Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts

These Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts are an easy and delicious treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The strawberries add a natural burst of flavor while the cake mix makes for a quick and fuss-free dough. With a light dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts are both visually appealing and irresistible.

Whether you’re preparing a weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack, these donuts are bound to please. They are soft, fluffy, and a great balance of fruity sweetness with a creamy undertone. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll want to bake a batch every weekend!

Full Recipe:

1 box strawberry cake mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries until evenly incorporated.
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the donuts for a sweet finishing touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal per donut | Servings: 12 donuts

History and Origin

While donuts have a long and rich history, the specific creation of cake mix donuts, like the Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts, is a more recent innovation, born from the desire to simplify the traditional donut-making process. Donuts themselves trace their origins back to Dutch settlers in early America, who brought recipes for fried dough with them. Over the centuries, these simple fried pastries evolved into the donuts we know and love today, with the addition of glazes, fillings, and toppings like powdered sugar.

Cake mix donuts are a modern take on the traditional donut, using pre-made cake mixes as a base to speed up the process. This invention allows for a quicker, less complicated approach to making donuts, with all the joy and flavor of the classic, time-consuming recipe. By combining the ease of cake mix with the delightful flavor combination of strawberries and cream, this recipe takes a shortcut to deliciousness without compromising on taste.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts lies in their versatility. While this particular recipe uses a cake mix base, the idea can be adapted in many ways depending on personal preferences or regional influences. Here are a few variations that you might want to try:

Different Fruit Options: If you’re not a fan of strawberries or just want to try something different, substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. For a tropical twist, pineapple or mango chunks could also be a delicious option.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Version: For those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can swap out the eggs and milk for plant-based alternatives. Almond milk or coconut milk works wonderfully, and a flax egg can replace the traditional eggs. Additionally, substituting sour cream for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream can maintain the creamy texture while making the recipe accessible to more people.
Flavored Cake Mixes: While this recipe calls for a strawberry cake mix, you can get creative with different flavored cake mixes. Chocolate, vanilla, or lemon cake mixes could provide different flavor profiles that complement various fruit fillings.
Toppings and Glazes: While powdered sugar is a classic finish for donuts, consider adding a glaze. A simple cream cheese glaze, chocolate glaze, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup could elevate the flavor profile. You could also sprinkle crushed nuts or granola on top for added texture.

Nutritional Information

Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts, like most baked goods, are best enjoyed in moderation. But they’re also a much lighter option compared to traditional fried donuts, especially when baked instead of fried. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one donut (assuming 12 donuts in the batch):

Calories: 200 kcal
Protein: 2 grams
Fat: 9 grams (3.5 grams saturated)
Carbohydrates: 28 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugar: 14 grams
Sodium: 190 milligrams

The donuts also provide a modest amount of calcium and potassium from the milk and sour cream. While these donuts may not be particularly high in protein or fiber, the addition of fresh strawberries offers some beneficial vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which is essential for immune health and collagen production.

For those who are mindful of their sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar for a lighter option or swap it for a sugar-free glaze. Adding nuts or using whole grain flour in the mix could also slightly enhance the nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other foods and beverages to create a more complete meal or treat. Here are a few ideas:

With Coffee or Tea: The soft, sweet flavor of these donuts makes them an ideal pairing with your morning coffee or a cup of tea. A warm latte, cappuccino, or herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint would be perfect for balancing the sweetness of the donuts.
With Fresh Fruit: Since strawberries are already in the donuts, why not serve them with additional fresh fruit on the side? A fruit salad with citrus fruits, berries, or even a drizzle of honey can complement the donuts beautifully.
For Brunch: These donuts could also be part of a brunch spread. Pair them with savory options like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or smoked salmon for a delightful contrast between sweet and savory flavors.
With Ice Cream: If you’re serving these donuts as a dessert, consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. This is a perfect combination of warm donuts with cold, creamy ice cream for a refreshing treat.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips and expert advice:

Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense donuts. A few lumps are okay!
Fresh Strawberries Are Key: While you can use frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and moisture that frozen berries can’t match. If using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Proper Donut Pan: If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can also bake these in muffin tins, but the texture and shape will be slightly different. Ensure that you grease the pan thoroughly so the donuts come out easily after baking.
Allow Cooling Time: Let the donuts cool slightly before adding any toppings like powdered sugar. This will prevent the sugar from melting immediately and give the donuts a nice, delicate dusting.

Potential Health Benefits

Although Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts are a treat best enjoyed on occasion, they do have some potential health benefits thanks to the ingredients used.

Strawberries: Rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, strawberries can help support immune function and overall health. They also provide a natural sweetness, reducing the need for excess sugar in the recipe.
Sour Cream: While not typically viewed as a health food, sour cream is a source of calcium and Vitamin A. If you choose to use a dairy-free alternative, options like coconut yogurt can provide probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Baking Over Frying: By baking the donuts instead of frying them, you’re reducing the overall fat content and making a healthier version of this indulgent treat. Baking also allows you to avoid the use of added oils or fats typically used in frying.

Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts are a perfect combination of convenience and flavor. They’re an easy, yet impressive treat that’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry goodness.

So, if you’re looking for a simple yet delicious recipe to add to your baking repertoire, give these Strawberries and Cream Cake Mix Donuts a try. They’re sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a satisfied sweet tooth.