I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
WELCOME!
Affiliate links included. Thanks for supporting the brands I trust!
Soft gluten-free baked donuts filled with fresh strawberries and topped with a fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting. These Strawberry Buttercream Donuts are perfect for spring brunches, baby showers, weekend baking, or anyone looking for a bakery-style strawberry donut made completely from scratch at home.
Fresh strawberries folded into a tender baked donut and topped with a cloud of naturally pink strawberry buttercream make these one of my favorite ways to celebrate berry season. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, storage tips, ingredient substitutions, and everything you need to create beautiful bakery-style strawberry donuts right in your own kitchen.
The combination of sweet strawberries, vanilla, and fluffy buttercream feels like something you’d find in the display case of a charming neighborhood bakery. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.
If you’ve never made homemade baked donuts before, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know!
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS POST
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Step-By-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
Variations and Substitutions
Storage Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Hosting Tip
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Recipe Card
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE STRAWBERRY DONUTS
Made with real strawberries
Naturally gluten-free
Baked instead of fried
Soft, tender cake-like texture
Fresh strawberry buttercream frosting
Perfect for spring and summer entertaining
Beautiful addition to brunch spreads and dessert tables
INGREDIENTS
DONUTS
Gluten-Free Baking Flour (See Recipe Card for Recommendations)
Granulated Sugar
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Sea Salt
Egg
Butter
Vanilla Extract
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fresh Strawberries
STRAWBERRY BUTTERCREAM
Butter
Powdered Sugar
Fresh Strawberries
Sea Salt
EQUIPMENT
Donut Pan (this recipe makes 9 donuts)
Mixing Bowls
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Whisk
Rubber Spatula
Blender or Food Processor
Cooling Rack
Piping Bag or Zip-Loc Bag
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Pan. Preheat your oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a donut pan and set aside. This recipe makes 9 donuts.
Make the Strawberry Puree. Wash and hull about 4 – 5 ounces of fresh strawberries. Toss them into a blender or food processor and pulse until completely smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together : gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
Make the Batter. In the same bowl, add : egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and strawberry puree. Mix until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of finely diced strawberries. Avoid over-mixing to keep the donuts tender.
Fill the Pan. Transfer batter to a piping bag. Pipe into donut cavities until approximately 3/4 full.
Bake. Bake for 15 – 18 minutes. The donuts are done when the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
Make the Strawberry Buttercream. Beat 11 tablespoons of softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix in 2 – 4 tablespoons of strawberry puree along with a pinch of salt. Continue whipping until smooth and fluffy. Transfer buttercream to a piping bag and pipe onto cooled donuts, or simply spread with a knife.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Use Fresh Strawberries. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid frozen strawberries, which can introduce excess moisture.
Cool Before Frosting. Warm donuts will melt the buttercream. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
Don’t Over Mix. Over mixing can create dense donuts. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Make Them Dairy-Free. Use a vegan butter alternative in the frosting, and you can omit the egg but it will change the consistency a bit.
Add Lemon. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest to the batter for a bright strawberry-lemon variation.
Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the buttercream for extra color and flavor.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Refrigerator : Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer : Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are these donuts fried or baked?
These are baked donuts, making them easier to prepare at home while still delivering a soft, tender texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the donuts one day ahead and frost before serving. These also hold beautifully covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use regular flour?
Yes, if you don’t need them gluten-free. Substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
Why add apple cider vinegar?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a lighter texture and better rise.
Can I freeze the buttercream?
Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and re-whip before using.
HOSTING TIP
For brunches, showers, and weekend gatherings, frost the donuts a few hours before guests arrive and arrange them on a cake stand alongside fresh strawberries and coffee.
They instantly become a centerpiece and look far more impressive than the effort required to make them.
Soft gluten-free baked strawberry donuts made with fresh strawberries and topped with a fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting. Perfect for brunch, celebrations, and spring baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Donuts
1 1/2 cups gluten-free baking flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup strawberry puree (about 5 – 6 ounces of fresh strawberries)
1 cup finely diced strawberries
Buttercream Frosting
11 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 – 4 tablespoons strawberry puree
1 tablespoon water, if needed
pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Pan. Preheat your oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a donut pan and set aside. This recipe makes 9 donuts.
Make the Strawberry Puree. Wash and hull about 4 – 5 ounces of fresh strawberries. Toss them into a blender or food processor and pulse until completely smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together : gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
Make the Batter. In the same bowl, add : egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and strawberry puree. Mix until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of finely diced strawberries. Avoid over-mixing to keep the donuts tender.
Fill the Pan. Transfer batter to a piping bag. Pipe into donut cavities until approximately 3/4 full.
Bake. Bake for 15 – 18 minutes. The donuts are done when the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
Make the Strawberry Buttercream. Beat 11 tablespoons of softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix in 2 – 4 tablespoons of strawberry puree along with a pinch of salt. Continue whipping until smooth and fluffy. Transfer buttercream to a piping bag and pipe onto cooled donuts, or simply spread with a knife.
For stronger strawberry flavor, add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the buttercream.
Store refrigerated due to the fresh fruit frosting.
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:18 minutes
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 donut
Calories:345
Sugar:30 g
Fat:19 g
Carbohydrates:44 g
Fiber:2 g
Protein:3 g
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
+ Show / Hide Comments
Share to: