Introduction
Baked strawberry cake donuts are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. These donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. This recipe will guide you through creating these mouth-watering donuts that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe for baked strawberry cake donuts involves preparing a smooth strawberry puree, creaming together butter, sugar, and an egg, and combining these with buttermilk and vanilla extract. The dry ingredients are then folded in, and the batter is piped into donut pans before baking to perfection. These donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, yet they don’t compromise on flavor or texture.
History and Origin
Donuts have a long and rich history, dating back to early Dutch settlers in America who made “olykoeks,” or oily cakes. The modern ring-shaped donut became popular in the mid-19th century. The baked variety, including fruit-flavored donuts, emerged as a healthier alternative in the 20th century. This baked strawberry cake donut recipe is a contemporary twist, highlighting the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cake flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pureed strawberries (12-15 strawberries)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Rinse and hull 12-15 ripe strawberries.
- Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and ¾ cup of sugar until the mixture is light and airy.
- Add 1 egg to the mixture and continue to beat until well combined.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup of buttermilk, and the pureed strawberries into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Combining Ingredients:
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together ¾ cup of cake flour, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
Baking:
- Prepare the Donut Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease your donut pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Pipe the Batter:
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
- Bake the Donuts:
- Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes or until the donuts spring back when touched gently.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving:
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the donuts are completely cool, they are ready to be served.
- Optionally, you can dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with a glaze, or enjoy them plain.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These baked strawberry cake donuts are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Beverages: Pair these donuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful snack.
- With Fresh Fruits: Serve with a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing complement.
- With Yogurt: Enjoy these donuts with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a balanced breakfast.
Variations of the Recipe
- Glazed Strawberry Donuts: After cooling, dip the donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Chocolate Strawberry Donuts: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donuts.
- Strawberry Lemon Donuts: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a zesty twist.
Health Benefits
Strawberries are packed with vitamins, fiber, and high levels of antioxidants. They are a good source of manganese and potassium and are known to improve heart health and regulate blood sugar. Baking instead of frying the donuts reduces the fat content, making these a healthier option compared to traditional fried donuts.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the cake flour and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use a different fruit puree?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruit purees like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
Conclusion
Baked strawberry cake donuts are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional donuts. With their light and fluffy texture and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, they are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try them out today and enjoy a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and somewhat guilt-free!