Strawberries and mini donuts come together on a skewer to make a playful, sweet treat that balances juicy fruit with pillowy pastry. Each bite hits with a fresh berry burst and a soft, cakey donut cushion — sometimes drizzled in chocolate or paired with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness. This recipe is quick, visual, and kid-friendly, making it ideal for brunch, a light dessert, or a party snack. No baking needed and almost no clean-up. For a brighter sauce to dip, try our best strawberry sauce for an extra layer of fresh flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry and Donut Kabobs

Easy to assemble in minutes with no cooking required.
Bright, juicy strawberries cut through the sweetness of mini donuts.
Portable and mess-free for parties or picnics.
Customizable: drizzle chocolate or serve with whipped cream if you like.
Kid-approved and fun to eat — great for family gatherings.
Uses simple store-bought ingredients so you can make a lot fast.
Works as a quick brunch treat or a light dessert after a meal.
Low equipment needs: just skewers and a plate.

What Is Strawberry and Donut Kabobs?

Strawberry and Donut Kabobs are skewers threaded with fresh strawberries and halved mini donuts. They pair the natural tart-sweetness and juicy texture of strawberries with the soft, sweet chew of mini donuts. The result is a mix of fresh and indulgent textures in one bite. There’s no cooking or baking — just simple prep and assembly. The vibe is casual and fun: think easy brunch, outdoor party, kids’ snack, or a quick dessert that looks festive without fuss.

Ingredients for Strawberry and Donut Kabobs

For the Base

Fresh strawberries
Mini donuts
Skewers

For the Sauce (optional)

Chocolate sauce (optional)

To Serve

Whipped cream (optional)

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)

Strawberries: Use ripe, firm strawberries for best texture. If berries are small, thread two on the skewer instead of one.
Mini donuts: Use cake-style mini donuts for a sturdy bite. Donut holes or slightly larger donuts can work; cut to similar sizes first.
Skewers: Wooden or bamboo skewers work fine. If serving to kids, trim sharp tips or use short party skewers.
Chocolate sauce (optional): You can swap in caramel sauce or a light honey drizzle if you prefer. Label these as optional to keep the base recipe intact.
Whipped cream (optional): Use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free choice. This keeps the original recipe choices but offers an alternative.
Diet-friendly: For fewer calories, use fewer donuts per skewer or smaller donut halves, and skip the sauce or use a light drizzle.
Budget-friendly: Buy store-brand mini donuts or make a bulk tray and cut larger donuts into halves to stretch the yield.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the strawberries
Wash the strawberries under cold water and pat them dry. Remove the green tops (hull) using a small knife or a strawberry huller. If strawberries are large, consider cutting them in half so they sit well on the skewer.
Visual cue: Strawberries should look bright and dry to the touch, not wet.

Step 2 – Prepare the mini donuts
Slice each mini donut in half horizontally so they fit neatly on the skewer and alternate with the berries. If your mini donuts are very soft, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing them.
Pro cue: Halves should be even so the skewers balance and look tidy.

Step 3 – Thread the kabobs
Take a skewer and thread a strawberry first, followed by a half mini donut. Continue alternating strawberry and donut halves until the skewer is filled. Leave about 1 inch of skewer clear at the top for handling. Repeat for each skewer.
Visual cue: The finished skewer shows an even pattern of red and cake-colored pieces.

Step 4 – Arrange for serving
Place the assembled kabobs on a serving plate or platter in a single layer or slightly overlapping. Arrange them so the colors show and the skewers are easy to grab.

Step 5 – Add finishes
Drizzle with chocolate sauce if using, or serve with a bowl of whipped cream for dipping. These are optional but add visual appeal and extra flavor. Serve immediately.
Visual cue: Drizzle a thin stream of chocolate across the top for a clean look.
Pro cue: If serving with whipped cream, keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Success

Use firm, ripe strawberries. Overripe berries can split or make the skewer soggy.
Dry strawberries well after washing to prevent the chocolate sauce from sliding off.
Cut donuts with a serrated knife for cleaner halves. Pressing too hard will compress the donut.
If serving to kids, use blunt-ended skewers or shorten wooden skewers and cover tips with a small bit of tape.
Assemble close to serving time. Donuts can soften from berry juice if left too long.
For even plating, make a test skewer to check size and balance before assembling all.
Keep chocolate sauce warm in a small microwave-safe bowl; warm sauce drizzles better.
If you want a neat look, alternate color or size of strawberries for contrast.

Flavor Variations

Optional: Chocolate-dipped drizzle — warm chocolate sauce and lightly coat some donut halves before assembling. Allow to set a minute.
Optional: Caramel and sea salt — swap chocolate sauce for a thin caramel drizzle and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Optional: Citrus sugar — toss strawberries lightly in a bit of orange or lemon zest mixed with sugar before threading for bright citrus notes.
Optional: Nut crunch — sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the chocolate drizzle for texture (label as optional for allergies).
Optional: Yogurt dip — offer a small bowl of plain or vanilla yogurt mixed with a little honey as a lighter dip.
Optional: Mint garnish — add small mint leaves between pieces for a fresh herb lift.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a simple dessert at brunch next to coffee and tea.
Place on a party platter as a finger food at showers, birthday parties, or family gatherings.
Offer alongside a small bowl of whipped cream and chocolate sauce for dipping.
Pair with sparkling water or a mild iced tea to balance the sweetness.
Present on a wooden board, alternating skewer directions for a neat look.
Use as a sweet accent on a fruit and cheese board for contrast.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-ahead: Hull and wash strawberries up to a day in advance and store them dry in the fridge. Keep mini donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble no more than 1 hour before serving for best texture.
Storage: Store assembled kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that donuts may soften and strawberries can release juice over time.
Reheating: No reheating needed. If the donuts cool and feel firmer, leave at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Do not microwave assembled skewers; the fruit will get hot and soggy.
Texture changes: Expect some softening of donuts and slight juice release from strawberries if stored. Eat soon after assembly for best texture.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Freezing is not recommended. Strawberries lose texture and release liquid after freezing and thawing, which will make the donuts soggy.
Instead, freeze only the mini donuts if you must keep extras; thaw at room temperature and assemble with fresh strawberries when ready.
For short-term storage, keep components separate: strawberries refrigerated (dry and uncut) and donuts at room temperature in an airtight container; assemble later.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
—|—:|—:|—:|—:|—:
210 | 2 g | 30 g | 9 g | 2 g | 150 mg

Estimates vary by brands and portions.

FAQ About Strawberry and Donut Kabobs

Q: My strawberries are too big. How do I keep the skewer balanced?
A: Cut large strawberries in half so they sit better between donut halves and keep the skewer balanced.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free mini donuts and the rest of the steps stay the same. Label clearly for guests with allergies.

Q: How long can assembled kabobs sit out at a party?
A: Try to keep them out no longer than 1–2 hours. Refrigerate if the room is warm or if sitting longer.

Q: The donuts get soggy. How can I prevent that?
A: Assemble close to serving time and pat strawberries dry after washing to limit added moisture.

Q: Can I use other fruit?
A: Optional: yes. Small fruits like blueberries or halved grapes work, but stick to similar size for even skewering.

Q: Any tips on serving to kids safely?
A: Use short or blunt skewers and supervise young children while they eat to avoid sharp points.

TastyInspo Notes

Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery look. (Optional)
Arrange skewers in a circular fan on a round platter to make them easy to grab.
Serve a mix of plain and chocolate-drizzled skewers so guests can choose.
Keep a small tray of napkins and wet wipes nearby for sticky fingers.
For a colorful display, alternate whole and halved strawberries for variety in shape.
Place a small bowl with extra chocolate sauce or whipped cream in the center of the platter.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Donuts fall apart when cutting. Fix: Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion; small back-and-forth strokes reduce squishing.
Issue: Excess juice on the platter. Fix: Dry strawberries thoroughly and use a serving tray with a rim to catch any drips.
Issue: Chocolate sauce won’t drizzle smoothly. Fix: Warm the sauce briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) and stir to thin.
Issue: Skewers split or break. Fix: Use higher-quality bamboo skewers or double up with two shorter skewers for support.
Issue: Guests want a less sweet option. Fix: Offer a plain yogurt dip or skip the chocolate and whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry and Donut Kabobs are a simple, playful treat that brings fresh fruit and sweet donuts together with almost no effort. They work well for quick desserts, family gatherings, and easy party snacks — assemble just before serving for the best texture and look. For another visual idea and plating tips, see Strawberry and Donut Kabobs on One Simple Party.