Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts: A Sweet Delight

Introduction

There’s something truly special about homemade donuts, especially when they’re filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with fresh strawberries. I recently tried my hand at making Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The combination of soft, fluffy donuts, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry topping was a hit with my family. Everyone raved about them, and they disappeared within hours! If you’re looking for a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Oil for frying (if making fried donuts) or donut molds for baked donuts

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (optional for thinning)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Fry or Bake the Donuts

• For Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into donut shapes. Carefully fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
• For Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into greased donut molds and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency. Place the filling in a piping bag with a long nozzle.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill them with the cheesecake filling. Insert the nozzle into the side of each donut and gently squeeze in the filling until the donut feels slightly heavy.

Step 7: Make the Glaze (Optional)

If you’d like a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the donuts or dip the tops for an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 8: Add the Strawberry Topping

Top each donut with the strawberry mixture and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Nutrition Facts (per donut)

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (baked) or 1-2 minutes (fried)
• Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
• Drizzle with glaze for extra sweetness.
• Top with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Filling: For a firmer cheesecake filling, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before piping.
2. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries will enhance the flavor and presentation of your donuts.
4. Customize the Glaze: Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more or less milk.
5. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

Recipe Variations

• Baked Blueberry Cheesecake Donuts: Substitute strawberries with blueberries for a different twist.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts: Mix cocoa powder into the batter for chocolate-flavored donuts.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these donuts as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
• Pair them with coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Ideal for celebrations, parties, or special occasions.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place filled and cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

• Yes! You can use donut molds to bake them.

1. What if I don’t have a piping bag?

• You can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag.

1. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

• Use a thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and floats, it’s ready.

1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fill the donuts.

1. How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and avoid stacking them until they are fully cooled.

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

• Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can work in a pinch.

1. What should I do if the donuts are too dense?

• Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter, and check that your baking powder is fresh.

1. How do I make the donuts less sweet?

• You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the donuts and the glaze.

1. Can I add other fillings?

• Absolutely! You can fill them with chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even whipped cream.

1. What’s the best way to reheat leftover donuts?
   • Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delightful treat that combines two beloved desserts into one indulgent package. With their soft, fluffy texture and creamy filling, they are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a decadent breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear in no time!

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