Strawberry Shortcake Donuts Baked Recipe

Is there anything more frustrating than a kid who won’t eat their breakfast? Or a dessert that feels too sugary for the morning? I’ve been there, staring into the pantry, hoping for a miracle. I needed something that felt like a treat but wasn’t a total sugar bomb, and that my picky crew would actually want to eat. For another sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing, you might love our Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow.

That’s exactly how these Strawberry Shortcake Donuts Baked were born in my kitchen. They are the perfect bridge between a fun breakfast and a happy dessert. They’re baked, not fried, which makes me feel better about serving them. And the best part? They look and taste like you spent hours, but the secret is they come together so easily.

I promise, this recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings or when you need a sweet win. Let’s make something delicious that everyone at the table will actually enjoy.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

My kids are the ultimate critics. If something looks weird or has a strange texture, it’s a hard no. But these donuts? They get a unanimous thumbs-up every single time.

First, they are incredibly soft and cakey, not dense or dry. The strawberry flavor is fresh and real, not artificial. Kids love the fun donut shape, and the sweet glaze on top makes it feel like a true celebration. It’s a “sometimes food” that feels special, and that’s a win in my book.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I built this recipe with the real family kitchen in mind. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!

• For the Donuts: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, milk (any kind), an egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and fresh or frozen strawberries (finely chopped).
• For the Glaze: Powdered sugar, a splash of milk, a tiny bit of vanilla, and a drop of red food coloring (optional, but it makes the pink glaze so fun!).
• For Serving (Optional): Extra chopped strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting kids in the kitchen is the best way to get them excited about eating! For this recipe, there are perfect jobs for little helpers.

My youngest loves to be in charge of mixing the dry ingredients with a whisk. It’s easy and makes them feel important. My older one is the official glaze stirrer and strawberry chopper (with a safe knife, of course!). Letting them drizzle the glaze at the end is always the highlight. If you’re looking for another family-friendly dinner project, our Baked Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let the donut pan scare you! This process is straightforward and quick. You’ll be amazed at how fast they bake.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan very well with non-stick spray or butter. This is the key to easy removal!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay! Over-mixing makes tough donuts.
5. Fold in the finely chopped strawberries.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full. You can also put the batter in a zip-top bag, snip a corner, and pipe it in for less mess.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
8. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
9. To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add a drop of food coloring if you like. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and place back on the rack to set.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

One recipe doesn’t have to mean one flavor! Here are some easy ways to mix it up for different preferences in your house.

For the kid who doesn’t like “chunks,” blend the strawberries into a puree and mix it right into the wet ingredients. For a lemon-strawberry version, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. For the adults, a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the glaze is amazing. You can even roll the glazed donuts in crushed graham crackers for extra “shortcake” vibes!

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

Yes, you can make these ahead! They are a fantastic make-ahead option for a stress-free morning.

Store completely cooled, unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. I prefer to glaze them the day I serve them. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature and glaze. To reheat, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave makes them taste fresh-baked and soft again.

Nutrition Notes

While this is a treat, I always feel better knowing what’s inside. Here’s a simple breakdown per donut (with glaze):

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Made with real fruit and baked, not fried!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I don’t have a donut pan. Can I still make these?

Absolutely! You can bake this batter in a standard muffin tin. Just fill the liners about halfway and adjust the bake time to 15-18 minutes. You’ll have delicious strawberry shortcake muffins instead! For another fantastic muffin recipe that uses seasonal flavors, try our Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Strawberry Lemon Glaze.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen work great! Do not thaw them first. Chop them while they are still frozen to prevent them from turning the whole batter pink with juice. Toss them in a little flour from your measured amount before folding them in to help them stay suspended in the batter.

My glaze is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?

Glazes can be tricky! If it’s too thin and runny, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick and won’t drizzle, add more milk, just a teaspoon at a time, until it’s a dip-able consistency.

There you have it! My secret weapon for turning a regular morning or snack time into something a little more special. These baked donuts have saved the day more times than I can count, and I hope they do the same for you.

Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about making something with love that brings a smile to your family’s face. If one of your kids helps you make them, that’s just the icing on the cake… or the glaze on the donut!

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a bite? What fun twist did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!