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I created these strawberry crunch donuts last spring after my daughter begged me to recreate her favorite ice cream truck treat in donut form. After some kitchen experiments (and a few less-than-perfect batches), these beautiful pink treats became an instant family favorite. The combination of soft donut, sweet glaze, and that distinctive crunchy strawberry coating creates something truly special that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creates that nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar flavor in donut form
- Offers both baked and fried options depending on your preference
- Makes a stunning pink-hued treat perfect for brunch or special occasions
My neighbor Kathy stopped by while these were cooling on the counter and couldn't believe I'd made them myself. Her teenage daughter now requests these instead of birthday cake every year! Even my husband, who claims he's "not a donut person," ate three in one sitting the first time I made them.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour - Provides the perfect structure for donuts that are tender but hold their shape
- Strawberry puree - Fresh strawberries blended and strained create the most vibrant color and authentic flavor
- Golden Oreos - The vanilla cookies create the perfect base for the crunch topping
- Freeze-dried strawberries - These pack serious strawberry punch without adding moisture that would make the topping soggy
- Fresh strawberries - The final fresh garnish adds color and reinforces the real fruit flavor
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mixing Magic
- Whisk your dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients to ensure even distribution of baking powder. When combining wet and dry, use gentle folding motions and stop as soon as no dry streaks remain. Overmixing activates gluten and creates tough donuts. The batter should be thick but pourable - if it seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Perfect Baking
- If using a donut pan, fill each cavity only about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising. Before baking, tap the pan firmly against the counter several times to release air bubbles. Check for doneness by lightly pressing the top - it should spring back completely. Cool in the pan for exactly five minutes before removing, as too little time makes them stick and too much time makes them soggy.
- Frying Technique
- For fried donuts, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about half-inch thickness. Use two different sized circular cutters for traditional donut shapes. Test oil temperature by frying a small scrap of dough - it should bubble immediately and rise to the surface. Maintain consistent oil temperature by adjusting heat as needed. Fry only 2-3 donuts at a time to prevent overcrowding and temperature drops.
- Glaze Consistency
- The strawberry glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still run off in a smooth stream. If too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. For the most vibrant color, use fresh strawberry puree rather than jam. Dip donuts when they're completely cool but the glaze is still slightly warm for the smoothest coating. Let excess drip off for about 10 seconds before placing on rack.
- Crunch Assembly
- Process golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries separately before combining to maintain distinct colors in the topping. The melted butter should be just enough to moisten the crumbs without making them soggy. Apply crunch topping immediately after glazing while still wet. Gently press crumbs onto sides of donuts for maximum coverage. Reserve some topping to sprinkle on just before serving for guaranteed crunch.
I learned the hard way that adding the fresh strawberry garnish too early leads to weepy donuts! Now I add them just before serving. My daughter loves helping make these - crushing the cookies and sprinkling the topping are perfect kid-friendly tasks.
Serving Suggestions
Present these donuts on a tiered stand for maximum visual impact at brunches or showers. The pink color makes them perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or baby girl celebrations. Serve alongside fresh strawberry lemonade for a coordinated treat. For breakfast service, pair with vanilla bean coffee or mimosas for an adults-only brunch. Consider making mini versions using a smaller donut pan or cutting smaller circles for elegant tea party portions.
Creative Variations
Try raspberry variation by substituting raspberry puree and freeze-dried raspberries for a deeper pink color and different flavor profile. Create chocolate-dipped version by coating half the donut in chocolate glaze before applying strawberry crunch to the other half. Make filled version by piping strawberry cream or pastry cream into the center of each donut before glazing. During holidays, add colored sprinkles or edible glitter to the crunch topping for festive appearance.
Storage Solutions
Store completely cooled donuts in airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts in freezer bags for up to one month, then thaw and decorate when ready to serve. The crunch topping can be made several days ahead and stored in airtight container. Prepare glaze up to two days ahead and rewarm gently when ready to use.
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Baking Wisdom
Room temperature ingredients create the most even-textured donuts
For extra height, let batter rest 10 minutes before baking or frying
If making both baked and fried versions, the fried ones need slightly less glaze
These strawberry crunch donuts have become something of a signature treat in our household. Everyone who tries them absolutely raves and wants the recipe. While they look elaborate, the steps are actually quite straightforward once you've made them once. The combination of soft donut, sweet-tart glaze, and that distinctive crunchy topping creates something truly special that bridges the gap between homemade comfort and bakery-quality treat. Every time I make these, they disappear within hours!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
- You can make the donuts and crumble topping a day ahead, but it's best to glaze and assemble them within a few hours of serving for the best texture. Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container.
- → Do I need a special donut pan to make these?
- For baked donuts, a donut pan is ideal. If you don't have one, you can use a muffin tin with foil shaped in the center to create a donut shape. For fried donuts, you can use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut circles from rolled dough.
- → Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos?
- Yes, though the crumble will be darker in color. The golden vanilla cookies provide a more traditional 'strawberry shortcake' look and flavor, but chocolate Oreos would make a delicious chocolate-strawberry variation.
- → Where can I find freeze-dried strawberries?
- Most grocery stores carry freeze-dried fruits in either the snack section, baking aisle, or health food section. They're also readily available online. If you can't find them, you can substitute strawberry Jell-O powder for a similar flavor and color.
- → How long do these donuts stay fresh?
- These donuts are best enjoyed the same day they're made, but will last up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. The crumble topping may soften over time.