Celebrate National Donut Day with Delightful Strawberry Sweet Tea Donuts
- Carlena Davis
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
June 5th marks National Donut Day, a perfect occasion to enjoy a sweet treat that brings joy to many. This year, why not try a fresh twist on the classic donut with a recipe that combines the flavors of strawberry and sweet tea? These Strawberry Sweet Tea Donuts are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing taste. Below, you will find the recipe and tips to make these delicious donuts at home.
Why Choose Baked Donuts?
Traditional donuts are often fried, which adds extra calories and fat. Baking donuts offers several benefits:
Healthier option: Less oil means fewer calories and less fat.
Easier preparation: No need for deep frying equipment or dealing with hot oil.
Less mess: Baking keeps your kitchen cleaner and reduces cleanup time.
Consistent texture: Baking ensures even cooking and a soft, tender crumb.
By baking these Strawberry Sweet Tea Donuts, you get to enjoy a treat that feels indulgent but is a bit better for you. Below is the link to the Donut mold and grocery shopping list.
Ingredients for the Donut Batter
To make the donuts, gather the following ingredients:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup brewed sweet tea, cooled
¼ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup diced fresh strawberries
The combination of sweet tea and fresh strawberries gives these donuts a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and sweet.
Preparing the Donut Batter
Follow these steps to prepare the batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the cooled sweet tea, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Making the Sweet Tea Glaze
The glaze adds a glossy finish and extra flavor to the donuts. Here’s what you need:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons concentrated sweet tea
Splash of lemon juice
To prepare the glaze:
In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of concentrated sweet tea.
Add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Adjust the consistency by adding more sweet tea if needed until the glaze is smooth and slightly runny.
Decorating Your Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip them into the sweet tea glaze. Then, top them with:
Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs for a burst of strawberry flavor and a crunchy texture.
Lemon sugar to add a subtle citrusy sweetness and a bit of sparkle.
These toppings not only enhance the taste but also make the donuts visually appealing.
Tips for Perfect Donuts Every Time
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure the sweet tea is fully cooled before adding it to the batter to avoid cooking the egg.
Don’t overfill the donut pan cavities to prevent overflow.
Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Strawberry Sweet Tea Donut recipe is a great way to celebrate National Donut Day with something different. It combines familiar flavors in a new form and offers a healthier alternative to fried donuts. Plus, baking donuts at home lets you control the ingredients and customize toppings to your liking.
Whether you want to impress friends at a brunch or enjoy a special treat with your afternoon tea, these donuts fit the bill. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing.
Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these delightful donuts that bring a taste of summer to your kitchen.