Strawberry Dream Donuts: A Sweet Homemade Treat

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Recipe”,”name”:”Strawberry Donuts”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”AI Recipe Creator”},”datePublished”:”2024-02-29″,”description”:”Delight in these homemade strawberry donuts! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these treats are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. A delightful twist on a classic donut.”,”prepTime”:”PT30M”,”cookTime”:”PT15M”,”totalTime”:”PT45M”,”recipeYield”:”12 donuts”,”recipeCategory”:”Dessert”,”recipeCuisine”:”American”,”nutrition”:{“@type”:”NutritionInformation”,”calories”:”250 kcal”,”fatContent”:”12g”,”saturatedFatContent”:”6g”,”cholesterolContent”:”45mg”,”sodiumContent”:”150mg”,”carbohydrateContent”:”32g”,”sugarContent”:”15g”,”proteinContent”:”3g”},”recipeIngredient”:[“2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour”,”1/2 cup granulated sugar”,”2 teaspoons baking powder”,”1/2 teaspoon salt”,”1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”,”1/2 cup milk”,”2 large eggs”,”2 tablespoons melted butter”,”1 teaspoon vanilla extract”,”1 cup chopped fresh strawberries”,”Vegetable oil, for frying”,”Powdered sugar, for dusting”],”recipeInstructions”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Dust the donuts with powdered sugar before serving.”}]}

Strawberry Dream Donuts: A Sweet Homemade Treat

Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut bursting with the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. These Strawberry Dream Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Unlike store-bought donuts, these are made with love and fresh ingredients, ensuring a truly unforgettable taste.

While the exact origins of the donut are debated, the modern ring-shaped donut is often attributed to Hanson Gregory, an American ship captain who supposedly punched a hole in the center of a fried cake to ensure it cooked evenly. Strawberries, on the other hand, have been enjoyed for centuries, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient Rome. Combining these two classic treats creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to please.

These Strawberry Dream Donuts offer a delightful contrast: the light, airy texture of the donut complements the juicy, sweet-tart flavor of the strawberries. A simple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine, making them irresistible. This recipe uses a combination of baking powder and yeast for a light and airy texture, yielding a donut that’s both tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) finely chopped fresh strawberries
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water, as needed
• Optional: Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed, for garnish

Instructions

Making the Donut Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and yeast.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough will be slightly sticky.
5. Incorporate Strawberries: Gently knead in the chopped strawberries until evenly distributed.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts:

1. Punch Down Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
2. Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
3. Cut Out Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Re-roll scraps and cut out more donuts.
4. Second Rise: Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
5. Heat the Oil: Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
6. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly before glazing.

Making the Strawberry Glaze:

1. Prepare Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
2. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Add milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to spread easily.
3. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the slightly cooled donuts into the strawberry glaze, coating them evenly.
4. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Let Set: Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk is warm (110-115°F) for optimal yeast activation. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing greasy donuts. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Frying in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying the donuts. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk or water in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
• Strawberry Extract: For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the glaze.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the donut dough for a bright, citrusy note.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the glazed donuts with melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Baked Donuts: For a healthier alternative, bake the donuts instead of frying. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture will be different from fried donuts, but they will still be delicious.
• Vegan Donuts: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk) and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use vegan butter or oil.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Dream Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that’s sure to impress. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, tangy strawberry flavor, they’re the perfect way to start your day or end a meal on a sweet note. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some strawberry magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

No ratings yet

Strawberry Dream Donuts

Soft and fluffy homemade donuts bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries, topped with a delicious strawberry glaze.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Rate Pin Pin Recipe Email Print Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Donuts

• 2.25 cups All-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast 1 packet
• 0.5 cup Whole milk warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter melted
• 1 Large egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Fresh strawberries finely chopped
• Vegetable oil for frying

Strawberry Glaze

• 2 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup Strawberry puree from fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoons Milk or water as needed
• Freeze-dried strawberries crushed, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Making the Donut Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and yeast.
• In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough will be slightly sticky.
• Gently knead in the chopped strawberries until evenly distributed.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts

• Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Re-roll scraps and cut out more donuts.
• Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
• Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly before glazing.

Making the Strawberry Glaze

• Blend fresh strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Add milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to spread easily.
• Dip the slightly cooled donuts into the strawberry glaze, coating them evenly.
• Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Dream Donuts fresh! They are best served the same day.