Imagine biting into a light, fluffy cloud, bursting with the sweet essence of strawberries. These Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts are just that—a heavenly fusion of delicate textures and fresh berry flavors, making them a perfect addition to any table, be it a sunlit brunch or a heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration. With their alluring natural pink hue and a healthier twist on the traditional fried donut, these treats promise indulgence without the guilt, each bite a testament to the joy of baking with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, the whisper of richness
- ¾ cup Sugar, to sweeten life’s moments
- 1 Egg, the binder of dreams
- ¾ teaspoon Vanilla Extract, a hint of exotic aroma
- ½ cup Buttermilk, the secret to tender crumb
- ¾ cup Cake Flour, the fairy dust for softness
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour, the foundation of many a delight
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda, the lift in every bite
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, the puff behind the pastry
- ¼ teaspoon Salt, to elevate the flavors
- 12-15 Strawberries, ripe and luscious, about 1 cup pureed
Directions:
Preparation:
- Begin with the heart of the recipe—puree the ripe strawberries in a food processor until smooth, capturing the essence of summer in each ruby-red swirl.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and egg, blending until the mixture is light and airy, like the morning breeze.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree, weaving in layers of flavor and moisture that promise a tender crumb.
Combining the Magic:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, as if sifting through the sands of time for ancient culinary secrets.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined, taking care not to overmix and preserve the lightness of the batter.
Baking to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to a welcoming 400°F, a warm embrace for what’s to come.
- Grease your donut pans well, for these treasures are meant to be shared, not stuck.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared pans, filling each cavity with the promise of something wonderful.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the donuts spring back to a gentle touch, a sign that they’re ready to delight.
Serving Suggestions: These donuts, with their natural sweetness and soft crumb, are a joy on their own. However, for an extra touch of indulgence, consider a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve them as a special treat, or make any day feel like a celebration.
Pro Tips:
- Choose the ripest strawberries you can find, as their natural sweetness and intense flavor are the soul of these donuts.
- The combination of buttermilk and cake flour is key to achieving that dreamy lightness and tender texture.
- Greasing the donut pans well ensures that each donut is a perfect golden ring, ready to be adorned with your choice of glaze or sugar.
With only 133 calories per donut, these Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re setting the table for a special occasion or simply looking to brighten your day, these donuts are a testament to the simple joys of baking with fresh, vibrant ingredients.