brighten your day (and your taste buds). Let’s dive in, shall we?
What’s in Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Donuts?
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of the show here. I always go for the juiciest, ripest strawberries I can find because they bring a burst of sweetness to every bite. If you can find some organic ones, even better!
Donut Batter: This includes flour, sugar, baking powder, and a little butter to give a rich flavor. I like to use all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with whole wheat if you’re feeling adventurous!
Heavy Cream: This is for the whipped topping which takes these donuts from good to unforgettable. The richer the cream, the better the whip!
Powdered Sugar: A little touch of sweetness for the whipped cream and to dust on top of the donuts. It’s like a sprinkle of magic!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds a delightful aroma and deep flavor to both the donuts and the whip. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Is Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Donuts Good for You?
Now, I won’t lie to you: these are a treat! They are definitely on the sweeter side. However, there’s something nourishing about using fresh strawberries as they are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
Strawberries: Did you know that strawberries can help fight inflammation? They are packed with vitamins C and K, and also provide good fiber content.
Heavy Cream: While it’s rich, heavy cream does contain beneficial fats that can help tweak your body’s energy needs, but moderation is key!
Keep in mind that these donuts are a delightful indulgence meant for special occasions! If you’re concerned about sugar intake or calories, maybe enjoy one as a treat to keep things balanced.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting
– Serves: 12 heart-shaped donuts
How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Donuts?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a heart-shaped donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Spoon the batter into the heart-shaped donut molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. In the meantime, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
10. Once the donuts are cool, dollop some whipped cream on top and add a few slices of fresh strawberries. Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
A Sweet Twist on Serving Suggestions
These heart-shaped donuts are perfect for any special occasion, but don’t stop there! You can also enjoy them for breakfast or brunch, paired with some fresh coffee or perhaps a sweet Mimosa. Want to get fancy? Try drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce on top or adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts for texture!
Remember, you can always swap out strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries if you prefer! Get creative with flavors by adding a bit of lemon zest to the batter for an extra zesty kick.
You have got to try these Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Donuts! They’re a delightful combination of sweet and fluffy, and trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep the donut pan out and get creative! I love hearing how my friends tweak the recipes, so if you decide to make them, please share your experience! Happy baking!