Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe

If you love donuts and cheesecake, imagine combining both into one delicious dessert. That’s exactly what Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts offer: a soft, fluffy donut filled with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling and topped with fresh strawberry goodness. These donuts are a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a brunch gathering, a family treat, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these stuffed donuts are sure to impress.

Introduction

Donuts are a universally loved treat, and cheesecake is often considered one of the ultimate indulgences. By combining these two delicious foods, you get a dessert that is both rich and comforting, yet still light and sweet. Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts bring together the fluffy texture of a donut, the creamy filling of a cheesecake, and the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries in a way that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to making donuts from scratch, which allows you to achieve the soft, airy texture that only freshly made donuts can provide. The addition of a tangy, sweet cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry topping makes these donuts irresistible. While the recipe does take some time and effort, the results are more than worth it. You’ll impress your friends and family with these delicious, gourmet-style donuts that are just as fun to make as they are to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s go through the steps to create these decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts.

Preparing the Donuts:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with the active dry yeast. Stir gently, then let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes. You should see bubbles form, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready for use.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of your donut dough.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Make the Dough: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a dough. At first, it may seem a bit rough, but keep mixing until it comes together. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon to incorporate everything.
5. Knead the Dough: Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle it with a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
6. Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller for the hole), cut out donut shapes. Re-roll any leftover dough and continue cutting until you’ve shaped all of the donuts.
8. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
9. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Cheesecake Filling:

10. Prepare the Filling: While the donuts are cooling, you can make the cheesecake filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer or hand whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream (or milk), and lemon juice. Continue to beat until the filling is smooth, thick, and fluffy.
11. Chill the Filling: Place the cheesecake filling in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the strawberry topping. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to pipe into the donuts.

Preparing the Strawberry Topping:

12. Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The strawberries should release their juices and soften.
13. Thicken the Topping (Optional): If you prefer a thicker strawberry topping, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the strawberry mixture. Continue cooking for another minute, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
14. Cool the Strawberry Topping: Once the strawberry topping has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. The topping should be syrupy but not too runny.

Assembling the Donuts:

15. Fill the Donuts: Using a pastry bag or a syringe, fill each donut with the chilled cheesecake filling. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can cut a small hole in the side of each donut and use a spoon to fill them. Be generous with the filling, as it is the star of the donut.
16. Coat the Donuts: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using). Roll each stuffed donut in the sugar mixture until fully coated. This will add a sweet, crunchy exterior to complement the soft, creamy filling inside.
17. Top with Strawberries: Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over each donut, either in a drizzle or in small piles on top. Be sure to add a generous amount to get that fresh, fruity flavor in every bite.
18. Serve and Enjoy: Your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are now ready to serve! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience:

• With a Side of Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, serve the donuts with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. It adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cheesecake filling.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these donuts as part of a larger brunch spread. They pair perfectly with a fresh fruit salad, mimosas, or a cup of coffee.
• As a Dessert: If you’re serving these donuts for dessert, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling chocolate sauce over them for an extra sweet touch.
• Garnished with Fresh Mint: For a pop of color and refreshing flavor, garnish the donuts with a sprig of fresh mint.

Variations to Try

While the strawberry cheesecake version is absolutely delicious, there are several ways to customize these donuts to fit your tastes:

• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Donuts: Use a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for the topping instead of just strawberries. You can even make a berry compote by simmering the mixed berries with sugar and lemon juice.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts: For chocolate lovers, add some cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling, or dip the donuts in chocolate glaze before filling them.
• Caramel Cheesecake Donuts: Make a caramel topping by simmering sugar and butter with a touch of cream. Drizzle the caramel over the cheesecake-filled donuts for a rich, sweet experience.
• Coconut Cheesecake Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the cheesecake filling or sprinkle it over the top for a tropical twist.
• Peach Cheesecake Donuts: Replace the strawberry topping with fresh peaches or peach preserves for a summery variation.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill the Dough: If you find that the donut dough is too soft or difficult to work with, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make the dough easier to handle.
• Don’t Overfill the Donuts: When filling the donuts, be sure not to overstuff them. The filling should be generous but not so much that it overflows when you bite into it.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cream cheese and strawberries. The quality of these ingredients will directly impact the taste of your donuts.
• Fry in Small Batches: To ensure even cooking, fry the donuts in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy donuts.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delightful combination of two beloved desserts in one bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, these donuts are sure to please. The soft, pillowy texture of the donut, the rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet strawberry topping come together to create a treat that’s hard to resist.

Yield: 8

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe

Print

If you love donuts and cheesecake, imagine combining both into one delicious dessert. That's exactly what Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts offer: a soft, fluffy donut filled with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling and topped with fresh strawberry goodness. These donuts are a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're making them for a brunch gathering, a family treat, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these stuffed donuts are sure to impress.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Donuts:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying, or use donut pan if baking)
• For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries, chopped finely)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for desired consistency)
• For the Coating:
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for cinnamon sugar coating)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling:
   In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
   Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
   If using strawberry jam, mix it in. For fresh strawberries, fold them gently into the mixture.
   Gradually add heavy cream or milk, mixing until the filling is smooth and pipeable. Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the donuts.
   
2. Prepare the donuts (if frying):
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
   Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined into a smooth batter.
   
3. For frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or a piping bag to drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
   
4. For baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and spoon the batter into the wells, filling each about halfway. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
   
5. Assemble the donuts:
   Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag (or a small knife) to make a hole in the center of each donut.
   Fill a piping bag with the strawberry cheesecake filling and pipe it into the center of each donut. Be generous with the filling!
   
6. Coat the donuts (optional):
   In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using).
   Roll each stuffed donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture while it's still warm for a sweet, flavorful coating.
   
7. Serve:
   Enjoy the strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts immediately or store them in an airtight container for a day or two.

Notes

If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the powdered sugar or substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

For an extra touch, drizzle some additional strawberry jam over the donuts before serving or sprinkle with extra powdered sugar.

If frying, be sure to maintain oil temperature to avoid soggy donuts. Use a thermometer to keep it steady at 350°F.