Name: Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry flavored cake mix; 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (divided); 1 cup water; 2 eggs; 3 Tablespoons butter, melted; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup flour; 3 Tablespoons butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 Tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 53 reviews

If you are searching for a show-stopping treat that combines fluffy texture with fruity sweetness, this Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender donuts bursting with juicy chopped strawberries folded right into the batter, topped with a buttery streusel and a luscious glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. These donuts deliver the perfect balance between a homemade coffee cake and a delightful pastry, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack any time of the day.

Ingredients You'll Need

This image shows a top view of ingredients on a white marbled surface: a white bowl filled with bright red strawberries with green leaves at the top center, four brown eggs placed in the top right, a glass bowl of white flour with a red rim in the middle, a small glass bowl of yellow liquid near the bottom right, a clear glass bowl of white sugar on the left, a small white bowl of pale yellow liquid near the bottom center, a clear glass cup of milk at the middle left, and a metal measuring spoon with white powder near the bottom left. All items are neatly arranged with natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly easy yet packed with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the strawberry cake mix giving that vibrant color and fruit essence, to the fresh strawberries adding natural bursts of juicy sweetness.

Strawberry flavored cake mix: The base brings bright strawberry flavor and a tender crumb to the donuts.

Fresh strawberries (2 cups, chopped): One cup blends into the batter, while the other adds freshness on top.
Water (1 cup): Hydrates the cake mix for soft and moist donuts.
Eggs (2): Provide structure and richness.
Butter (6 Tablespoons, melted, divided): Adds richness to both the batter and the streusel topping.

Brown sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and caramelizes the streusel with a hint of molasses depth.
Flour (¾ cup): Combines with sugar to create the crumbly streusel texture.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Forms a smooth, sweet glaze for drizzling.

Milk (2 Tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze consistency to perfect flow.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the glaze with a warm, aromatic finish.

How to Make Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Donut Pans

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, make sure to generously spray your donut pans with a non-stick baking spray. This step is crucial for easy donut removal later and ensures your beautiful creations bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Using a hand or stand mixer, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, eggs, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter until you get a smooth and luscious batter. Then gently fold in one cup of the chopped fresh strawberries. This mixture is already smelling incredible, and those little strawberry pieces infuse moist bursts of flavor throughout the donuts.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

This streusel is what transforms these donuts from ordinary to extraordinary by adding a buttery, crumbly top layer. Mix the flour and brown sugar in a bowl, then slowly pour in the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir just until combined — the topping should be crumbly, not doughy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with the strawberry batter. Then sprinkle approximately half a tablespoon of the streusel topping over each filled donut. For an extra pop of fresh fruit, add some of the remaining chopped strawberries on top of the streusel before baking. Slide the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. When baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Glaze and Enjoy

Mix your powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a gorgeous glaze. Drizzle it generously over each cooled donut. Watching the glaze cascade down the sides is the perfect finishing touch, and the sweet vanilla adds harmony to the vibrant strawberry flavors. Now your delicious Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe

The image shows five round donuts on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each donut has one visible layer covered with a pale pink glaze that is mixed with small red strawberry pieces spread unevenly across the surface. The donuts have a soft texture with holes in the middle. A whole fresh strawberry with green leaves sits on the plate next to the donuts, adding a bright red and green color contrast. The lighting is bright and soft, highlighting the shiny glaze and the fresh fruit details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add visual appeal and extra flavor by sprinkling a few freeze-dried strawberry crumbles or dusting powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh mint leaves also make a pretty and aromatic addition that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine on their own but try pairing with a cup of rich coffee, a creamy cappuccino, or even a fruity herbal tea to complement the strawberry sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt on the side adds balance if you’re serving these for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange the donuts on a tiered cake stand alongside fresh strawberry bouquets. Or stack them on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering. You might even thread a small donut onto a skewered strawberry for a playful handheld treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve the freshness and moisture. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry the donuts out.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze cooled donuts in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Make sure they are completely cooled and well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or stored donuts in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a toaster oven for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back their soft, tender texture. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe to maintain texture and flavor, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze to make these donuts suitable for dairy-free diets.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

The recipe uses a boxed strawberry cake mix and standard flour in the streusel, so it's not gluten-free as is. You could try a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free flour alternative, but results may vary.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the batter?

Sprinkle the streusel gently on top without pressing it down, and bake the donuts immediately. This helps keep the topping on the surface, creating that delicious crumbly texture.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Absolutely! Add more powdered sugar if you want a thicker glaze or a splash more milk to thin it out. Stir thoroughly to achieve your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe is like inviting a little bit of bakery magic into your own kitchen. They are perfect for brightening mornings or surprising friends with something special and homemade. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients can create something truly unforgettable and delicious!

Strawberry Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need