If you're looking for a doughnut that's a little bit healthier, try these baked Strawberry Frosted Doughnuts! They're made with vanilla Greek yogurt and are a whole lot easier to make at home than fried doughnuts!
(This recipe for Strawberry Frosted Doughnuts was originally published in March 2011, but was updated with new photos in 2019).
In case you haven't noticed, doughnuts are definitely the talk of the Internet lately. And I don't think that's going to stop any time soon. The thing is, they're also the talk of my kitchen, too. While I love seeking out a great donut shop, there's something so awesome about making them at home. Which can get slightly dangerous. And mess when you consider all that oil splattering everywhere (and I can't be the only one who hates the way my house smells after frying). Luckily, baked donuts are ridiculously easy to make. Not to mention, they create much less of a mess and are much healthier.
Especially these strawberry frosted doughnuts. Not only are they healthier because they're baked, but they're also made with yogurt. I used a low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt (Cabot is my favorite!) to get some added vanilla flavor. And then I made a deliciously simple strawberry icing to dip the doughnuts in.
If you're looking for a good donut pan, this is the one I have (affiliate link). I've had it for years and have used it a ton!
STRAWBERRY FROSTED DOUGHNUTS RECIPE
Finding a delicious baked doughnut can be tough. And I'm not going to lie; these strawberry frosted doughnuts don't taste like fried doughnuts. So if you're craving a fried doughnut, go out and get yourself one (or make them yourself)! But if you want a delicious doughnut you can eat without feeling totally weighed down, try these baked ones.
First of all, this vanilla bean Greek yogurt from Cabot is seriously heavenly. You can even see the little specks of vanilla in it, which makes me so, so happy. I waited what seemed like forever for my grocery store to stock it and at long last, they did! Now it's a definite fridge staple. I used the yogurt in both the doughnuts and the icing.
OK, let's get started on the vanilla doughnuts! I promise they're super easy to make; you don't even need a mixer. Start by pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees. Then simply whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, beat yogurt, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't over-mix or your doughnuts will likely be too dense. This is one of the biggest complaints people have about baked doughnuts.
Make sure your doughnut pan is greased or buttered. Even if it's a non-stick pan, you'll want to oil it well as healthy-ish doughnuts can tend to stick. Fill each doughnut form about ¾ of the way full. I like to put my batter in a ziplock bag and cut the corner off, so I can essentially pipe the doughnut batter into the pan.
Bake doughnuts for 10-12 minutes, until they're turning golden and spring back at the touch.
Let doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack so they can cool completely.
I absolutely love strawberry frosted doughnuts and since I had some frozen strawberries in my freezer, I decided to make a strawberry icing. Of course, you could also use fresh strawberries if you prefer. Again, I decided to use Cabot's vanilla Greek yogurt for the icing, instead of butter. This makes a much healthier icing! You could probably half my below recipe since I was left with quite a bit of leftover icing (not always a bad thing).
In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries until nice and smooth. Whisk together confectioner sugar and yogurt until well-blended.
Pour about 3 Tbsp strawberry puree into the mixture.
And stir until combined. The icing is definitely a bit thinner than the typical butter-based icing (you can stick it in the fridge to thicken it a bit if you want).
Make sure your doughnuts are completely cooled and then dunk the tops of the doughnuts into the strawberry icing. I dunked a couple times on since the icing was thin and seemed to get sucked right into the doughnut.
Then I put some sprinkles on top. Because what's a strawberry frosted doughnut without some sprinkles??
These doughnuts ended up being an absolutely delicious treat and just what I needed to get my day off to a great start. As noted, baked doughnuts are definitely a bit more cake-y than your typical fried doughnut, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. These ones are incredibly moist (thanks to all that yogurt!) and packed with vanilla flavor.
I have to admit that I ate one of these strawberry frosted doughnuts for breakfast a couple days and I felt much better afterwards than I would have had I eaten a fried doughnuts. Not that I'm trying to shame fried doughnuts (TRUST ME, I eat my fair share); I'm just saying, this was still a treat without quite as many calories.
My verdict? Really, nothing compares to a fried doughnut. But if you're looking for something a bit healthier that's still absolutely delicious, baked doughnuts made with vanilla Greek yogurt is a fabulous option.
And it just means you can eat more doughnuts. More often. Without splattering all that oil all over your kitchen.
What's your favorite swap or technique to make baked goods a bit healthier?
If you like this donut recipe, be sure to check out my Milky Way Doughnuts (also baked!) and my Glazed Coffee Chocolate Frosted Donuts (these ones are fried!). I also can't wait to try these Baked Peanut Butter Donuts from Jo Eats!
Strawberry Frosted Doughnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Icing
- ¾ cup fresh or thawed frozen strawberries
- ¾ cup low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray a 6-cavity doughnut pan with cooking oil.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix or your doughnuts will likely be too dense.
- Fill each cavity about ¾ of the way full (I like to fill a ziplock bag with batter, snip a corner off, and squeeze the batter into the doughnut pan).
- Bake doughnuts for 10-12 minutes until they're just turning golden and t spring back at the touch. Let doughnuts cool in pan for a couple minutes before removing to a metal rack to cool completely.
- When doughnuts are completely cooled, dip in strawberry icing and let doughnuts sit until icing hardens.
Strawberry Icing
- In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries until nice and smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar and yogurt until well-blended. Add about 3 Tbsp strawberry puree into mix and stir to combine.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
I didn't even know that Cabot made a Greek yogurt. I like making small substitutions in baked goods that I don't think will have much impact on taste. Sometimes there is a fine balance between lightening a dessert and making it taste healthy. Love that strawberry glaze!
Liz @ Blog is the New Black says
Ok, this is fate. I literally searched for a recipe on Friday for strawberry frosted donuts because I just got a pan and wanted them to be my first! Looks SO pretty!
Emily @ A Cambridge Story says
I really need a doughnut pan STAT. These recipes are killing me. It's interesting that Cabot Greek Yogurt isn't very prominent on the grocery shelves. I've never seen it!
Erin says
Those look great! I've been trying to eat healthier etc, despite being a food blogger and it can be tough! I recently posted about baked sweet potato fries with rosemary, garlic and olive oil and they were delish! But yet at the same time, I posted a White Chocolate Strawberry Swirl cheesecake on the blog and have a strawberry cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting to post soon too LOL. I'd love to try my hand at these. They sound great for sweet breakfast. Maybe a nice alternative to my healthy breakfast sandwich stuffed with cheese/bacon and yes still healthy (also posted). Hmmmmm. YUMMMMMM! Look forward to trying it! 🙂 Thanks guys! (ps sorry for the novel. too much coffee this a.m.)
Monique says
Only you can make me abandon my chocolate peanut butter pie plans for tonight to search for a donut pan.
They are STUNNING! Truly!
I'll bet they freeze really well!!! (stash a donut for T.O.M. LOL)
Matt @ semiURBAN says
I love that donuts are back! Brilliant. I had a donut at the Donut Plant in NYC a few weeks ago...OMG. I could have died! Delicious! Look forward to trying this in my "weekend test kitchen".
Elle says
Oh, how pretty! I've yet to jump on the baked doughnut bandwagon, but you're convincing me to with these! Such a great idea to use yogurt, too. Want!
brandi says
Dangit. I've got to find a donut pan!
There isn't anything like a hot, fried donut, but I've always liked cake donuts more than yeast ones, so I think I'd love them 🙂
Erica says
Yum! The look perfect! I am actually not a fried donut fan (btw- I think its Dunkin Donuts fault that there is confusion over doughnut vs. donut ;))- so a baked version sounds fabulous. And the pink makes it so pretty! I like to make a healthy chicken parm fully in the oven. I also use a lemon juice/water combo instead of egg. It turns out pretty yummy!
sweeter salt says
These look so good! I can not resist a pink frosted donut, so perhaps I could actually feel ok about eating these (not filled with all the evil ingredients like Dunkin Donuts - ugh!).
Laura
Daisy says
these look so pretty! I have noticed donuts are all the rage lately! I think you played a big part in starting the trend!! 🙂
Michelle says
I totally trust King Arthur Flour too when it comes to recipes. These donuts look great!
Candace Karu says
Wowza! These look amazing. I'm going to make these and frost them green for St. Patrick's Day. Can't wait to share these with our Cabot people.
Joanne says
I feel like the thing about baked donuts is that as long as you accept that they will not taste like fried, we can all agree that they are delicious! I mean, HELLO they are basically CAKE. I love that strawberry yogurt glaze. Perfect.
Victoria says
Those doughnuts are absolutely gorgeous! I've got to get on the doughnut bandwagon!
MichellePC says
These look gorgeous! I got a doughnut pan for Christmas, and have been dying to use it!
emily @ the happy home says
yum! the icing looks gorgeous!
Megan says
They look adorable! (But I'm probably always going to make fried doughnuts... as you said... nothing compares.) I do love that little doughnut pan though and on more than one occasion I have tried to talk myself into baked doughnuts just so I can buy it!
Evan @swEEts says
love strawberry frosted donuts! I always try to add whole wheat flour to make things a little more "healthy" haha
Juliana says
Wow, these donut looks great, first they are baked; second the strawberry glaze looks terrific on it...yummie! Have a great week 🙂
briarrose says
Oooo...I so want a doughnut pan. These look wonderful and I love the glaze.
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says
I have those pans, I just need to get moving and use them! I love donuts, yours look fantastic!
Sharlene says
More doughnuts are never ever a bad thing! I'm so jealous of your doughnut pan. I've tried out the Cabot Greek yogurt and love it but haven't seen that vanilla bean flavor around yet. I'll keep a lookout.
[email protected] says
Wow! These look so good. Baked too. i loved the healthy spin on it. I just discovered your blog and love it! My best friend and i have a blog together too (except we do live together), always fun to see other people collaborating as well 🙂
Barbara says
What fun! A donut pan! I love it and love the idea of baking instead of frying. These look marvelous!
Ashley says
These are the prettiest pink... I just love them! I want to bite into my computer screen- YUM!
Velva says
I don't bake often, when I do, I rarely substitute for healthier ingredients. I go for it. I would probably agree with you that a fried doughnut is tastier than a baked one...but, what you did was beautiful. very nice.
btw, I really like Cabot Greek yogurt.
Cheers.
Velva
Elizabeth says
I don't think I've ever tried a baked doughnut and I'm really curious what they're like. That glaze looks so picture-perfect. Seriously one of those photos should be on the cover of Gourmet. Want one SO much.
Jenny says
Thanks for the tip on my site! 🙂 What a lovely post also! The strawberry glaze looks amazing, divine, splendid!:) I will definitely have to try this!
Jeannie says
Wow! The visuals are definitely enticing, have not tried baking donuts but if they are healthy, I am all for it...beautiful!
Mandi says
ok, you have officially inspired me to get a donut pan and make donuts...I have never done it, but these look so ridiculous!! And adding the yogurt was genius, I will definitely have to do that to help with the moistness factor! Oh, and P.S. I was also obsessing over Joy's grapefruit scones as well...her stuff always makes me drool! =)
Lin Ann says
What a great idea! They sound so delicious with the vanilla and strawberry . . . Love the pictures! The one posted on Foodbuzz jumped right out at me!!!
Angela says
Those are so pretty! I will take a dozen.
Kerstin says
So pretty! I think if I'm going to have a donut, I want the real thing, but my hubby would definitely enjoy your lightened up version!
Ann says
I need to get one of those donut pans. I love your healthy donuts. They look wonderful!
foodies at home says
I bet you wouldn't even miss the fried aspect with this yummy glaze!
Sutapa says
Yummylicious healthy donuts! Your strawberry yogurt icing is just so sensational! Love it!
Alicia Fidalgo says
These donuts are so pretty! I love the idea of using vanilla greek yogurt to add even more flavor!
Susan says
Those donuts are so pretty!
[email protected] says
So pretty! I love anything pink, and I love the idea of a baked donut. Frying scares me!
Alicia says
These look delicious! I have yet to get myself a doughnut pan.
Sarah @ The Pajama Chef says
these look amazing! i know what i'll be asking for for my birthday gift...a donut pan!
Mary @ Delightful Bitefuls says
Those look silly delicious! Love that they are "healthy!"
Mary
Bridget says
Beautiful!! And Bonus that they are pink and sparkly 🙂 I too need a damn donut pan haha, and I lvoe the addition of the yogurt. Wish I had one of those bad boys right now!
Jaime says
oh wow, are those CUTE or what?! 🙂
Brandie says
Yes please! I'll take a dozen! 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment! I'm your newest follower and I'm following on facebook too.
Wonderful blog y'all have here!
Kristy says
Oh my! Those are my daughter's fav dougnut at Dunkin' Donuts. Yours look so much better and healthier, I must buy a donut pan!!! lol
Reeni says
What delectable treats! I love that they're baked - I have been using king arthur's white whole wheat in a lot of my baking to make it healthier. And I love their recipes!
Shannon says
love that strawberry frosting 😉
[email protected] as a Lofthouse says
WOW!! I LOVE me some doughnuts! These look incredible : )
Sarah says
My life will clearly not be complete until I get a donut pan! Those look amaze 🙂
Kelsey says
even if they weren't as good as a fried doughnut, they look fabulous! I saw these images on your facebook and had to come on over to take a peak.
Amanda L. (Tales from a Kitchen Misfit) says
I love a good cake donut! And these seem heathier than your normal donut so that's a plus!
rita says
that doughnut looks so pretty. i love how it's baked and not fried. a really must try recipe.
Abbie says
I love baked donuts, too! Great idea! Love the blog.
aishahias says
I've never tried baked doughnuts before. But yours look amazing! 😀
Emily says
Frying freaks me out, so baked is the only way I'd even attempt to make my own doughnuts. I've bookmarked this recipe for (very near) future experimentation. Thanks, Sues!