Oh, let me tell you about the time I first whipped up a batch of strawberry shortcake donuts with sweet vanilla glaze! I was having a lazy Sunday morning when the idea hit me. I’d been craving that classic summer dessert, but I wanted to add a twist—something that would make my friends go, “Wow, can you share that recipe?” And boy, did I find a winner! The combination of fluffy, tender donuts bursting with fresh strawberries, topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, is just heavenly. They’re perfect for brunch gatherings, casual weekday breakfasts—or, let’s be honest, whenever you need a little sweetness in your day.
These donuts echo summertime delights and just have that cozy, nostalgic flavor that brings you right back to childhood days when strawberries were in abundance. They remind me of warm family get-togethers where dessert was the grand finale, and everyone was equally excited to dig in. So, enough reminiscing—let’s get into what goes into these delicious delights!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Donuts with Sweet Vanilla Glaze?
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are crucial for that burst of fruity goodness. You can use frozen if fresh isn’t available, but trust me—you can’t beat in-season berries!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our donut batter. I like to stick to a good-quality brand because the fluffiness really makes a difference.
Sugar: A little bit of granulated sugar sweetens the donuts just enough. It balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Baking Powder: This is our secret to achieving that light and airy donut texture. Make sure it’s fresh for best results!
Milk: Use whole milk for extra richness, but you can substitute with any non-dairy milk too.
Egg: Adds moisture and structure to our donuts. If you want to keep it vegan, flaxseed meal is a great substitute here!
Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and a tender crumb. I prefer unsalted so I can control the sodium.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla brings warmth and enhances the flavor. Always go for pure over imitation—your taste buds will thank you!
Powdered Sugar: Essential for that dreamy sweet vanilla glaze!
Heavy Cream: Just a bit is needed to make the glaze velvety and smooth.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Donuts with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health! While these donuts might not be the poster child for “health food,” they do bring some joy to the table.
Strawberries: These vibrant red beauties are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re super food in disguise, really—just look at that dazzling color!
All-Purpose Flour: While it isn’t whole grain, you can opt for whole wheat flour for a bit more fiber if you want.
Butter: Yes, it’s indulgent, but in moderation, it’s a good source of fat. You could also swap with some coconut oil if you’re feeling adventurous!
Just remember, these donuts are a treat—and it’s perfectly okay to indulge once in a while. Life is about finding that sweet balance, right?
Ingredients List
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the sweet vanilla glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or non-dairy milk)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Makes about 12 donuts.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Donuts with Sweet Vanilla Glaze?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your donut pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep that fluffy texture!
5. Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. While they cool, whip up the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.
8. Once the donuts are cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes… if you can resist!
Donut Delights: Tips and Variations!
– If you’re entertaining, try adding some lemon zest to the glaze for a zippy twist!
– Swap out strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fun variation.
– These donuts freeze beautifully—just glaze them after thawing to keep that fresh look and flavor.
So there you have it! If you give these strawberry shortcake donuts a go, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Feel free to tweak, play around, and make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result! Who knows, you might just become the hero of your next brunch gathering! Happy baking! 🍓