Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
There is something simply magical about the Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for all ages. These delightful doughnuts are tender, moist, and bursting with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, all elevated by the subtle tang of buttermilk. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze, they’re a treat you can’t resist when craving a homemade pastry with a fruity twist. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, these doughnuts bring joy with every bite. Let me walk you through the steps to create these charming strawberry doughnuts that are surprisingly easy to make but never fail to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and guarantees that your Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe turns out flawless. Each component plays an essential role, from the fluffy texture provided by the buttermilk and baking powder to the burst of fresh strawberry flavor and the sweet, tangy glaze that ties it all together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that creates the perfect doughnut crumb.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise beautifully and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors in the doughnuts.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements strawberries nicely.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness in the batter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the dough moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients while contributing to fluffiness.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Imparts tenderness and tangy depth.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a lovely aroma.
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries: The star ingredient that delivers natural sweetness and beautiful color speckles.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): For a smooth, sweet coating.
- 2–3 tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries: Intensifies the glaze with fresh berry flavor.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a zing to balance the glaze’s sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a doughnut pan or a mini muffin pan generously. This small but crucial step ensures your doughnuts come out easily without sticking, making the baking process smooth and hassle-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients is what will give your doughnuts structure, lift, and a warm touch of spice that beautifully complements the strawberries.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, velvety mixture. This combination is the heart of your doughnut batter—bringing rich moisture, sweetness, and that signature tang from the buttermilk.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and will keep your doughnuts tender. Then, fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries delicately to disperse juicy bursts throughout your batter.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon your batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This ensures the doughnuts have room to puff up without spilling over. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While your doughnuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, pureed fresh strawberries, and optional lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, glossy glaze. Dip the tops of each cooled doughnut into the glaze, then set them back on the rack to let the glaze set to a lovely sheen that perfectly balances the softness beneath.
How to Serve Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe truly pop, sprinkle the glazed tops with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or colorful sprinkles. These add a delightful crunch and a burst of visual appeal that will draw everyone in for a second (or third) helping.
Side Dishes
Pair these doughnuts with a fresh fruit salad, a cup of hot coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a balanced and satisfying snack or breakfast. The fruity and creamy notes pair so well, creating a harmony of textures and flavors on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your doughnuts on a pretty cake stand surrounded by fresh strawberries and edible flowers for a stunning look at brunch or a special occasion. You can also stack them into a pyramid for a playful centerpiece that guests will love to admire before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft texture and fresh strawberry flavor. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Freezing
These doughnuts freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months, perfect for baking ahead of a busy morning or surprise guests.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen doughnuts, simply thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through. This refreshes their soft crumb and melts the glaze slightly for that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Be sure to drain excess liquid well to prevent your batter from getting too wet.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to half a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in your recipe.
Can these doughnuts be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum can work well. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but will still be delicious.
Is it possible to fry these doughnuts instead of baking?
This Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe is designed for baking, which gives a light, tender result. Frying would require a different dough consistency and technique but could be explored for a crispier version.
How do I get the glaze to stick properly?
Make sure your doughnuts are completely cool before dipping into the glaze; this helps it adhere without melting off. Let the glaze set undisturbed on a wire rack for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe is like inviting a little burst of sunshine into your kitchen. The ease of baking combined with the fresh strawberry flavor makes these doughnuts an absolute joy to share with family and friends. Don’t hesitate—grab those strawberries, mix up the batter, and treat yourself to a batch that feels like a warm hug in every bite. You’ll be glad you did!
Print
Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and moist Strawberry Buttermilk Doughnuts feature a tender crumb infused with fresh strawberries and a hint of nutmeg. These baked doughnuts are topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze made from pureed fresh strawberries and powdered sugar, making them a perfect breakfast treat or delightful dessert.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a doughnut pan or mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Form Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the doughnuts. Fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries carefully.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Bake the doughnuts for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool Doughnuts: Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pureed fresh strawberries, and lemon juice if using, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened but pourable.
- Glaze Doughnuts: Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the strawberry glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off, then place them back on the wire rack to set the glaze completely before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor and a more vibrant pink color, substitute the fresh strawberry puree in the glaze with freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Enhance sweetness and texture by sprinkling crushed freeze-dried strawberries or colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
