Glazed Donut Kabobs: The Ultimate Easy & Elegant Party Dessert
Searching for the perfect dessert that is both stunning and incredibly simple to make? Look no further than these charming Glazed Donut Kabobs! These delightful skewers are a true game-changer for any gathering, offering a blend of ease, elegance, and irresistible flavor that will undoubtedly captivate your guests. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal celebration, these donut kabobs are designed to be a standout treat without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Imagine a dessert that requires minimal preparation time but delivers maximum impact. That’s precisely what you get with donut kabobs. They are the ideal finger food, eliminating the need for plates and forks, making them perfect for mingling and easy enjoyment. In my experience as a caterer, these have consistently been one of the most requested and adored items on the menu. Their universal appeal spans all ages, making them a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
The Sweet Inspiration: How Glazed Donut Kabobs Came to Be
The genesis of these incredible donut skewers dates back to a memorable wedding I catered last summer. One of the brides, an avid Pinterest user, had stumbled upon a similar concept online and was eager to incorporate it into her special day. Her vision was clear: elegant, simple, and utterly delicious. She specifically requested glazed donut holes, vibrant strawberries, and plump blackberries. We brought her vision to life, and the result was an absolute sensation!
While the initial request involved larger kabobs, I’ve since refined the size to be more manageable and bite-sized, though the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You are entirely free to customize the size and components to suit your preference. Ever since that wedding, this particular flavor combination has become my go-to, and for good reason. The sweet succulence of the strawberries perfectly complements the soft, slightly savory notes of the glazed donut holes, while the tartness of the blackberries adds a refreshing counterpoint. This harmonious blend creates a truly perfect treat, balancing textures and tastes in every bite.
The beauty of these kabobs extends beyond their taste. They solve the common problem of sticky fingers often associated with glazed donuts. By placing them on a skewer, guests can easily pick them up and enjoy them without any mess. This practicality, combined with their alluring appearance, makes them a perpetual crowd-pleaser. From lively children’s parties to sophisticated bridal showers, these dessert kabobs consistently disappear first!
Choosing Your Ingredients: Freshness and Flavor Variety
Sourcing Your Donut Holes
The foundation of a great donut kabob is, naturally, great donut holes. While you could opt for pre-packaged varieties, I highly recommend seeking out fresh, bakery-made donut holes for superior taste and texture. I often order mine from local bakeries like Dick’s Marketplace in Bountiful about a week in advance of an event to ensure I receive the freshest batch possible. The difference fresh ingredients make is truly noticeable!
While glazed donut holes are a classic choice and widely popular, don’t limit your imagination! The possibilities for flavor customization are virtually endless. Consider chocolate-glazed donut holes for a richer flavor profile, powdered sugar donut holes for a softer sweetness, or even cinnamon sugar donut holes for a hint of spice. You could even mix and match different flavors on the same platter for an extra visual and taste dimension. Serving a donut on a stick is always a win, regardless of the flavor!
Selecting Your Fruits and Add-ins
The beauty of these kabobs also lies in the versatility of fruit choices. While strawberries and blackberries offer a fantastic balance, feel free to experiment with other seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries. Small melon balls, green or red grapes, or even banana slices (dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning) could be wonderful additions. For an extra indulgent twist, consider adding mini marshmallows, brownie bites, or small pieces of pound cake between the donut holes and fruit. Adjusting the fruit to match your event’s color scheme or seasonal theme is an excellent way to personalize these treats.
Effortless Preparation: Tips for Assembling Your Kabobs
The most significant part of the preparation, especially for larger events, is prepping your fresh fruit. Strawberries, in particular, require a bit of attention to remove their stems cleanly. To streamline this process, I swear by my Chef’n StemGem Strawberry Huller. This ingenious gadget makes quick work of hulling, preserving the strawberry’s beautiful shape without cutting away too much fruit. It’s one of my absolute favorite kitchen tools and a lifesaver when preparing large quantities of berries. For big groups, I typically prep all my fruit the night before, storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and ready for assembly.
Assembly Made Easy
Once your ingredients are prepped, assembly is a breeze – a fun activity even kids can help with! You’ll need 6-inch kabob skewers, which are perfect for a two-donut, two-fruit arrangement. When threading, ensure you push the ingredients firmly but gently to avoid breaking the donut holes or crushing the fruit. The goal is to create a visually appealing and stable skewer. For the most aesthetically pleasing result, always cap the pointy end of the skewer with a berry, like a blackberry, to cover the tip and add a final touch of color.
While these Glazed Donut Kabobs are best served fresh, you can assemble them an hour or two in advance and keep them chilled until serving time. For longer storage, it’s best to assemble them closer to the event or keep ingredients separate and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent the donut holes from becoming soggy from the fruit juices.
A Proven Crowd-Pleaser for Every Occasion
These kabobs were, without exaggeration, the first dessert to disappear at a recent bridal shower I catered. Their undeniable appeal makes them a permanent fixture on my catering menus. Just like other beloved recipes such as Susan’s Coconut Cupcakes (if this link exists, replace with actual link, otherwise use a placeholder), these sweet skewers are a reliable crowd-pleaser. I love catering and entertaining, and I’m always observing which recipes resonate most with guests. These two treats consistently rank at the top!
When planning your next event, don’t underestimate the power of a simple, beautiful, and delicious dessert. Whether you’re aiming for elegance, convenience, or pure joy, Glazed Donut Kabobs deliver on all fronts. They’re perfect for:
- Birthday Parties
- Baby and Bridal Showers
- Holiday Gatherings
- Brunches
- Potlucks
- Game Nights
- Corporate Events
- Any occasion where you want to impress without the stress!
Glazed Donut Kabobs Recipe
Get ready to assemble these delightful treats!
Ingredients:
- 5 dozen (60 count) glazed donut holes
- 2 large containers of fresh strawberries (approx. 30 medium-sized strawberries)
- 4 containers fresh blackberries (approx. 30 blackberries)
- 30 count 6-inch kabob skewers
Instructions:
- Wash and thoroughly dry all strawberries and blackberries.
- Hull the strawberries, removing the green stems and leafy tops. If strawberries are very large, you may cut them in half.
- Prepare your skewers.
- Assembly: For each skewer, carefully thread one glazed donut hole onto the skewer.
- Next, add one prepped strawberry.
- Follow with another glazed donut hole.
- Finally, gently push one blackberry onto the tip of the skewer to cap it off. This not only adds beauty but also covers the pointy end of the skewer.
- Repeat this process until all 30 kabobs are assembled.
- Serve immediately or chill lightly until ready to serve for the best freshness.