Name: Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅓ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered; 1 cup strawberry purée; 2/3 cup cane sugar (organic for vegan-friendly); 1/4 cup avocado oil (or melted refined coconut oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups almond flour (Wellbee’s recommended); 2/3 cup potato starch (NOT potato flour); 1/4 cup arrowroot starch; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1 to 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar (organic for vegan-friendly); 3 Tbsp strawberry purée; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch sea salt

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If you have been dreaming of a delightful treat that's not only scrumptious but also kind to your dietary needs, this Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these donuts are a soft, tender bite of heaven, perfectly sweetened and naturally vibrant. This recipe combines wholesome, gluten-free ingredients with plant-based goodness, making every donut a guilt-free indulgence that even your non-vegan friends will crave. Get ready to bake a batch that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate in the center filled with fresh, bright red strawberry pieces, some quartered and some halved, showing their juicy texture. Surrounding the plate, there are wooden and white small bowls and spoons holding white powdered sugar, light yellow sugar, cream-colored almond flour, and a small measure of golden liquid in a copper measuring cup with a wooden handle. The background is a white marbled surface, with a few strawberry pieces scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together beautifully to create donuts that are moist, flavorful, and perfectly fluffy. Each item plays a crucial role, from the fresh strawberries adding natural sweetness and color, to the almond flour lending a tender crumb, ensuring your donuts are both delicious and allergy-friendly.

Fresh strawberries (2 ⅓ cups): Provides a fresh, fruity base and the lovely natural color that makes these donuts irresistible.
Strawberry purée (1 cup plus 3 Tbsp): Adds concentrated sweetness and moisture for an even berry-rich experience.
Cane sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens the donuts with an organic, vegan-friendly touch for balanced flavor.
Avocado oil (¼ cup): Keeps the donuts tender while adding subtle richness without overwhelming the flavors.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + ¼ tsp): Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of the strawberry notes.
Almond flour (2 cups): Creates the perfect gluten-free texture with a light, nutty undertone.
Potato starch (⅔ cup): Important for structure; remember to use starch, not flour, for best results.
Arrowroot starch (¼ cup): Helps bind the ingredients, delivering a delicate crumb.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the donuts a necessary lift and airiness.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon + pinch): Balances sweetness and brightens the flavors overall.
Powdered sugar (1-1 ¼ cups): Used for the glaze to create a silky, sweet coating that complements the donuts perfectly.

How to Make Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when the batter is prepared. Grease your donut pan generously with avocado oil or refined coconut oil to prevent sticking – a crucial step for a smooth release of your delicate donuts.

Step 2: Create Smooth Strawberry Purée

Pop the hulled and quartered fresh strawberries into a high-speed blender. Blend until you achieve a perfectly smooth consistency - about one minute. This purée is the heart of both the donuts and the glaze, packing in that vibrant strawberry essence you’ll love.

Step 3: Mix the Donut Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of your fresh strawberry purée, cane sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Then add almond flour, potato starch, arrowroot starch, baking powder, and sea salt. Whisk everything until fully combined with no streaks of flour visible. This batter is lovely and thick, promising tender donuts.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared donut pan, spreading into 12 donuts (or bake in two batches if your pan only has six rings). Smooth the tops gently and pop into the oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden hue and the donuts spring back when gently pressed, indicating they’re perfectly done.

Step 5: Let Donuts Cool Before Glazing

After baking, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes so they firm up slightly and are easier to handle. Then transfer them onto a cooling rack to cool completely – this step is key so the glaze sets nicely without melting into the donut.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of strawberry purée, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Adjust the powdered sugar to achieve a thick but pourable glaze that can nicely coat the donuts when dipped. A perfectly balanced glaze adds that final touch of sweetness and strawberry flair.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Dip each fully cooled donut into the glaze, coating about the top third. Place them back on the cooling rack to let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy these while the glaze is still slightly drippy for a luscious experience, or wait for the glaze to firm up for neat, pretty donuts.

How to Serve Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate filled with eight shiny pink glazed donuts placed in three rows, some touching each other. The donuts have a smooth, glossy texture with a round hole in the center. Around the plate, there are fresh red strawberry pieces with the seeds visible, scattered randomly. To the lower right, a small white bowl holds some bright red strawberry sauce with a white spoon inside it. On the upper right side, a white spoon rests on the white marbled surface, with a little strawberry sauce dripping from it. On the upper left, one donut lies on the surface with a bite taken out, showing its soft, light inside. In the bottom left corner, there is a crumpled pink cloth adding color contrast against the white marble. The whole scene is bright and clean, with soft natural light highlighting the sweet textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe even further, sprinkle some finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries or a light dusting of additional powdered sugar over the glaze. A few mint leaves or edible flowers can add a pop of color and freshness, making them look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your strawberry donuts with a warm cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of almond milk for a lovely contrast in temperature and flavor. Fresh fruit salads or a bowl of mixed berries can complement the fruity theme beautifully and keep the overall meal light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these donuts stacked on a pretty cake stand or arranged in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden board for gatherings. Wrap individual donuts in parchment paper tied with twine to give as heartfelt homemade gifts, or serve them alongside a small bowl of vegan whipped cream for dipping pleasure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keeping them covered well helps maintain their soft texture and prevents the glaze from drying out.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again, and refresh in the oven if desired.

Reheating

Warm your donuts gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-from-the-oven softness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the glaze crisp and prevent the donuts from becoming too dense.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for the Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending to prevent a batter that's too runny.

What if I don’t have arrowroot starch?

If you don’t have arrowroot starch, tapioca starch or corn starch can be a suitable substitute. Just keep in mind the slight differences in thickening properties and make adjustments accordingly.

Can I make these donuts without avocado oil?

Absolutely! You can swap avocado oil for melted refined coconut oil as the recipe suggests. Both fats keep the donuts moist and tender without overpowering the strawberry flavor.

Are these donuts suitable for people with nut allergies?

This recipe calls for almond flour, which contains nuts. For those with nut allergies, you might try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. The texture and flavor might differ from the original.

How long do these donuts last once glazed?

Once glazed, it’s best to enjoy these donuts within 2-3 days to experience their freshness at its peak. Beyond that, the glaze and texture may start to degrade.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe a go because it truly brightens any day with its fruity, fluffy goodness. They’re a perfect treat to share with family, friends, or just enjoy as a cozy indulgence. The joy of homemade donuts that fit your vegan and gluten-free lifestyle has never been easier or more delicious. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

Easy Baked Strawberry Donuts (Vegan + GF) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need