Name: Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts Totally Dye Free!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482689H11M46S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon buttermilk; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup crumbled freeze-dried strawberries

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, natural, and delightful treat to surprise your loved ones, these Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are the perfect choice! Made with freeze-dried strawberry powder, these donuts have a gorgeous pinkish hue without any artificial dyes. The soft, fluffy texture paired with the tangy glaze and fruity freeze-dried strawberry topping makes them an irresistible dessert or snack. Ideal for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want to add a touch of sweetness to your day, these donut hearts are sure to be a hit.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of natural ingredients to create vibrant, flavorful donuts. The heart-shaped form makes them extra special, perfect for gifting or sharing with someone special. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging on your own, these donuts offer a delicious and dye-free way to enjoy a strawberry treat.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts Totally Dye Free!

1. Totally Dye-Free

The natural pink color from freeze-dried strawberry powder means you don’t have to worry about artificial dyes or colorants, making these donuts a healthier and more natural option.

2. Perfectly Fluffy

These donuts are light and airy, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

3. Delicious Natural Strawberry Flavor

Freeze-dried strawberry powder adds a rich and concentrated strawberry flavor without the need for artificial flavorings. It’s the perfect addition to your donut batter.

4. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these donuts come together in no time, making them a great recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

5. Festive and Fun

Heart-shaped and topped with a vibrant glaze and sprinkles, these donuts are visually appealing and perfect for gifting or serving at special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

Flour
Freeze-dried strawberry powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Sugar
Eggs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Buttermilk

For the Toppings:

Water
Buttermilk
Fresh lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Crumbled freeze-dried strawberries

Variations

Different Fruit Powder: You can experiment with other freeze-dried fruit powders, such as blueberry, raspberry, or even mango, to create different flavors while keeping the recipe dye-free.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to make these donuts gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg and use a plant-based butter and milk to make these donuts vegan-friendly.

How to Make Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts Totally Dye Free!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure your donuts come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, freeze-dried strawberry powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts. The batter will be slightly thick.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. You can also use a piping bag for a cleaner, more even fill.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and well combined. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack or parchment paper to set.

Step 9: Add the Toppings

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the crumbled freeze-dried strawberries on top for an added burst of flavor and color.

Step 10: Serve

Allow the glaze to fully set before serving. Your Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are now ready to enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can make the donuts dense. Stir the ingredients together gently until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Check Donuts Early: Keep an eye on the donuts as they bake to avoid overbaking. Once a toothpick comes out clean, remove them from the oven.
Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If you want a thicker glaze, add less water. For a thinner glaze, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Let the Donuts Cool: Make sure the donuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are perfect for:

Valentine’s Day: Serve them for a romantic breakfast or as a sweet gift for your loved one.
Tea Parties: Pair them with tea for a charming addition to any afternoon tea or brunch.
Birthday Parties: Make them for a fun and festive birthday treat, especially for anyone who loves strawberry-flavored desserts.
Gift Giving: Package these donuts in a cute box or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to preserve their freshness for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These donuts freeze well! To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts can be kept for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Reheating

To reheat the donuts, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular strawberry puree instead of freeze-dried strawberry powder?

For the best results, freeze-dried strawberry powder is recommended as it provides a concentrated flavor and natural color. Fresh strawberry puree may alter the texture of the batter.

2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin. The shape will be different, but they’ll still taste just as delicious.

3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps the donuts rise, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

4. Can I use another fruit powder for the donuts?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruit powders like blueberry, raspberry, or even banana for different flavors.

5. How can I make the glaze thicker?

To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add more water or lemon juice.

6. Are these donuts gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

7. Can I add chocolate to these donuts?

Yes, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top or add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.

8. How long do these donuts last?

These donuts last about 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. If you store them in the fridge, they’ll last up to 5 days.

9. Can I freeze the donut batter?

It’s not recommended to freeze the donut batter, but you can freeze baked donuts and glaze them later.

10. Can I skip the freeze-dried strawberries for the topping?

Yes, the topping is optional, but it adds a nice touch of flavor and color. You can skip it or substitute with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Sprinkle Donut Hearts are the perfect way to indulge in a naturally flavored, dye-free treat. The combination of soft donuts, tangy glaze, and freeze-dried strawberry toppings makes these donuts a must-try. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and delicious to eat, making them a fantastic addition to any celebration. Enjoy the sweetness of strawberry in every bite and share them with someone special today!

Related Posts: