If you're a fan of donuts and strawberries, then loaded strawberry donuts are an absolute treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. These delectable pastries are bursting with the fresh and fruity flavor of strawberries, complemented by a delightful array of toppings and fillings. From creamy glazes to crunchy sprinkles, loaded strawberry donuts are a heavenly combination of textures and flavors.
How To Make:
To make loaded strawberry donuts, start by preparing a classic donut dough. You can either make the dough from scratch or use a pre-made dough mix. Once the dough is ready, roll it out and cut it into donut shapes using a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter.
Next comes the strawberry element. Create a strawberry filling by blending fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. You can sweeten the puree with a touch of sugar if desired. Take each donut ring and create a small well in the center using your finger or the back of a spoon. Fill the well with the strawberry puree, allowing the flavor to infuse into the donut as it bakes.
Tips and Variations:
1. Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While using fresh strawberries is ideal, you can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before blending them into a puree.
2. Donut Fillings: Apart from strawberry puree, you can experiment with other fillings. Consider using strawberry jam, chocolate ganache, or a cream cheese filling to add a different flavor dimension to the donuts.
3. Donut Shapes: Donuts come in various shapes, so feel free to get creative. Instead of the classic round donut shape, you can try making heart-shaped donuts or even mini donut holes for bite-sized treats.
4. Flavor Extracts: Enhance the strawberry flavor by adding a few drops of strawberry extract to the donut dough or the glaze. This intensifies the strawberry taste and adds a wonderful aroma.
5. Toppings and Garnishes: Explore different toppings to add visual appeal and texture. Consider using crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, or even a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze.
6. Colorful Sprinkles: Use sprinkles that complement the strawberry flavor, such as pink, red, or white sprinkles. You can also find strawberry-flavored sprinkles for an extra burst of strawberry goodness.
7. Nut-Free Options: If you or someone you're serving the donuts to has a nut allergy, omit the nut-based toppings and consider using alternatives like crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar crystals.
8. Vegan or Gluten-Free Options: Adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions. Use vegan butter or margarine, non-dairy milk, and egg substitutes for a vegan version. For gluten-free donuts, opt for a gluten-free flour blend.
9. Presentation: Place the loaded strawberry donuts on a decorative platter or arrange them in a donut tower for an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.
10. Pairing Suggestions: Serve the loaded strawberry donuts with a side of fresh strawberries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful pairing.
Ingredients:
- For the donuts:
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 teaspoons baking powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 cup milk
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the strawberry filling:
- - 1 cup fresh strawberries
- - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- For the glaze and toppings:
- - 1 cup powdered sugar
- - 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (from the strawberry filling)
- - 1-2 tablespoons milk
- - Fresh strawberry slices, sprinkles, whipped cream, or other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
7. While the donuts are baking, prepare the strawberry filling. Blend the fresh strawberries until smooth. If desired, add a tablespoon of granulated sugar to sweeten the puree. Set aside.
8. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the donuts have cooled, use a small knife or the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each donut.
10. Fill the wells with the strawberry puree, using a spoon or a piping bag.
11. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk to make the glaze. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
12. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off.
13. Decorate the glazed donuts with fresh strawberry slices, sprinkles, whipped cream, or any other desired toppings.
14. Allow the glaze to set before serving the loaded strawberry donuts.