Ingredients

1 batch homemade donuts without the glaze*

5 large fresh strawberries (about 100g)

1 and 3/4 cups (210g) confectioners’ sugar (for strawberry frosting)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for strawberry frosting)

1 Tablespoon strawberry jam or preserves

3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted (for vanilla frosting)

1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar (for vanilla frosting)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for vanilla frosting)

3 Tablespoons (45ml) milk

1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter (for chocolate frosting)

1 Tablespoon light corn syrup

1 Tablespoon water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the donuts according to your favorite recipe and directions, omitting any glaze. Set the warm fried donuts aside while you make the frostings.

Step 2: For the strawberry frosting, puree the fresh strawberries in a food processor. In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, 1 and 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam. Dip the donuts 2 or 3 times into this thinner frosting. Optionally, add sprinkles while the glaze is wet.

Step 3: For the vanilla frosting, whisk melted butter, 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons milk, and salt in a medium bowl. If the glaze is too thick, whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk to thin it. Dip the donuts into this frosting and add sprinkles if desired.

Step 4: For the chocolate frosting, place chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and water in a medium bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Dip the donuts into the chocolate glaze and top with sprinkles if you like.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the strawberry frosting. If strawberries are out of season, substitute with raspberry preserves for a similar fruity taste.

Adjust the thickness of the frostings by adding milk a little at a time; thinner frostings are easier to dip but may not hold sprinkles as well.

For a richer chocolate frosting, substitute semi-sweet chips with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the vanilla frosting for a subtle twist.

Storage

Store frosted donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Reheating is not necessary; however, if desired, warm briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the frosting slightly.

FAQs

Can I make the frostings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare each frosting up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, and stir well before dipping the donuts to restore the smooth texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor for the strawberry frosting?

If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the strawberries and then mash them with a fork or potato masher until you get a smooth puree. This works well for creating the strawberry glaze.