2tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1cuppowdered sugar
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice (preferably from a juicer)
1tablespoonstrawberry puree
optionalcolorful sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a blender or food processor, blend the fresh strawberries until smooth to yield about 1/4 cup of puree. Set this vibrant puree aside for later use.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. Ensure that all dry ingredients are well combined and aerated.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, strawberry puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using a gentle folding motion with a spatula or wooden spoon to mix. Stir just until combined; be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.
Fill the Donut Pan: Using a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a round tip, carefully fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan with the batter, making sure to fill them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The donuts are done when they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and strawberry puree until the glaze is smooth and glossy. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash of lemon juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are entirely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donuts back on the rack. If desired, immediately sprinkle colorful decorations on top for a festive touch.
Notes
For a festive touch, decorate with colorful sprinkles.