Is there anything more irresistible than a soft, golden donut filled with creamy, tangy strawberry cheesecake? This indulgent dessert combines the best of two worlds—decadent cheesecake and classic fried donuts. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a cozy weekend treat, these donuts are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
What Makes These Donuts Special?
These donuts stand out because they are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a sensory experience. The golden exterior of the donut is soft yet slightly crispy, offering the perfect contrast to the rich, velvety strawberry cheesecake filling. The cheesecake brings a tangy creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making these donuts unforgettable.
What’s even better is their customizability. From unique fillings like seasonal fruits to experimenting with glazes or toppings, there’s no limit to the creative spins you can put on this recipe. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like strawberries not only enhances flavor but also adds a boost of nutrients. Studies show that strawberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a guilt-free addition to your desserts. Explore more about the nutritional benefits of strawberries in this berry benefits guide.
Stuffed donuts are also part of a broader trend toward indulgent, Instagram-worthy desserts. Their aesthetic appeal, combined with the allure of classic flavors like cheesecake, makes them a hit for parties, potlucks, or even casual afternoons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
- Dissolve active dry yeast in warm milk; let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually incorporate flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, for about 1 hour (or until doubled in size).
2. Crafting the Filling
- Whip softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in chopped strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor.
3. Shaping and Frying the Donuts
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to a ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to shape.
- Let the shaped donuts rise again for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Filling the Donuts
- Once cooled, pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling into the donuts using a piping bag.
5. Coating and Final Touches
- Mix sugar and cinnamon; roll each donut until fully coated.
Variations and Tips
While the classic recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts is a favorite, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Below are some ways to adapt this recipe to suit different tastes and occasions:
- Flavor Infusions: Add zests of lemon or orange to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy twist. A dash of almond or coconut extract can also enhance the flavor profile.
- Different Fruits: Try swapping strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even tropical fruits like mango for a refreshing take. You can mix fruits for a medley effect or drizzle pureed fruit on top for extra flair.
- Alternate Coatings: Replace the cinnamon sugar with powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a vanilla bean glaze for a more luxurious feel.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegans can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options like almond milk and vegan cream cheese.
Pro Tip:
Always taste your filling before stuffing the donuts. A quick tweak—adding sugar, lemon juice, or a pinch of salt—can elevate the flavors and create the perfect balance.
How to Serve and Store
Serving these donuts is half the fun! They can be presented in various creative ways, making them a showstopper for any occasion:
- Elegant Platters: Arrange them on tiered trays with fresh strawberries or edible flowers for an upscale brunch display.
- Fun Dips and Drizzles: Serve alongside a bowl of melted chocolate, strawberry sauce, or caramel for dipping. A drizzle of glaze across the top adds visual appeal.
- Seasonal Additions: For holidays, use themed sprinkles or colored sugar to make the donuts festive.
Storing the Donuts:
While these donuts taste best when freshly made, you can extend their shelf life with proper storage:
- Place the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you want to enjoy them later, store unfilled donuts in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them before stuffing and serving.
- Avoid refrigerating filled donuts for extended periods as the texture of the cheesecake filling can change.
For even more inspiration on fillings and coatings, check out this beginner’s guide to cheesecake techniques.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Baked donuts are a lighter alternative. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking tray, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. They won’t have the same crispy exterior but will still be delicious.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
A: Frozen strawberries are a great substitute. Thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess moisture. Alternatively, you can use a high-quality strawberry jam or preserve for a more intense flavor.
Q: How can I make the filling smoother?
A: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Use an electric mixer for a velvety texture, and sift any powdered sugar used to avoid lumps.
Q: Are there any tricks to prevent greasy donuts?
A: The key to non-greasy donuts lies in maintaining the correct frying temperature—350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature.
Q: Can I prepare these donuts in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and frying.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a surefire way to impress family and friends. Their soft, fluffy exterior and rich, creamy filling make them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe is one to keep.
Share your creations and let us know how you added your personal twist to this recipe! 🍩🍓
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Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped 
For Coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the yeast mixture until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
• In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries and set aside.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Stuff the Donuts:
• Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag with a small tip to fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling.
Coat the Donuts:
• In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
• Roll each stuffed donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.