Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

Introduction

Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are a delightful and whimsical treat perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Shaped like hearts, these baked donuts are infused with strawberry flavor, coated in a luscious pink glaze, and topped with colorful sprinkles for an extra touch of fun. They are as charming as they are delicious, making them a great choice for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any day you want to share a little sweetness.

I first made these donuts as a surprise for a loved one, and they were an instant hit. The vibrant pink glaze and cheerful sprinkles brought smiles to everyone’s faces, and the sweet, fruity flavor of the donuts made them irresistible. What’s great about these treats is that they’re baked instead of fried, making them a bit lighter while still delivering all the indulgence you crave.

These donuts are also incredibly easy to customize. You can adjust the glaze color, swap the sprinkles for edible glitter, or even experiment with different flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Whether you’re planning a romantic gesture, a fun baking project with kids, or a treat for yourself, Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are sure to make the moment extra special.

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day treats
• Birthday parties
• Desserts for kids
• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
• Gifting loved ones

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

Here’s why Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts will win your heart:

• Deliciously Fruity Flavor: The strawberry flavor shines through in every bite, complemented by the sweet glaze.
• Charming Presentation: The heart shape and sprinkles make these donuts irresistibly cute and festive.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re simple to make with minimal effort.
• Customizable: You can experiment with glaze colors, flavors, or sprinkles to suit any theme or occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 26g, Fat: 4g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
• ⅓ cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink or red gel food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for desired consistency)
• Pink gel food coloring (optional)

Decoration:

• Assorted sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

• Strawberry Puree: Made from real strawberries, this puree adds natural fruitiness and a hint of tartness to the donuts.
• Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the donuts moist and tender.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and glossy glaze that pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavor.
• Sprinkles: Add a fun and colorful touch that makes these donuts festive and appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts:

Make the Donuts:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a heart-shaped donut pan.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the strawberry puree, buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring, if desired, for a vibrant pink hue.
4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be smooth.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze and Decorate:

7. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired glaze consistency. If using, add a drop of pink food coloring for a more vibrant glaze.
8. Dip the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
9. Add Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle the tops with your choice of sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Serve:

10. Plate and Enjoy: Arrange the decorated donuts on a serving platter and enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• As a Sweet Treat: Serve these donuts with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful snack.
• For Special Occasions: Present them on a decorative plate for festive celebrations.
• Gift Them: Pack these donuts in a cute box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Dessert Table: Use them as part of a dessert spread for parties and gatherings.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Add finely chopped fresh strawberries to the batter for a burst of natural flavor.
• Opt for Gel Food Coloring: To achieve a vibrant pink hue, use gel food coloring instead of liquid—it won’t alter the batter’s consistency.
• Perfect the Heart Shape: If you don’t have a heart-shaped donut pan, use a round cutter to shape them after baking, then pinch the bottom to form a point.
• Chill the Dough: For a firmer, easier-to-handle dough, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before shaping or baking.
• Experiment with Glazes: Mix powdered sugar with strawberry puree for a naturally flavored and colored glaze.
• Toast Your Sprinkles: Lightly toasting sprinkles in a dry pan can bring out their flavors, giving a unique twist to your topping.
• Use Silicone Molds: Silicone molds make removing the donuts easier without breaking their delicate shape.
• Layer Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the batter to complement the strawberry flavor.
• Dip, Don’t Drizzle: For a smoother, shinier glaze, dip the donuts directly into the glaze instead of drizzling it over the top.
• Decorate While Wet: Add sprinkles immediately after glazing to ensure they stick well and don’t slide off as the glaze sets.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts:

• Chocolate Strawberry Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Lemon Strawberry Donuts: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note.
• Vanilla Glaze Donuts: Use a simple vanilla glaze instead of strawberry glaze.
• Berry Mix Donuts: Combine strawberry puree with raspberry or blueberry puree for a mixed berry flavor.
• Cream-Filled Donuts: Pipe whipped cream or frosting into the donuts for an indulgent treat.
• Chocolate-Dipped Donuts: Dip the donuts in melted chocolate instead of glaze.
• Gluten-Free Donuts: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Donuts: Replace the egg with a flax egg, use non-dairy milk, and substitute vegan butter.
• Sugar-Free Donuts: Use a sugar substitute for the batter and glaze.
• Sprinkle-Free Donuts: Skip the sprinkles and garnish with freeze-dried strawberries instead.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

• Freezing: Allow the donuts to cool completely, then freeze without glaze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Storage: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

Here are some items to make preparing your Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts easier:

• Heart-shaped donut pan – To create the perfect heart-shaped donuts
• .Piping bag with round tip – For easily filling the molds with batter.
• Hand or stand mixer – To mix the batter and glaze evenly.
• Silicone spatula – For scraping the mixing bowl clean.
• Cooling rack – To let the donuts cool evenly after baking.
• Candy thermometer – If frying donuts instead of baking, to maintain oil temperature.
• Offset spatula – For spreading strawberry glaze neatly over the donuts.
• Sprinkle shaker – To evenly distribute sprinkles on top.
• Pastry brush – To lightly grease the donut pan.
• Fine mesh sieve – To sift powdered sugar for a smooth glaze or dusting.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts

1. Can I use a regular donut pan?
   Yes, you can use a standard donut pan if you don’t have a heart-shaped one.
2. Can I make these without a donut pan?
   Yes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin or mini muffin tin for donut holes.
3. How do I make the donuts more vibrant in color?
   Add a few drops of pink or red gel food coloring to the batter.
4. Can I use freeze-dried strawberries?
   Yes, grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder and mix them into the batter or glaze.
5. Are these donuts fried?
   No, these donuts are baked, making them lighter and easier to prepare.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. With their sweet strawberry flavor, colorful glaze, and playful sprinkles, these donuts are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or simply to brighten your day, these charming donuts are a guaranteed hit!

This recipe is as enjoyable to create as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from Valentine’s Day to weekend baking with family. With their vibrant colors and delightful flavor, these donuts are sure to make anyone smile.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!