These delightful donuts are filled with creamy strawberry cheesecake goodness. Soft on the outside and fruity on the inside, they’re perfect for a sweet treat!
Let’s be real, who wouldn’t want cheesecake wrapped in a donut? I just can’t resist these on a sunny morning with a cup of coffee by my side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is what helps the donuts rise and gives them that fluffy texture. If you want to use fresh yeast, about 2/3 of the amount will work. Just make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results!
Warm Milk: It’s crucial for activating the yeast. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using almond milk or oat milk, both warm, to make it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the filling! If you want a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still creates a creamy filling.
Strawberries: Fresh is always best for flavor! But if strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Donut Texture?
Frying donuts can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can nail it! Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (about 350°F or 175°C) before frying. Too hot and they will cook too quickly; too cool and they may absorb more oil.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.
- Fry donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature.
- Let the donuts cool on paper towels to absorb any extra oil after frying.
These steps will ensure your donuts come out light, fluffy, and perfectly cooked every time. Enjoy your baking adventure with these amazing strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus whole strawberries for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 2.5 hours in total. This includes around 1.5 hours of rising time for the donuts and about 30 minutes of active preparation and frying time. Enjoy each step; it’s worth the wait for those tasty donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. In your large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Next, pour the yeast mixture into this bowl and gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out to about a 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out your donuts. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rest for another 30 minutes to rise slightly. While they are resting, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and then gently fold this whipped cream into the creamy cheese mixture. Lastly, fold in the diced strawberries so they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
4. Assemble the Donuts:
Let the fried donuts cool completely. Once cool, slice each donut horizontally into a top and bottom half. Generously spread or pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling onto the bottom half of each donut, then place the top half back onto the filling. Dust the assembled donuts with powdered sugar for a finishing touch, and if you’d like, press a whole strawberry onto the top of each donut for garnish!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are now ready! Serve them immediately for the best taste, or refrigerate for later. These delightful treats are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Enjoy the fluffy, creamy, and fruity explosion of flavors!
Can I Use a Different Type of Filling?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling by using different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even replace the cheesecake filling with a chocolate ganache or pastry cream for a different twist. Just make sure any berry filling is not too runny to prevent soggy donuts!
How Can I Make the Donuts Healthier?
If you want a healthier version, consider baking the donuts instead of frying them. Use a donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. You can also substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar to taste!
Can I Freeze Leftover Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts! Make sure they are completely cooled and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Fry?
Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) for frying to get that golden-brown color. Use a thermometer and fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the pot can result in greasy donuts!
