There’s something truly magical about biting into a soft, pillowy donut and discovering a luscious, creamy strawberry cheesecake filling inside. These Delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are everything you could want in a sweet treat—fluffy, rich, tangy, and absolutely irresistible!
If you’re a fan of cheesecake and donuts (who isn’t?!), this recipe is the best of both worlds. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because—trust me, they’ll disappear in no time!
So, are you ready to create bakery-style donuts at home? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft & Fluffy Donuts – These yeast-raised donuts have the perfect airy texture.
✔ Creamy Cheesecake Filling – A luscious mix of cream cheese, strawberries, and a touch of vanilla.
✔ No Deep Fryer Required – You can fry them in a regular pot or bake them if you prefer a lighter option.
✔ Better Than Store-Bought – Freshly made, warm, and filled with love!
🍓 What Do These Donuts Taste Like?
Imagine the most pillowy donut, slightly crispy on the outside and ultra-soft inside. Then, picture a creamy, tangy, and sweet strawberry cheesecake filling bursting in every bite. It’s a flavor explosion! The balance of sweet strawberries, rich cream cheese, and the light, golden donut makes these completely irresistible.
🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
For Frying & Coating:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
✔ Rolling pin
✔ Round cookie cutter (about 3 inches)
✔ Deep pot for frying
✔ Slotted spoon
✔ Piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off)
🍩 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Shape the Donuts
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut out donuts.
- Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
3️⃣ Fry the Donuts
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F.
- Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Roll in granulated sugar while warm.
4️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in chopped strawberries and jam until well combined.
5️⃣ Fill the Donuts
- Using a small knife, make a hole in each donut.
- Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake filling and pipe it into the donuts.
6️⃣ Enjoy!
Take a bite and experience pure bliss!
🍓 What to Serve with These Donuts
- Fresh berries for an extra fruity touch.
- A cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
- Whipped cream for extra indulgence!
🔥 Tips for the Best Donuts
✔ Use warm milk (not hot!) – This helps activate the yeast properly.
✔ Don’t over-knead – You want soft, tender donuts, not dense ones!
✔ Keep the oil at 350°F – Too hot, and they burn; too cool, and they absorb too much oil.
✔ Let them cool slightly before filling – This prevents the cheesecake filling from melting.
🏆 Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Unfilled donuts freeze well! Just reheat, then fill before serving.
Reheat: Warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-bakery taste.
❓ FAQ
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes, then brush with melted butter and roll in sugar.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temp before rolling and cutting.
🍩 Final Thoughts
These Delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are pure joy in every bite! Whether you’re making them for a special brunch or a sweet afternoon treat, they’re guaranteed to impress.
👉 Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest & tag me—I’d love to see your creations!
Looking for more delicious treats? Try these next:
- Classic Cream-Filled Donuts
- Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
- Cheesecake-Stuffed French Toast
Happy baking! ❤️