Valentine’s Day Donuts are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love and friendship! These strawberry donuts are soft, fluffy, and topped with a lovely pink glaze made from fresh strawberries, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. The light fruity flavor combined with a hint of sweetness makes every bite feel like a little gift to yourself or someone special.
I love making these donuts because they bring a smile to everyone’s face—whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or just enjoying one with your morning coffee. The strawberry glaze is not only tasty but also super easy to whip up, and it gives the donuts that fun, festive look that fits the Valentine’s Day mood perfectly.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these donuts is right out of the oven when they are still warm and the glaze is fresh and glossy. They’re great for a cozy breakfast or even as a sweet surprise in someone’s lunchbox. These strawberry donuts make any day a little brighter and show that sometimes, the simplest homemade treats can mean the most.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen strawberries blended add a natural, fruity flavor and pink color. If strawberries aren’t available, try raspberries or a small amount of beet juice for color without changing the taste much.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps donuts tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
Butter: Melted butter keeps the donuts rich and soft. You can substitute with equal parts vegetable oil for a lighter texture, but the flavor will change slightly.
Powdered Sugar Glaze: The glaze sweetens and decorates donuts. If you want a thicker glaze, add less milk; for thinner, add more. Vanilla adds depth but can be skipped if needed.
Sprinkles: Use colorful heart-shaped or regular sprinkles to make the donuts festive. If you want to avoid sugar toppings, finely chopped nuts or freeze-dried fruit pieces work well.
How Do You Get Soft, Fluffy Donuts and a Smooth Strawberry Glaze?
For soft, fluffy donuts, don’t overmix the batter. Mix wet and dry ingredients just enough to combine. Overmixing develops gluten, making donuts tough.
- Whisk dry ingredients separately and wet ingredients separately before combining.
- Gently fold wet into dry; some lumps are okay.
- Fill donut pans ¾ full to avoid overflow and get perfect donut shape.
- Bake at 350°F for about 12-14 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the strawberry glaze, balance thickness so it coats but doesn’t drip heavily.
- Whisk powdered sugar and puree well to avoid lumps.
- Add milk slowly, one teaspoon at a time for perfect consistency.
- Dip donuts while glaze is smooth and wet for an even coat.
- Add sprinkles quickly before glaze sets to keep them in place.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – shapes your donuts perfectly and helps them bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two for wet and dry ingredients to keep mixing easy and neat.
- Whisk – great for blending ingredients smoothly, especially the glaze.
- Spoon or piping bag – makes filling the donut pan simple and mess-free.
- Wire rack – lets your donuts cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry puree for raspberry or blueberry for a new fruity twist and color.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus kick that pairs well with berries.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun, melty surprise inside your donuts.
- Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries instead of sprinkles for extra crunch and flavor.
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, blended)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)
For Decoration:
- Colorful sprinkles (hearts, jimmies, or similar fun shapes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-14 minutes to bake. You’ll want to add about 20-30 minutes for letting the glaze set, so plan around 45 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and strawberry puree. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring if you want your donuts extra rosy. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
2. Bake the Donuts
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
3. Make the Glaze and Decorate
Mix powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth and pourable. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Quickly sprinkle colorful decorations on top before it sets. Let the glaze set for 20-30 minutes, and then enjoy your beautiful, tasty treats!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Yes! Just thaw frozen strawberries completely before blending them into a puree. This helps keep the batter smooth and ensures the glaze sets nicely.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Donuts Without a Donut Pan?
Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin and just reduce the baking time slightly, or shape the batter into rounds on a baking sheet, but the classic donut shape might be lost.
Is It Okay to Skip the Pink Food Coloring?
Definitely! The strawberry puree gives a lovely natural pink tint, so food coloring is optional and only needed if you want a brighter color.