Strawberry Frosted Donuts with Rainbow Sprinkles are a fun, colorful, and delicious treat that brings joy to any occasion. Soft, fluffy donuts are baked or fried to golden perfection, then topped with a sweet strawberry glaze and finished with vibrant rainbow sprinkles for a playful touch.

These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a festive treat for parties. The combination of tender dough, fruity frosting, and colorful sprinkles creates a visually appealing and indulgent experience. Homemade donuts like these allow you to enjoy fresh, customizable flavors with a bakery-quality finish.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers the perfect balance of soft, airy donuts and sweet, fruity frosting. The strawberry glaze is fresh and naturally flavorful, enhancing the donut without being overly sweet.

Rainbow sprinkles add a playful crunch and make the donuts visually irresistible, ideal for kids and adults alike. Baking the donuts at home allows for creativity in shapes, toppings, and frosting thickness. Every bite is soft, sweet, and slightly fruity, making these donuts a nostalgic and comforting treat that’s also fun to prepare.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines classic donut texture with fresh strawberry flavor and whimsical sprinkles, creating a treat that is both indulgent and visually appealing. These donuts are versatile and can be adapted for birthdays, celebrations, or casual brunches.

They are approachable for home bakers while delivering a professional, bakery-style finish. The combination of soft donuts, fruity glaze, and colorful sprinkles makes this recipe memorable and perfect for anyone looking to brighten their table with flavor and fun.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes plus 1 hour rising time (for yeast donuts)
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per donut
Course: Dessert / Breakfast
Cuisine: American / Bakery-Style

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Strawberry Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed for consistency

For Topping

• ¼–½ cup rainbow sprinkles

Cooking Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover dough and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness and cut circles using a donut cutter.
5. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. Combine powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla, and milk to make glaze. Adjust consistency if necessary.
7. Dip cooled donuts into strawberry glaze, then sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. Allow glaze to set.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate Yeast
Mix warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape Donuts
Roll dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter to cut out circles.

Step 5: Fry Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make Strawberry Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency to ensure glaze is pourable.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. Allow glaze to set for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve these donuts fresh at breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They pair well with coffee, milk, or a light fruit salad. Display them on a platter for parties or celebrations for a fun and colorful presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the glaze.
• Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
• Let donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.
• For a smoother glaze, strain strawberry puree to remove seeds.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan to maintain even cooking.

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Substitute strawberry puree with cocoa powder and milk for chocolate frosting.
• Vanilla Sprinkles: Use white glaze with colorful sprinkles for a classic look.
• Baked Version: Bake in a donut pan at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes as a healthier alternative.
• Mixed Fruit Glaze: Combine strawberry and raspberry puree for a mixed berry flavor.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut cutter for bite-sized versions, adjusting frying time to 1–2 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Warm donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep frying pot or skillet
• Thermometer for oil
• Donut cutter
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack
• Spoon or piping bag for glaze

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough produces a softer, fresher donut.

Q2: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Q3: Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Yes, thaw and puree before using.

Q4: How do I prevent sprinkles from sliding off?
Dip donuts while glaze is still wet so sprinkles adhere properly.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and vegan butter.

Conclusion

Strawberry Frosted Donuts with Rainbow Sprinkles are a colorful, fun, and delicious treat that combines soft, tender donuts with sweet strawberry glaze and playful sprinkles. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or celebrations, these donuts bring joy to any table. Homemade and customizable, they allow you to enjoy fresh flavors and a bakery-quality finish at home. Soft, fruity, and visually appealing, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends while creating a memorable, festive experience.