Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Can you believe these donuts are stuffed with cheesecake?!” I overheard a friend exclaim as she took her first bite, and I couldn’t help but smile. These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are the perfect answer to your dessert dreams. Imagine fluffy, brioche-like dough wrapping around a rich, tangy strawberry cheesecake filling—each bite is like a delightful surprise! Not only are they indulgent, but they’re also surprisingly easy to whip up at home, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these donuts deliver a playful twist on classic flavors. Ready to bring a bit of joy to your kitchen? Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey! Why are Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts a must-try?Indulgent Delight: These donuts are an exciting twist on traditional desserts, housing a rich, velvety cheesecake filling. Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking pro; this recipe is user-friendly for all skill levels! Flavor Explosion: Each donut bursts with fresh strawberry jam, balancing sweetness with just the right tang. Perfect for Any Occasion: Impress guests at brunch or satisfy your cravings during a cozy night in. Why not serve them alongside a refreshing Dirty Strawberry Soda? Versatile Treat: Feel free to switch up the jam flavors or add zest for a fun twist that’ll always keep them guessing! Crowd-Pleaser: These bites of joy are sure to become your new go-to treat—everyone will want seconds!Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Ingredients• Get ready to bake these indulgent delights!For the DoughWarm Milk – Activates yeast for leavening; ensure it’s warm (not hot) to protect the yeast.Active Dry Yeast – The leavening agent that helps the dough rise; freshness is key for the best results.Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast; feel free to substitute with brown sugar for extra depth.All-Purpose Flour – Forms the dough’s structure; opt for a gluten-free blend if necessary.Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s gluten; essential for a balanced taste.Unsalted Butter – Adds rich moisture; margarine can be used for a dairy-free alternative.Large Egg – Contributes to the dough’s structure and gives richness; swap with a flax egg for a vegan option.For the Cheesecake FillingCream Cheese – The creamy star of the filling; make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the filling; coconut powdered sugar is a unique alternative.Vanilla Extract – Brings depth of flavor to both dough and filling; choose pure vanilla for the best taste.Strawberry Jam – Infuses a sweet fruitiness in the filling; replace with other berry jams if you’re feeling adventurous.For FryingVegetable Oil – Ensures even frying; peanut or canola oil can be used based on your preference.For the GlazePowdered Sugar – Sweetens your glaze; whisk until smooth and pourable for the perfect finish.Milk – Creates a smooth consistency for the glaze; adjust the amount to achieve your desired thickness.Elevate your dessert game with these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts!Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake DonutsStep 1: Activate Yeast In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step is crucial for making your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts light and fluffy!Step 2: Prepare Dough In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Once your yeast is activated, add the foamy mixture to the dry ingredients along with 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 1 large egg. Combine everything until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.Step 3: Kneading and Rising Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back gently when pressed. Next, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size—this is key for fluffy donuts.Step 4: Shape and Fry After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface and cut into donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters. Let the shaped donuts rest for another 20–30 minutes, then heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350–360°F (175–180°C). Fry the donuts for 1.5–2 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed.Step 5: Make Filling While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cheesecake filling! In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of strawberry jam, creating a swirl effect without overmixing. This decadent filling will complement your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts beautifully.Step 6: Prepare Glaze In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity if necessary to achieve your desired glaze consistency. This sweet topping will give your donuts a delicious finish.Step 7: Assemble and Glaze Using a piping bag or a paring knife, inject the cheesecake filling into the warm donuts or cut them in half for easier filling. Once filled, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over the donuts for that perfect finishing touch. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the glaze doesn’t run off. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts!Make Ahead OptionsThese Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks who love to prepare in advance! You can make the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The dough can also be prepared and shaped into donuts, then covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking them in hot oil. This way, you’ll retain all the fluffy goodness without losing any quality. Once fried and filled, glaze right before serving for that fresh, indulgent taste!Expert Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake DonutsYeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. A foamy mixture is crucial for fluffy donuts.Kneading Technique: Knead your dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes; this develops gluten for the perfect texture. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour.Frying Count: Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying; it lowers the oil temperature and can make your donuts greasy. Fry a few at a time for best results.Cooling Before Filling: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before injecting the filling. This prevents the cheesecake from melting and keeps everything intact.Flavor Additions: For a fun twist, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling or topping your donuts with freeze-dried strawberries. This enhances the strawberry cheesecake flavor.Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. For best freshness, consume within 2-3 days. Enjoy the indulgent experience of Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts while they last!Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake DonutsRoom Temperature: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their freshness.Fridge: If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate the donuts for up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid drying out.Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts warm!What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake DonutsImagine pairing these decadent donuts with delightful accompaniments that enhance their sweet, indulgent flavor.Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm donuts, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast. Each bite becomes an unforgettable experience!Fresh Strawberries: Slices of juicy, fresh strawberries not only echo the flavors in the donuts but also add a refreshing touch. Their natural sweetness and slight acidity lighten the rich cheesecake filling.Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the donuts perfectly. A cup of rich espresso or a latte elevates your dessert experience, making it feel like a café treat.Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds an extra creamy element to each bite, balancing the tangy cheesecake filling while also offering a light texture.Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the top of the donuts adds a luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the strawberry and cream flavors—an indulgent twist everyone will love!Citrus Zest Powder: For a zesty kick, sprinkle a bit of lemon or orange zest on top. This brightens the flavors, elevating the overall experience by introducing a refreshing note that cuts through the sweetness.Mint Leaves: Garnishing with fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal finish that beautifully complements the fruity notes. It’s a simple yet effective touch that makes your presentation wow-worthy!Sparkling Lemonade: An effervescent glass of sparkling lemonade refreshes the palate and provides a delightful contrast to the donuts’ richness. Perfect for a light and uplifting pairing!Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts VariationsFeel free to let your creativity run wild and make these donuts truly your own!Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy. These donuts can be just as fluffy without the gluten!Vegan: Swap out the egg for a flax egg and use plant-based cream cheese to create delightful vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts. Enjoy pet-friendly treats without sacrificing flavor!Berry Bliss: Substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a fruity twist. The alternative berry flavors will tantalize your taste buds!Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus zing. It brings a bright contrast to the sweet strawberries—perfect for those who love tangy flavors!Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a delightful chocolate-strawberry combo. It will take your taste experience to a whole new level!Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the filling for a delightful crunch. The contrast in texture will keep everyone coming back for more!Creamy Whipped Topping: Top your donuts with a dollop of whipped cream, or pipe it into the center before adding the glaze. It elevates the indulgence even further!Spicy Kick: For adults looking for a twist, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze can provide an unexpected kick that plays beautifully with the sweetness!These variations ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are always a delightful surprise! And don’t forget to pair them with a refreshing drink like a Pink Strawberry Coconut Refresher for the perfect treat!Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe FAQsWhat is the best way to select ripe strawberries for the filling? Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are bright red with a natural sheen and are firm to the touch. Avoid those with green or white parts, as they may not be fully ripe. If the strawberries have dark spots or mold, it’s best to skip those, as they can affect the overall flavor of your glaze!How should I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts? To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure they’re sealed properly to prevent drying out.Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts, and if so, how? Yes, you can! To freeze your donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm!What should I do if my donuts turn out dense and heavy? Very well! If your donuts are dense, it could be due to a few factors. First, make sure the yeast is fresh and properly activated before mixing. If your liquid is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise. Ensure you knead the dough adequately—this develops gluten for a good structure. Lastly, avoid adding too much flour while kneading, as this can make the donuts tough. If your dough feels too sticky, only add a tablespoon at a time.Can I make these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts dairy-free? Absolutely! To make these delightful donuts dairy-free, you can substitute unsalted butter with a vegan margarine and use a non-dairy cream cheese for the filling. Additionally, check if your milk choice is plant-based—almond milk or oat milk works wonderfully! Just make sure to follow the rest of the instructions to maintain the texture and flavor.Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of? Definitely! When making these donuts, consider common allergens like dairy (from the cream cheese), gluten (from the flour), and eggs. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free baking blend. If you have anyone with a dairy allergy, opt for non-dairy cream cheese and margarine. Always check your ingredients to ensure they align with anyone’s dietary needs—including yourself—to create a delightful and safe treat!Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts for Sweet CravingsThese Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful combination of fluffy dough and rich cheesecake filling, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Print Recipe Pin RecipePrep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes minsServings: 12 donutsCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition NotesIngredients 1x2x3x? Dough1/2 cup warm milk not hot2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast freshness is key1 tablespoon granulated sugar3 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend1 teaspoon salt3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted1 large egg or flax egg for veganCheesecake Filling8 ounces cream cheese softened1 cup powdered sugar coconut powdered sugar is an alternative1 teaspoon vanilla extract use pure for best flavor1/4 cup strawberry jam can use other berry jamsFrying2 cups vegetable oil or peanut/canola oilGlaze1 cup powdered sugar2-3 tablespoons milk adjust for consistencyEquipment Mixing bowlsWhiskdonut cutterfrying potPiping BagMethod Activating YeastCombine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.Preparing DoughWhisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until shaggy dough forms.Kneading and RisingKnead dough for 8-10 minutes. Let rise in greased bowl covered with towel for 1-1.5 hours.Shaping and FryingRoll dough 1/2 inch thick, cut shapes, and let rest. Fry in oil at 350-360°F for 1.5-2 minutes each side.Making FillingBeat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in strawberry jam.Preparing GlazeWhisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.Assembling and GlazingInject cheesecake filling into donuts and dip in glaze. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes.Nutrition Serving: 1donutCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mgNotesFor best results, ensure yeast is activated, and donuts are slightly cooled before filling.Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
