Description
These Strawberry Donut Holes are bite-sized delights blending fresh, juicy strawberries with soft, fluffy donut holes. Perfect as a quick treat or for sharing at gatherings, they offer a sweet, fruity flavor with a tender texture and a crisp golden exterior. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences and make every occasion special.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (mashed or finely chopped)
For Frying and Finishing
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash fresh strawberries, remove stems, and either finely chop or mash them based on desired strawberry intensity in the batter. Mashing yields a smoother, more evenly distributed flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even blending which aids in the rise and texture of the donut holes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the prepared strawberries. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Create the Batter: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter thick but scoopable.
- Fry the Donut Holes: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Finish and Serve: Dust donut holes generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional garnishes like cinnamon or fresh strawberry slices.
Notes
- Always use fresh strawberries for best flavor and color.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking without burning.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
- If batter is too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a little flour.
- Use a kitchen thermometer for precise oil temperature control.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To make vegan, replace egg with flaxseed meal and milk with almond or oat milk.
- You can bake instead of frying by placing spoonfuls on a greased sheet and baking at 375°F for about 12 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep texture fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 donut holes
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: strawberry donut holes, strawberry dessert, bite-sized sweets, fried donut holes, quick dessert, fruit donuts