Valentine’s Day Donuts with fresh strawberries and a sweet glaze are a delightful treat that feels just right for celebrating love and friendship. These donuts are soft and fluffy, with a burst of fruity strawberry flavor that makes each bite special. The pink glaze on top adds a fun and festive touch that’s perfect for the holiday.
I love making these donuts because they’re simple but still feel fancy enough to share or gift to someone you care about. Plus, the smell of strawberries baking always brings a smile to my face. A little tip: if you want to make them extra special, add some heart-shaped sprinkles on top—they instantly make the donuts look so cheerful and inviting.
These donuts are great for breakfast or an afternoon snack, especially when enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee. I enjoy serving them on a pretty plate with a few fresh strawberries on the side for a quick and cute spread. Making these with family or friends can be a fun way to bring everyone together and celebrate something sweet and simple.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the donuts, giving them structure. You can try cake flour for a lighter texture or gluten-free flour if needed, but the texture might be a bit different.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps keep the donuts tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Freeze-dried strawberries: They give the glaze a strong strawberry flavor and color without extra moisture. You can use strawberry jam strained of seeds for glaze, but it might be softer.
Powdered sugar: Key for smooth, glossy glaze. It dissolves better than granulated sugar and helps balance tartness from strawberries.
How Do You Get the Donuts Soft and Light?
Making soft baked donuts depends on gentle mixing and the right leavening.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can make donuts tough.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda to ensure proper rise.
- Measuring flour correctly matters; spoon it into the cup and level it off to avoid too much flour.
- Bake at 350°F; don’t overbake to keep them moist. Check with a toothpick at 10 minutes.
Letting the donuts cool before glazing helps the icing stick without melting off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – bowl-shaped cavities help shape and bake perfect rings without frying.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll mix wet and dry ingredients separately for even batter.
- Whisk – for smooth, lump-free batter and glaze.
- Wire cooling rack – lets donuts cool evenly and glaze drip off cleanly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – precise amounts keep donuts tender and glaze just right.
- Spoon or piping bag – for filling donut pan or drizzling glaze with control.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Substitute freeze-dried raspberries instead of strawberries for a tart twist and bright color.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for fresh citrus notes that brighten the flavor.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before glaze sets for a sweet chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Use a drizzle of white chocolate over the glaze for extra creaminess and festive look.
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired glaze consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
Optional Decorations:
- Mini heart sprinkles
- Small chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the batter and another 10-12 minutes to bake the donuts. Cooling and glazing will take an additional 20-30 minutes, so plan for around 45-50 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
2. Bake the Donuts:
Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean. After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Strawberry Glaze and Drizzle:
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries for the glaze. Add the vanilla extract and milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, thick consistency. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch drips.
For the drizzle, mix powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and milk in a small bowl to a thinner consistency than the glaze. Drizzle this over the glazed donuts using a spoon or a piping bag.
While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle your favorite decorations like mini heart sprinkles or chocolate chips to make them festive.
4. Let the Donuts Set:
Allow the glaze and drizzle to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy your sweet and beautiful Valentine’s Day Strawberry Donuts!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried Strawberries?
Frozen strawberries aren’t recommended for the glaze because their moisture can make the glaze too runny. If you only have frozen, thaw and completely dry them, then blend into a smooth puree, but expect a thinner glaze.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. If you want them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Can I Make These Donuts Without a Donut Pan?
Yes! You can try using a muffin pan for small round donuts or shape the batter into rounds on a baking sheet, but the shape won’t be as uniform. Adjust baking time accordingly—check doneness early.
Is It Possible to Make These Donuts Vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with a little vinegar, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
