These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a fun twist on a classic treat! Fluffy on the outside and filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries.
Who can say no to a donut stuffed with cheesecake? I always feel like a kid again when I take a bite of these, and they make any day a little brighter! 😋
Making these donuts is easier than it sounds. I love how you can bake or fry them, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is key for fluffy donuts. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount without activating it first. Just mix it straight into the dry ingredients.
Milk: Whole milk is great for moisture, but feel free to use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just make sure they’re warm, similar to whole milk.
Cream Cheese: Classic cheesecake filling! If you’re looking for lower fat options, consider using light cream cheese or even mascarpone cheese for a slightly different taste.
Fresh Strawberries: These add a fresh, fruity flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even a fruit jam as a topping!
How Do You Make Sure Your Donuts Rise Perfectly?
The yeast needs the right conditions to make your donuts fluffy and airy. Here’s how to help it along:
- Make sure your water and milk are warm, not hot—about 110°F (43°C) is perfect. This temperature is warm enough to activate the yeast but won’t kill it.
- Give the dough enough time to rise. If your kitchen is cool, find a warm spot like an oven (turned off) with the light on to help it rise properly.
- When cutting the donuts, ensure they have enough space to rise again before frying. They should be covered lightly to prevent drying out.
These tips will help make your donuts fluffy and delicious!
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Glaze and Garnish:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours total, including about 30 minutes for preparation, 2 rises totaling about 2 hours, and about 15 minutes for frying and assembling. Don’t worry; most of the time is just letting the dough rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Set aside to macerate and become juicy while you prepare the dough.
2. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to help your donuts rise!
3. Prepare Donut Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, and softened butter. Mix well until combined. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
6. Roll and Cut Donuts:
After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out donut shapes and place them on a floured tray. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
7. Heat Oil for Frying:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Test with a small piece of dough—it should bubble and float immediately, letting you know it’s ready for frying!
8. Fry Donuts:
Carefully place 2-3 donuts in the hot oil, frying each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Prepare Cheesecake Filling:
While the donuts cool slightly, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This is the delicious filling!
10. Assemble Donuts:
Using a small knife or apple corer, create a small well in the center of each donut. Spoon or pipe in a generous layer of the cream cheese filling. Feel free to be generous here!
11. Top with Strawberries:
Spoon the macerated strawberries over the cheesecake filling on each donut. Go ahead and pile them on—who doesn’t love more strawberries?
12. Make Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze around the edges of the donuts and let it drip down for a pretty effect.
13. Garnish:
Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delightful donuts fresh, ideally the same day, and enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are soft, sweet, and packed with creamy and fruity flavors—pure indulgence! 🍩🍓
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This way, you’ll avoid making the filling too watery.
How Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, though they are best fresh!
Can I Bake the Donuts Instead of Frying Them?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the shaped donuts on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Baked donuts may be a bit denser but still delicious!
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
You can get creative with fillings! Try using chocolate ganache, vanilla pastry cream, or even a fruit jam for a different flavor. Just make sure the filling is not too runny to avoid making the donuts soggy.