Description

These delightful strawberry sprinkle donut hearts are light, fluffy, and full of natural strawberry flavor, thanks to freeze-dried strawberry powder. Topped with a sweet, tangy glaze and crumbled freeze-dried strawberries, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day, and they’re completely dye-free!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

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

For the Toppings:

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

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, freeze-dried strawberry powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the tops of the batter evenly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts 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.
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, stirring until smooth.
Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the donuts back on the wire rack.
Immediately sprinkle the crumbled freeze-dried strawberries on top of the glazed donuts, allowing the topping to set.
Let the glaze harden for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

The freeze-dried strawberry powder gives these donuts a natural pink color and intense strawberry flavor without the use of any artificial dyes.
You can use any fruit powder in place of the freeze-dried strawberry powder if you prefer another flavor.
For extra sweetness, you can also top with sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Vegan (if using dairy-free butter and milk)

Keywords: Strawberry Donuts, Donut Hearts, Dye-Free Donuts, Strawberry Glazed Donuts, Homemade Donuts