Valentine’s Day Donuts, especially the strawberry ones, are a sweet treat that feels like a little celebration in every bite. These donuts are soft and fluffy, with a bright pink strawberry glaze that makes them look as good as they taste. The sprinkles on top add a fun crunch and make them perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself on this special day.
I love making these donuts because they bring a bit of joy and color to the kitchen. The strawberry flavor feels fresh and light, not too sweet, and the aroma while they bake is just wonderful. I usually make a batch around Valentine’s Day and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate—it’s such a cozy treat that anyone would appreciate.
They’re great for parties, breakfast in bed, or just a simple way to say “I care” to someone. I find that even people who don’t usually go for fruity desserts tend to love these donuts. Plus, making them at home is easy, and it’s fun to get creative with the toppings. These donuts make the day feel a little brighter and a lot more delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberry Puree: This is what gives the donuts their lovely pink color and fresh strawberry flavor. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones—just thaw and blend. Avoid using syrup or jam to keep the texture right.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the donuts, giving them a soft yet sturdy texture. For a healthier twist, you can swap half the flour for whole wheat, but the donuts might be a bit denser.
Baking Powder: This is the rising agent that helps give the donuts their fluffy texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
Butter and Milk: These add richness and moisture. You can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze, it gives a smooth, sweet finish. If you want a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How Can You Make the Strawberry Glaze Smooth and Shiny?
Making the glaze is simple but the key is in the consistency. Here’s how to get that beautiful shine:
- Start by whisking powdered sugar and strawberry puree until smooth. No lumps!
- If the glaze feels too thick to dip the donuts, add milk one teaspoon at a time. Too runny glaze won’t stick well, so keep it thick enough to coat.
- Use fresh strawberry puree rather than store-bought for the best color and flavor.
- Dip donuts when they are completely cool to prevent melting the glaze.
- After dipping, add sprinkles quickly before the glaze sets.
Patience is key—let the glaze firm up for about 15-20 minutes before serving or stacking donuts to avoid smudging.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – shapes the batter into perfect donuts and bakes them evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately before combining.
- Whisk – helps blend ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Spoon or piping bag – for filling the donut pan neatly without mess.
- Wire rack – lets donuts cool evenly and glaze set without sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use freeze-dried strawberry powder in the batter for a stronger strawberry flavor.
- Swap strawberry glaze for chocolate or vanilla glaze to mix up the taste.
- Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top for extra texture.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips into the batter for little chocolate bursts in each bite.
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 6-8 strawberries, blended and strained)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh strawberry puree (from fresh or thawed frozen strawberries)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)
Toppings:
- Assorted colorful sprinkles (pink, purple, red, white, pastel colors)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, 12-15 minutes for baking, plus 15-20 minutes to allow the glaze to set – about 45 minutes to an hour total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, whole milk, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberry puree until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — it’s okay if a few lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
5. Fill Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling about three-quarters full.
6. Bake Donuts:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Strawberry Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick to dip, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach a smooth, dip-friendly consistency.
8. Glaze the Donuts:
Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the strawberry glaze — let the excess drip back into the bowl.
9. Add Sprinkles:
Quickly sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the glaze before it sets for a festive touch.
10. Let Glaze Set:
Place the donuts on a wire rack or parchment paper and allow the glaze to firm up for 15-20 minutes.
11. Enjoy!
Serve fresh and enjoy the sweet, fluffy strawberry donuts perfect for Valentine’s Day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – to bake perfectly shaped donuts.
- Mixing bowls – for dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk – to blend ingredients smoothly.
- Spoon or piping bag – for filling the donut pan neatly.
- Wire rack – for cooling donuts and setting glaze.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try freeze-dried strawberry powder in the batter for extra strawberry punch.
- Substitute glaze with chocolate or vanilla icing for variety.
- Top with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for texture.
- Add mini chocolate chips into the batter for little chocolate surprises.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Yes! Just thaw frozen strawberries completely, then blend and strain them as you would fresh ones. This works great when fresh strawberries are out of season.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from heat and humidity to maintain freshness. If glazed, avoid stacking to prevent smudging.
Can I Make the Donuts Ahead of Time?
You can bake the donuts a day ahead and keep them unglazed in an airtight container. Glaze and decorate them just before serving to keep the glaze fresh and shiny.
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and fill each cup about 2/3 full, then create a hole in the center using a small round cutter or bottle cap before baking.
