Valentine’s Day Donuts are a sweet treat that brings a bit of love to your morning or dessert table. These strawberry donuts are soft, fluffy, and topped with a bright, fruity glaze that gives a lovely pop of color and flavor. They’re perfect for celebrating the day of love with something a little special and homemade.
I love making these donuts because they’re fun to decorate and always put a smile on everyone’s face. The strawberry glaze is simple to whip up, and I like to add a few heart-shaped sprinkles on top to make them extra festive. It feels like giving a little bit of happiness in each bite, and they’re a great way to show you care without too much fuss.
My favorite way to enjoy these donuts is with a warm cup of coffee or tea, sharing them with someone special or even just treating myself. They’re great for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Whenever I make them, the kitchen smells amazing, and it feels like the perfect little celebration no matter who you’re with.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry puree: This gives the donuts their fresh fruit flavor and lovely pink color. If strawberries aren’t available, you can use raspberry puree or even a bit of strawberry jam thinned with water. I like fresh puree for the best taste.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the donuts tender and moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/3 cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet glaze. You can find it as icing sugar in some places. For the glaze, adjust the thickness with milk or more strawberry puree to get that perfect drip.
Sprinkles: These add a fun, festive touch. Feel free to swap for chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips if preferred.
How Can I Make Soft, Fluffy Donuts That Don’t Dry Out?
Softness comes from not overmixing the batter and baking just right. Here’s what works:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined—some lumps are okay.
- Use buttermilk; its acidity reacts with baking soda to help make tender donuts.
- Don’t overbake—start checking a minute or two before the timer is up. Dry donuts taste heavy.
- Cool donuts in the pan for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack so they don’t steam and get soggy.
With these tips, your donuts should be light, moist, and delicious every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – makes shaping the donuts easy and bakes them evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Whisk – helps mix ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Spoon or piping bag – to fill the donut pan neatly without mess.
- Wire cooling rack – lets donuts cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use blueberry puree instead of strawberry for a different berry twist with a similar color and freshness.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs well with fruit glaze.
- Top the glazed donuts with chopped nuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Try dipping donuts in melted white or dark chocolate instead of glaze for a richer treat.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Strawberry Donuts?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, blended)
For The Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
For Decoration:
- Rainbow or Valentine-themed sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 12-14 minutes to bake, and around 20 minutes for the glaze to set. You can have these sweet strawberry donuts ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick yet special treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donuts Batter:
Set 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 another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until smooth.
2. Combine and Bake:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir gently just until combined—don’t overmix, or the donuts may turn dense. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the donuts are puffed and a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool and Glaze:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them onto a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Add milk little by little if your glaze is too thick—it should be pourable but not runny. Dip or drizzle the glaze over the donuts and quickly add sprinkles before the glaze sets.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes. Then, enjoy your pretty, festive strawberry donuts with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for sharing love with friends or family on Valentine’s Day or anytime you want a fruity, sweet treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen strawberries completely before blending them into a puree. This works just as well as fresh strawberries and gives the glaze and donuts a great flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make These Donuts Without a Donut Pan?
Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin to bake the batter as mini cakes or try shaping the batter with a piping bag onto a lined baking sheet for freeform donut shapes, but baking times may vary slightly.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/3 cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute works perfectly in the recipe.
