Valentine’s Day Donuts are a fun and sweet treat made even better with fresh strawberries mixed right into the dough or used as a tasty topping. These donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright strawberry flavor, making them perfect for sharing with someone special or just treating yourself on this lovely day. Their pinkish hue and sweet glaze add a cheerful pop of color that feels just right for Valentine’s vibes.
I love making these strawberry donuts because they bring a little happiness to the kitchen and are surprisingly easy to whip up at home. There’s something special about biting into a warm, fruity donut that feels like a big hug! If you want a little extra sweetness, I like adding a simple glaze with a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top—it makes the experience even more delightful.
These donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or as a sweet surprise alongside your afternoon coffee. I often gift them to my friends or family wrapped in pretty paper—they always smile when they see those bright pink treats. If you’re looking for a way to make Valentine’s Day a bit sweeter, these strawberry donuts are a great place to start!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour & Baking Powder: All-purpose flour gives these donuts a soft, tender crumb. If you want gluten-free, try a blend made for baking. Baking powder helps them rise—don’t skip or replace this!
Milk & Egg: Milk keeps the donuts moist and light. You can use any kind of milk, including plant-based like almond or oat. Eggs add structure and richness; for vegan, try a flax egg substitute.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give a concentrated strawberry flavor without adding liquid, keeping the glaze smooth. If you can’t find freeze-dried, try strawberry powder or finely chopped dried strawberries but use less liquid.
White Chocolate or Candy Melts: These melt easily for the drizzle. You can swap with white chocolate chips or make a simple pink icing with powdered sugar and strawberry juice for a different approach.
How Do I Get the Perfect Donut Texture and Topping Shine?
Donut texture is all about mixing and baking carefully:
- Mix Gently: Stir wet into dry just until combined. Overmixing makes donuts tough.
- Bake Fully: Check with a toothpick near the 12-minute mark; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Before Glazing: Warm donuts make glaze runny. Let them cool completely on a rack.
- Glaze Consistency: Add milk slowly to powdered sugar and strawberry powder until smooth but thick enough to coat. Too thin glaze won’t stick, too thick won’t spread well.
- Drizzle Technique: Use a piping bag or a spoon. For neat lines, steady your hand and don’t overload with chocolate. Drizzles add a pretty contrast and extra flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – helps shape the donuts perfectly and bakes them evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk – great for mixing batter smoothly and breaking up lumps.
- Wire rack – lets donuts cool evenly and keeps the glaze from pooling underneath.
- Microwave-safe bowl – perfect for melting white chocolate or candy melts quickly and safely.
- Spoon or piping bag – for drizzling pink chocolate neatly over the donuts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap freeze-dried strawberries for raspberries or blueberries to change up the fruit flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy twist.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips to the donut batter for extra sweetness and texture.
- Top glazed donuts with crushed nuts or shredded coconut instead of sprinkles for crunch.
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
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Pink Drizzle and Decoration:
- ½ cup white chocolate or candy melts
- 1-2 tsp freeze-dried strawberry powder or beet powder (for pink color)
- Freeze-dried strawberry pieces or sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter, 12–15 minutes to bake the donuts, plus about 10 minutes to prepare and apply the glaze and drizzle. Allow additional time for the glaze to set before serving, about 15–20 minutes. Overall, plan for around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the donuts might turn out dense.
2. Bake the Donuts:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan’s cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Strawberry Glaze and Decorate:
Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl, then stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and a pinch of salt. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you get a smooth, slightly thick glaze. Stir in the vanilla extract. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, coating the top, and place them back on the wire rack. Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth. Mix in the strawberry or beet powder until you get a lovely pink color. Drizzle this pink chocolate over some of the glazed donuts using a spoon or piping bag. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry pieces or your favorite sprinkles over the donuts. Allow the glaze and drizzle to set before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
It’s best to use freeze-dried strawberries for the glaze because they won’t add extra moisture. If you only have frozen strawberries, puree and strain them well to remove excess liquid, then reduce the milk in the glaze to keep it from becoming too runny.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Donuts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the donuts (without glaze) in a sealed bag for up to a month and thaw before glazing.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Yes! Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water), use a plant-based milk, and replace butter with a vegan alternative. Use dairy-free white chocolate or candy melts for the drizzle.
What’s the Best Way to Get an Even Pink Glaze?
Make sure to crush your freeze-dried strawberries finely and sift powdered sugar so there are no lumps. Gradually add milk to achieve a smooth, thick enough glaze that coats well without dripping off. Let the glaze set at room temperature for the best finish.
