Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes

Introduction

Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes are one of those treats that make you smile with every bite, offering the comforting taste of classic donut holes but with a lighter twist. The beauty of these little gems lies in their balance—baked instead of fried, they are soft, pillowy, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without the heaviness of traditional fried donuts. Topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze that adds a burst of color and fruity sweetness, these donut holes are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

The first time I made these Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes, I was amazed at how simple they were to put together, and yet the outcome was so delicious. As the donut holes baked in the oven, my kitchen filled with the warm scent of vanilla and fresh strawberries, which made the anticipation all the more exciting. When they came out, golden and soft, I couldn’t wait to dip them into the gorgeous strawberry glaze. The result was a perfect combination of light, airy dough and a sweet, fruity topping that was simply irresistible.

What I love most about these strawberry glazed donut holes is how versatile they are. They’re an ideal choice for a fun breakfast, a snack, or even as a treat for a special occasion. The glaze can be made more intense by adding extra strawberry puree or a splash of lemon juice for a tart kick. No matter when or how you serve them, these donut holes are sure to be a hit and leave everyone asking for more.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Snack time
• Birthday parties
• Special occasions
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes are sure to become your new favorite treat:

• Healthy Alternative: These donut holes are baked, not fried, offering a lighter and healthier version of a classic favorite without compromising on taste.
• Vibrant Strawberry Glaze: The homemade strawberry glaze adds a fresh, fruity flavor and a pop of color, making these donut holes as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, these donut holes are a breeze to make—no frying required.
• Customizable Glaze: You can adjust the sweetness or add flavor variations to the glaze, tailoring the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual breakfast or a special celebration, these donut holes make a fun and tasty treat that everyone will love.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 18-20 donut holes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-130 calories per donut hole
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 4g

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes:

For the Donut Holes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed if frozen)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more if needed for desired consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries for the glaze gives a natural, vibrant flavor that’s both sweet and tart, making the glaze fresh and fruity.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for these donut holes, creating the fluffy, soft texture we all love.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors of the donut holes and the glaze.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donut holes rise in the oven, giving them their soft and airy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the donut holes, making them tender and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes:

Prepare the Donut Holes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan with non-stick spray, or use silicone molds for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donut holes light and fluffy.
5. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops of the donut holes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove the donut holes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:

8. Puree the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, blend the strawberries until smooth. If using fresh strawberries, you may want to strain the puree to remove seeds for a smoother glaze.
9. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired glaze consistency—add more for a thinner glaze and less for a thicker one.
10. Glaze the Donut Holes: Once the donut holes have cooled, dip the tops into the strawberry glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.

How to Serve Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes

Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes can be served in various ways:

• For Breakfast: Serve these donut holes as a sweet breakfast treat, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with a bowl of fresh strawberries or other berries for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
• For a Party: Serve as a fun finger food at birthday parties, brunches, or gatherings.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, these donut holes are a light snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling too heavy.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donut holes, so mix until just combined.
• Use Fresh Strawberries for Best Flavor: Fresh strawberries give the glaze a vibrant color and bright flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen strawberries will work too.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the right consistency.
• Let the Donut Holes Cool Completely: Be sure to let the donut holes cool completely before glazing them to prevent the glaze from melting or running off.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to keep them fresh.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes:

• Lemon Glazed Donut Holes: Swap the strawberry glaze for a tangy lemon glaze by combining powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Chocolate Glazed Donut Holes: Dip the donut holes in a chocolate glaze made with cocoa powder and powdered sugar for a rich twist.
• Blueberry Glazed Donut Holes: Use blueberry puree instead of strawberry for a different fruity glaze.
• Maple Glazed Donut Holes: Make a maple glaze with maple syrup and powdered sugar for a comforting, autumn-inspired flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: After baking, roll the donut holes in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic flavor.
• Raspberry Glazed Donut Holes: Use raspberry puree instead of strawberry for a slightly tart glaze.
• Nutella-Stuffed Donut Holes: Pipe Nutella into the center of each donut hole before baking for a chocolatey surprise.
• Peanut Butter Glazed Donut Holes: Make a peanut butter glaze for a creamy, nutty flavor.
• Caramel Glazed Donut Holes: Drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce for a sweet, buttery finish.
• Chocolate Chip Donut Holes: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked donut holes before glazing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 2 hours, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw and glaze.
• Storage: Store leftover glazed donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes easier:

• Mini Muffin Pan: Perfect for baking the donut holes evenly and creating the right shape.
• Blender or Food Processor: Use to puree the strawberries for the glaze.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack helps the donut holes cool quickly and evenly.
• Silicone Mold: If you want perfect donut hole shapes, silicone molds work great for easy removal.
• Whisk: Use a whisk to mix the glaze ingredients until smooth.

FAQ Section for Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
   Yes, frozen strawberries will work just fine. Thaw them first and puree before using.
2. Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the donut holes the day before and glaze them right before serving.
3. Can I use a donut pan instead of a muffin pan?
   Absolutely! A donut pan will give you classic donut shapes, but a muffin pan works just as well.
4. Can I make a sugar-free glaze?
   You can substitute powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to make a sugar-free glaze.
5. How can I make these donut holes more moist?
   Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter can help keep the donut holes moist and tender.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Glazed Baked Donut Holes are the perfect combination of light, fluffy, and indulgent. With a healthier baked base and a sweet, fruity glaze, these little treats are great for breakfast, snacks, or special occasions. They are simple to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a fun dessert to share, these strawberry donut holes are sure to be a hit!

I’d love to see how you make these little donut holes your own—don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and leave a comment to let me know how they turn out. Happy baking!