Eloise Moon Donuts have always been a symbol of comfort, sweetness, and celebration. But in recent years, donut holes have stolen the spotlight as a bite-sized, shareable version of this beloved treat. Among the countless variations, strawberry donut holes stand out as a delightful fusion of soft, cake-like texture and natural fruit flavor.
Unlike traditional deep-fried donuts, strawberry donut holes can be baked to perfection, making them lighter, easier to prepare, and more beginner-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a fun breakfast option, a kid-friendly snack, or a dessert that feels indulgent without being overwhelming, these little gems are the answer.
What Are Strawberry Donut Holes?
Strawberry donut holes are miniature, round pastries made with a cake-style batter infused with fresh strawberries. Instead of shaping large donuts with holes in the middle, the batter is baked (or fried) into bite-sized spheres. The addition of strawberries introduces a fruity sweetness, natural moisture, and a hint of tang, creating a unique twist on the traditional donut hole.
Key characteristics include:
- Small size: Perfect for snacking, parties, and lunch boxes.
- Baked, not fried: Healthier and easier to prepare without oil splatter.
- Flexible toppings: Can be glazed, dusted, or filled for different occasions.
- Kid- and guest-friendly: Loved by all ages for their cute appearance and delightful taste.
Why Choose Baked Over Fried?
Many traditional donut holes are fried, which gives them a crisp exterior but often makes them heavy and greasy. Baking, on the other hand, offers several advantages:
- Healthier choice: Less oil means fewer calories and less fat.
- Cleaner process: No hot oil, no splatters, no lingering fried smell.
- Beginner-friendly: Easier for home bakers to achieve consistent results.
- Versatility: You can bake larger batches at once.
The baked version may not be as crispy as fried, but it makes up for it with a soft, fluffy interior and a light, cake-like bite.
Ingredients for Strawberry Donut Holes (With Measurements)
Here’s the exact recipe to make approximately 24 strawberry donut holes:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- (Optional) a few drops of pink or red food coloring for enhanced color
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon mashed strawberries or strawberry jam
Essential Tools You’ll Need
While specialized tools can help, you don’t need a professional bakery setup. Here are your options:
- Donut Hole Pan: Creates a rounded shape and ensures even baking.
- Mini Muffin Tin: Works as a substitute; results in slightly dome-shaped bites.
- Donut Hole Maker (electric): Great for perfect spheres in minutes.
- Spoon & Baking Sheet: For rustic-style donut holes without special equipment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your chosen baking pan (donut hole pan, muffin tin, or maker).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
- Beat the egg lightly.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
- Pour wet ingredients into dry.
- Stir gently until just combined (overmixing = dense donuts).
- Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Add optional food coloring if desired.
Step 5: Fill the Pan
- Spoon batter into cavities, filling about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- For an electric donut maker, cook for 4–6 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
- Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Dip into glaze, roll in sugar, or dust with powdered sugar.
- Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
- Room-temperature ingredients ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
- Do not overmix—stir gently to keep them fluffy.
- Chop strawberries finely—large chunks can make the batter soggy.
- Drain juicy berries before folding in to avoid excess moisture.
- Glaze at the right time—too hot and it slides off; too cool and it won’t stick.
Creative Glaze & Coating Options
- Classic Strawberry Glaze: Powdered sugar + mashed strawberries.
- Strawberry Jam Icing: Mix jam with powdered sugar for a glossy finish.
- Cinnamon Sugar Roll: Brush warm donut holes with butter, roll in sugar + cinnamon.
- Powdered Sugar Dust: Toss cooled donut holes in powdered sugar.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melted white chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
Fun Variations to Try
- Blueberry Donut Holes – Swap strawberries for blueberries and add lemon zest.
- Chocolate Chip Donut Holes – Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Funfetti Donut Holes – Add rainbow sprinkles to the batter.
- Cinnamon Swirl Donut Holes – Mix cinnamon into the batter and top with glaze.
- Filled Donut Holes – Inject with strawberry jam or cream cheese filling.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated: Up to 5 days (especially if glazed with dairy-based icing).
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donut holes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut Hole, Without Glaze)
- Calories: 85
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
(Add ~25 calories if glazed or sugar-coated.)
20+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw, drain, and pat dry to prevent soggy batter.
Q2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
Q3. Can I fry this recipe?
It’s designed for baking, but thick batter can be fried in hot oil until golden.
Q4. How do I make them pinker?
Add a few drops of food coloring.
Q5. Can I make them vegan?
Yes—replace egg with flax egg, dairy milk with almond/oat milk, and butter with vegan butter.
Q6. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, bake ahead and glaze just before serving.
Q7. Are they healthier than fried donut holes?
Yes—less oil and fewer calories per serving.
Q8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just double all ingredients and use multiple pans.
Q9. Do I need a donut hole pan?
No, a mini muffin tin or even spoonfuls on parchment paper work fine.
Q10. How do I prevent sticking?
Grease pans well or use parchment liners.
Q11. Can I add other fruits?
Yes—blueberries, raspberries, or finely chopped apples work great.
Q12. How do I know when they’re done?
A toothpick should come out clean from the center.
Q13. Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes, substitute granulated sugar with a sweetener like monk fruit.
Q14. Why are my donut holes dense?
Likely due to overmixing or using cold ingredients.
Q15. Can I make them larger?
Yes, bake in a regular muffin tin; adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes.
Q16. Can I add a glaze flavor twist?
Try lemon glaze, chocolate glaze, or cream cheese glaze.
Q17. Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, especially with mixing and glazing (adult supervision required).
Q18. How do I transport them for a party?
Use a shallow container with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking.
Q19. Can I air-fry them?
Yes, air-fry at 325°F for about 7–9 minutes.
Q20. What drink pairs best with them?
Coffee, milk, hot chocolate, or fruity iced tea.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry donut holes are more than just a recipe—they’re a baking experience that combines ease, creativity, and pure joy. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore variations like blueberry, chocolate chip, or funfetti, these bite-sized treats will never disappoint.
They’re perfect for brunch spreads, afternoon snacks, party platters, or even holiday dessert tables. With their soft interior, fruity flavor, and customizable coatings, they’re bound to impress both kids and adults alike.
