If you’ve ever craved a sweet, bite-sized treat that bursts with fresh fruit flavor, then you are going to adore this Strawberry Donut Holes with Berry Glaze Recipe. These little gems are golden, fluffy, and perfectly tender on the inside, while the bright and fruity glaze adds a luscious finish that makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning or an afternoon gathering, this recipe merges simplicity with an irresistible homemade charm that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this recipe. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s lending fluffiness, flavor, or that vibrant strawberry color we all love. Let’s take a look at what makes these donut holes so special.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and lightness for fluffy donut holes.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the donuts a perfect rise and tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough.
- ½ cup milk: Moisturizes the batter, keeping the donut holes soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola): Essential for frying donut holes to golden perfection.
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed: The star of the berry glaze, offering bright, natural sweetness and color.
- 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to the perfect dip consistency.
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional): Helps thin the glaze if it feels too thick for dipping.
- A pinch of salt (optional): Balances the glaze’s sweetness for a complex flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Donut Holes with Berry Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Make the Batter
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar — in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the wet mixture gently into the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is mixed; overmixing will affect the texture, so keep it light and fluffy.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or heavy saucepan, pour in enough oil to reach about 2 to 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a candy or cooking thermometer for precision. This temperature ensures the donut holes cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust without absorbing too much oil.
Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes
Use a spoon or small scoop to carefully drop bite-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which could lower the oil temperature and cause greasy donuts. Cook each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed so the donut holes brown evenly on all sides. Once golden and cooked through, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
While the donuts cool slightly, blend fresh strawberries until smooth. For an ultra-smooth glaze, strain the puree through a fine sieve, but this step is optional if you prefer a bit more texture. Combine the puree with powdered sugar in a bowl, stirring until silky smooth. If the glaze feels too thick for dipping, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. A pinch of salt can also be stirred in to balance sweetness.
Step 5: Glaze the Donut Holes
When the donut holes are still warm but not hot, dip them carefully into the strawberry glaze using a fork or spoon. Allow excess glaze to drip back into the bowl, then place each glazed donut on a wire rack set over parchment paper to catch drips. Let the glaze set for about 10 to 15 minutes so it becomes just the right touch of sweet perfection before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Donut Holes with Berry Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish can elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios add color and make every bite feel extra special. A light dusting of powdered sugar after glazing also adds a pretty finish and subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
These donut holes are delightfully versatile. Serve them alongside a creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of berry-flavored ice cream for an indulgent twist. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect companion for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange the glazed donut holes on a tiered dessert stand or in colorful cupcake liners for an inviting display. Drizzling extra berry glaze artistically over them can create an eye-catching effect. You might even thread a few donut holes onto skewers with fresh berries for a playful, handheld snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover donut holes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender. Avoid refrigerating as it may dry them out. It’s best to keep the glaze intact and serve fresh, but if necessary, you can store glazed donut holes carefully with parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
Donut holes freeze beautifully if you want to prepare well in advance. Freeze them unglazed on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once solid. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely at room temperature and dip in fresh glaze for the best flavor and texture experience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm donut holes gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that just-fried softness and lets the glaze shine again without losing its delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing. Frozen strawberries work well and make the glaze just as vibrant and flavorful.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Use a mini muffin pan, fill each cup halfway, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A cooking thermometer is the best tool—aim for 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter in; it should sizzle and rise to the top quickly without browning too fast.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Stir well before using; if too thick, add a little milk to refresh the consistency.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
You can omit the vanilla or substitute with a bit of almond extract or lemon zest for a different but delightful flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly joyful about making and sharing a batch of Strawberry Donut Holes with Berry Glaze Recipe. From the moment you bite into their tender, golden centers coated with a glossy strawberry glaze, you’ll understand why this recipe becomes such a treasured favorite. Give it a try and watch these charming treats bring smiles to your table and warmth to your heart.
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Strawberry Donut Holes with Berry Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Donut Holes are delightful bite-sized treats bursting with fresh berry flavor. Light and fluffy on the inside with a sweet strawberry glaze on the outside, they are perfect for a quick snack or a fun dessert. Made from scratch with simple ingredients and fried to golden perfection, these donut holes offer a deliciously fruity twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola), 2–3 inches in a deep skillet or saucepan
Strawberry Glaze
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed, to thin)
- A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Instructions
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or cooking thermometer to accurately monitor the oil temperature, ensuring even cooking and preventing greasiness.
- Fry the Donut Holes: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop small portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent temperature. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, turning the donut holes occasionally to brown them evenly on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: Puree the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. For a smoother glaze, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve if desired. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry puree with powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add a tablespoon of milk if the glaze is too thick, and optionally add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Glaze the Donut Holes: When the donut holes have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip each one carefully into the strawberry glaze using a fork or spoon. Place the glazed donut holes on a cooling rack lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Allow the glaze to set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to achieve a perfect finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough donut holes; a few lumps are okay.
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F to ensure the donut holes cook through without absorbing too much oil.
- Frying in small batches helps maintain oil temperature and consistency in cooking.
- If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it with a little milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the glaze.
- Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature and glaze them fresh before serving if desired.
