Strawberries and mini donuts make a fun, sweet combo that is bright, soft, and juicy. Each kabob pairs the tang and freshness of berries with the tender sweetness of a donut, so every bite has a mix of textures and flavors. This recipe is quick and simple — no oven, no frying — just thread and serve. It’s perfect for brunch plates, kid-friendly parties, or a quick dessert at the last minute. Try serving with a side of chocolate sauce or whipped cream for dipping to add a little extra treat.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry and Donut Kabobs

Fast to assemble — ready in about 10–15 minutes with no cooking.
Crowd-pleasing flavor: fresh fruit brightens the sugary donut.
Textural contrast: juicy strawberries and soft mini donuts on a skewer.
Minimal tools and pantry items — just skewers, fruit, and donuts.
Easy to scale for parties or a small family dessert.
Kid-friendly and fun to eat — great for themed parties or brunch.
No special skills needed — simple prep for beginners.
Customizable with optional chocolate sauce or whipped cream for dipping.

What Is Strawberry and Donut Kabobs?

Strawberry and Donut Kabobs are bite-sized skewers made by alternating fresh strawberries and halves of mini donuts on a stick. They taste like a sweet, fresh snack: the strawberries add a bright, slightly tart pop and the mini donuts bring soft, sugary comfort. There is no cooking involved; the method is assembly-only. The vibe is playful and casual — great for brunch, a dessert table, or an easy weeknight treat when you want something quick and a little festive.

If you enjoy small, handheld desserts, you might also like a similar idea like strawberry shortcake kabobs for another no-bake option.

Ingredients for Strawberry and Donut Kabobs

For the kabobs

Fresh strawberries
Mini donuts
Skewers

Optional for serving

Chocolate sauce (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)

Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm berries that are bright red. If very large, cut them in half so they sit evenly on the skewer.
Mini donuts: Use plain glazed or cake-style mini donuts. Powdered or frosted mini donuts also work, but handle gently so they don’t crumble.
Skewers: Wooden or bamboo skewers are best. If serving to kids, use short skewers or cut the ends for safety.
Chocolate sauce (optional): Use store-bought sauce or melt chocolate chips with a splash of cream for a quick homemade dip.
Whipped cream (optional): Use regular or stabilized whipped cream for a cleaner presentation in warm settings.
Diet swaps (optional): Substitute mini donuts with baked donut holes made from whole grain mixes for a slightly healthier version; keep in mind this changes the classic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the strawberries

Wash and dry the strawberries well. Remove the green tops.
Cut large strawberries in half so they fit the skewer neatly.
Visual cue: Strawberries should be dry and glossy, with no excess water that can make donuts soggy.

Step 2 – Prep the mini donuts

Slice each mini donut in half horizontally. A sharp serrated knife works best to keep the halves neat.

Step 3 – Thread the kabobs

On a skewer, thread a strawberry, then a half mini donut, and keep alternating until the skewer is filled.
Leave a little space at the top so the kabob can be picked up easily.

Step 4 – Arrange for serving

Arrange the finished kabobs on a serving plate or platter with the skewer ends aligned for a tidy look.

Step 5 – Add optional dips

Drizzle with chocolate sauce or place a small bowl of whipped cream alongside for dipping.
Pro cue: Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture. Donuts can soak up moisture from the berries over time.

Pro Tips for Success

Pat strawberries completely dry to prevent the donuts from getting soggy.
Slice donuts with a serrated knife and cut slowly to avoid tearing.
Thread with care: push the skewer through the center of each piece to keep items balanced.
If making ahead, store components separately (halved donuts and strawberries) and assemble right before serving.
Use short skewers for kids and make sure the pointed end is away from guests on a platter.
For even presentation, use similar-sized strawberries and donuts.
Keep extra napkins and small bowls of dip nearby for a tidy serving area.
Chill the plate before arranging kabobs if serving in warm weather.

Flavor Variations

Berry mix (optional): Add raspberries or blueberries between strawberry and donut halves for more color and tartness.
Cinnamon-sugar donuts (optional): Use cinnamon-sugar mini donuts to add warm spice notes.
Chocolate-drizzled (optional): Drizzle each kabob lightly with melted chocolate and allow to set for a more decadent finish.
Nut topping (optional): Lightly sprinkle crushed nuts on the chocolate drizzle for crunch — serve nuts on the side if there are allergy concerns.
Citrus glaze (optional): Mix a small amount of orange zest into the chocolate sauce for a subtle citrus twist.
Frosted donuts (optional): Use donuts with a thin frosting for extra color and sweetness, but serve immediately to avoid melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a platter with small bowls of chocolate sauce and whipped cream for dipping.
Use as part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs, yogurt, and pastries.
Add to a dessert board with cookies, fruit, and cheeses for a mixed sweets table.
Present individually by placing one kabob in a short cup with dip at the bottom.
Use colorful skewers and a decorative platter for party display.
Offer mint leaves or lemon slices on the side for a fresh garnish option.
Serve cold — chill the strawberries briefly before assembling on hot days.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-ahead: Prepare and wash strawberries up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them dry and refrigerated. Slice donuts no more than a few hours ahead and store in an airtight container to avoid drying.
Assembly: Best to assemble kabobs right before serving. If you must assemble earlier, keep completed kabobs in a single layer on a plate covered loosely with plastic wrap for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Reheating: No heating required. If you chilled the donuts and want them slightly softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Texture note: Donuts will absorb moisture from strawberries over time and become softer. For best texture, serve soon after assembly.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover assembled kabobs in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but expect the mini donuts to soften as they sit with the berries.
Unassembled storage: Keep strawberries and halved donuts stored separately in the fridge for 1–2 days.
Freezing: Freezing assembled kabobs is not recommended. Donuts change texture and strawberries become mushy when frozen and thawed. If you want to freeze, freeze whole donuts or berries separately, then thaw and assemble fresh later.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
— | —: | —: | —: | —: | —:
Approx. 220 | 2 g | 35 g | 8 g | 2 g | 150 mg

Estimates vary by brands and portions.

FAQ About Strawberry and Donut Kabobs

Q: How do I stop the donuts from getting soggy?
A: Pat strawberries dry and assemble just before serving. Store components separately until ready.

Q: Can I use wooden toothpicks instead of skewers?
A: Yes, for single-bite pieces use toothpicks, but for multiple pieces use longer skewers so items don’t slide off.

Q: What if my strawberries are too large?
A: Cut large strawberries in half to keep even bites and better balance on the skewer.

Q: Can I prepare these for a party the day before?
A: Prep strawberries and slice donuts the day before, but assemble the same day to keep texture fresh.

Q: Are these safe for kids?
A: Yes, but use short skewers or remove sharp ends before serving to young children.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes — omit whipped cream and use a dairy-free chocolate sauce if needed.

Notes

For a neat look, match strawberry size to half a donut so each skewer has even layers.
If using frosted donuts, place them on the skewer gently to avoid smudging the frosting.
Arrange skewers with rounded fruit ends facing the same direction for a tidy platter.
Offer small tongs or picks so guests can lift kabobs without touching others.
Use chilled serving plates to keep kabobs cool during warm weather events.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Donuts become soggy quickly.
Fix: Dry strawberries thoroughly and assemble right before serving. Store components separately.
Problem: Kabobs fall off the skewer.
Fix: Center each piece on the skewer and push through the middle to keep balance.
Problem: Strawberries brown or lose shine.
Fix: Store berries uncut in the fridge and only hull when ready to use. Rinse just before use and dry well.
Problem: Halved donuts tear when cutting.
Fix: Use a serrated knife and saw slowly; refrigerate donuts briefly to firm them before slicing.
Problem: Chocolate sauce too thin.
Fix: Warm gently and stir in a small amount of powdered sugar or let it cool to thicken slightly.
Problem: Kabobs stick together on the platter.
Fix: Lay them in a single layer or place parchment between layers if stacking.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry and Donut Kabobs are simple, playful, and quick to make. They bring fresh fruit and sweet pastry together in an easy, no-cook format that works for many occasions. Keep the prep light and assemble close to serving time for the best texture, and offer chocolate or whipped cream on the side for extra fun.

Conclusion

For a quick reference or the original idea behind this easy treat, check out this One Simple Party’s Strawberry and Donut Kabobs recipe for inspiration and serving ideas.