Chocolate-Drenched Strawberry Donuts

Name: Chocolate-Drenched Strawberry Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Tasty Treat Recipes

I absolutely love making Chocolate-Drenched Strawberry Donuts for a delightful treat that combines fruity freshness with rich chocolate. These donuts are incredibly fun to make, and the moment you sink your teeth into one, the burst of strawberry flavor coated in smooth chocolate is simply heavenly. I often whip these up for weekend brunch or special occasions because they impress everyone. Plus, they’re a perfect way to utilize fresh strawberries in a delectable dessert everyone loves!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T13:39:31.275Z

When I first decided to make these Chocolate-Drenched Strawberry Donuts, I wanted to create something that not only looked gorgeous but also captured the essence of spring. Using fresh strawberries made a huge difference in flavor. I halved the strawberries and mixed them into the batter for an extra fruity punch and topped the entire donut with chocolate glaze for that luscious finish.

What really worked well for me was ensuring the donuts were warm when glazed. The warm donuts allowed the chocolate to perfectly melt and adhere. I recommend letting the excess chocolate drip off for a cleaner finish, which also prevents a huge mess while eating!

        Why You'll Love These Donuts
        The perfect balance of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors
Soft, fluffy donuts with a delightful moist texture
Great for sharing at gatherings or keeping all to yourself!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt creates the foundation for airy and tender donuts. Each component plays a pivotal role: flour gives structure, sugar adds sweetness, and baking powder helps the donuts rise. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, but be mindful that the texture may vary slightly.

Using fresh strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the donuts moist. Make sure to chop the strawberries into small pieces to allow even distribution throughout the batter. If berries aren't in season, you can use frozen strawberries; just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When filling the donut pan, aim for two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflowing. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter after adding the strawberries; this ensures that the donuts remain soft and fluffy rather than dense. Gently folding the strawberries in gives you the best texture and helps prevent them from breaking down too much during the mixing.

Once baked, look for a light golden color and a springy texture; they should bounce back when pressed gently. This indicates they are perfectly cooked. If you notice that your donuts are browning too quickly, consider reducing the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and baking for a bit longer to achieve the right internal doneness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and delectable ingredients to create your very own Chocolate-Drenched Strawberry Donuts!

For the Donuts

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Chocolate Glaze

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sprinkles (optional)

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these amazing donuts!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, then gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.

Bake the Donuts

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Glaze the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool slightly, then dip them in the chocolate glaze, letting any excess chocolate drip off. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a dash of almond extract or using milk chocolate chips for the glaze instead of dark chocolate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

After your donuts have cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, if you want to keep them fresher for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place individual donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month.

If you're preparing for an event, you can make the donut batter a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before filling the pan. The chocolate glaze can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just reheat it gently in the microwave to get it back to a pourable consistency.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your chocolate-drenched donuts! You can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist. For a more decadent treat, try adding chocolate chips to the batter before baking; they’ll melt and create delicious pockets of chocolate.

For an extra flavor boost, consider infusing the chocolate glaze with a splash of peppermint extract or sea salt for a gourmet touch. You can also switch up the type of chocolate used in the glaze—white chocolate or milk chocolate can give a completely different flavor profile that still pairs wonderfully with strawberries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.

→ How can I make these donuts healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use a sugar alternative.

→ Can I make the donut batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake them fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients and store for a day or two.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.