Fluffy, golden, and irresistibly sweet, these Strawberries and Cream Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Each donut is dipped in a fresh strawberry glaze, crowned with a generous swirl of cream and juicy berries, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar—perfect for a brunch table or an indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors: pillowy soft dough, fruity glaze, airy cream, and fresh strawberries. They’re visually stunning and ideal for celebrations or special mornings. Unlike store-bought versions, these are made from scratch, giving you full control over the ingredients and a fresher, more flavorful result. Plus, the combination of strawberries and cream is always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Oil for frying

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ¼ cup mashed fresh strawberries

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

For the Topping:

• ½ cup whipped cream or stabilized frosting

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes, or until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, egg, salt, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Roll the risen dough out to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to shape the donuts. Let them rest for 20 minutes.

6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

7. Mix the powdered sugar, mashed strawberries, and milk or cream to create a smooth glaze. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and allow it to set slightly.

8. Top each glazed donut with a swirl of whipped cream and halved fresh strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 donuts.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Baked version: Use a donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying.

• Jam-filled: Fill each donut with strawberry jam before glazing for a surprise inside.

• Chocolate twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough or dip in chocolate glaze instead.

• Lemon glaze: Replace strawberries with lemon juice and zest for a citrusy finish.

• Mini donuts: Cut smaller rounds for bite-sized versions; adjust fry time accordingly.

storage/reheating

These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made.

Storage:
Store plain or glazed donuts (without cream or fruit) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For topped donuts, refrigerate and consume within 24 hours.

Reheating:
Reheat plain donuts in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Add cream and fruit after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Do I need a donut cutter?

Not necessarily. You can use two round cutters or even a drinking glass and a bottle cap to shape the donuts.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw and mash them thoroughly before mixing into the glaze.

How can I stabilize whipped cream for topping?

Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or use gelatin or a stabilizing product to help whipped cream hold its shape.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

You can, but the strawberry glaze adds flavor and helps the cream and fruit stay in place.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter alternative.

How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) and avoid overcrowding the fryer.

What type of cream is best for topping?

Fresh whipped cream works well, but stabilized frosting holds up longer, especially for outdoor events.

Can I freeze the donuts?

You can freeze plain fried donuts (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw and refresh in the oven before decorating.

How do I get the glaze to set nicely?

Dip the donuts while slightly warm and let them sit on a wire rack to set without becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Donuts combine the classic comfort of freshly fried dough with the fresh, fruity brightness of strawberries and the smooth richness of cream. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these donuts deliver both beauty and flavor in every bite. With easy variations and a make-ahead dough option, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Strawberries and Cream Donuts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Fluffy, golden-fried donuts coated in a sweet strawberry glaze, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a decadent, bakery-style treat.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup mashed fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• 1/2 cup whipped cream or stabilized frosting
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, butter, egg, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead until a soft dough forms, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Let rest for 20 minutes.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry donuts for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
7. Mix powdered sugar, mashed strawberries, and milk or cream to make a smooth glaze.
8. Dip warm donuts into the glaze and let them set for a few minutes.
9. Top each donut with a swirl of whipped cream and halved fresh strawberries.
10. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

---

Notes

• For best results, use stabilized whipped cream if preparing in advance.
• Glaze can be made thicker or thinner by adjusting the amount of milk or cream.
• Donuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg