Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

If you’re looking for a little sweet indulgence that combines the best of both worlds—donuts and cheesecake—then these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine warm, fluffy donut holes, golden and slightly crispy on the outside, with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling and a burst of fresh, sweet strawberry inside. They’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends at brunch. Trust me, these little bites are not only delicious but so fun to make—and even more fun to eat. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the donut combined with the tangy richness of the cheesecake filling and the juicy strawberries creates the ultimate flavor explosion in each bite.
• Fun and Bite-Sized: These donut holes are ideal for snacking and make the perfect portion-controlled indulgence (though, let’s be honest, you’ll probably eat more than one!).
• Easy to Make: With a little bit of dough, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, you’ve got yourself a dessert that looks and tastes like a bakery masterpiece, but is super simple to prepare at home.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, surprising someone with a special treat, or simply treating yourself, these donut holes are a hit for any event.
• Customizable: If you’re not into strawberries, feel free to swap in your favorite berry or even other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for your own unique twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these sweet little bites of heaven:

For the Donut Holes:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your fluffy donut dough.
• Baking Powder: Gives the donut holes that perfect lift and softness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough to make the outside perfectly golden and delicious.
• Salt: A pinch helps balance the sweetness of the dough.
• Milk: To bring the dough together and give it the right texture.
• Egg: Adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake filling.
• Butter: Melted butter to keep the donut holes tender and flavorful.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the donut holes to crispy perfection.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the filling—softened to make it easy to mix.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it too heavy.
• Vanilla Extract: To enhance the flavor of the creamy filling.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, rich consistency to the cheesecake filling.

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh Strawberries: Diced into small pieces for a sweet, juicy burst.
• Sugar: To macerate the strawberries and bring out their sweetness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on these little indulgent bites!

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

In a small bowl, combine diced strawberries and sugar. Stir well and set aside for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and become syrupy.

2. Make the Donut Dough:

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Stir in the melted butter until just combined.

3. Fry the Donut Holes:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. While the oil heats, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and beat again until the filling is smooth and creamy.

5. Stuff the Donut Holes:

Once the donut holes are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag or a small spoon to carefully create a small hole in the center of each donut hole. Fill the hole with the cheesecake filling, then add a spoonful of the strawberry filling on top of the cheesecake.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once filled, these donut holes are ready to be served! You can dust them with a little extra powdered sugar or drizzle some more strawberry syrup on top for that extra touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 210
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 55mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

• Toppings: Dust your donut holes with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little more strawberry syrup for a finishing touch.
• Serve Warm: These donut holes are best enjoyed warm, so they melt in your mouth with that creamy cheesecake center.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: A perfect treat for breakfast or brunch, these donut holes go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the donut holes in advance and fill them just before serving to keep them fresh. Alternatively, you can freeze the fried donut holes without filling them and reheat them in the oven.
• Different Fruit Fillings: Feel free to use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even cherries to make different variations of these stuffed donut holes.
• No Frying Option: If you prefer, you can bake the donut holes instead of frying them. Just shape the dough into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can make the donut holes in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Fill them with cheesecake and strawberry filling just before serving.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A2: Yes! Frozen strawberries will work, though you may want to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in your filling.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before eating.

Q4: Can I use a different type of filling?
A4: Absolutely! You can swap out the cheesecake filling for a chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even a lemon curd filling if you prefer.

Q5: How do I get the donut holes to be perfectly round?
A5: When shaping the dough, make sure to roll them between your hands to create a nice, smooth ball shape before frying them. A melon baller or cookie scoop can also help with uniform sizing.

Q6: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A6: Yes, you can bake the donut holes at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. They won’t have the same crispy exterior as fried ones, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
A7: You can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different cheesecake flavor, but cream cheese is the classic choice for that smooth, tangy filling.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A8: Definitely! Chocolate chips or small chunks of dark chocolate would make a great addition to the cheesecake filling.

Q9: Can I freeze these donut holes?
A9: Yes! You can freeze the fried donut holes (without filling) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven and then fill with the cheesecake and strawberry mixture.

Q10: How can I make these donut holes even more indulgent?
A10: You can drizzle them with a chocolate ganache or dust them with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of sweetness.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are everything you want in a dessert: sweet, creamy, crispy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy snack, these donut holes will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy every indulgent bite!

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