There are donuts, and then there are strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts—soft, golden, and bursting with a creamy, fruity filling that tastes like pure joy! These donuts are the ultimate indulgence, marrying fluffy fried (or baked!) dough with a luscious cheesecake and strawberry center. They’re rich, dreamy, and totally worth every bite.
If you love donuts and cheesecake (who doesn’t?!), you’re in for a real treat. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch, a weekend baking project, or just because you deserve something sweet, these donuts will not disappoint.
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Why You’ll Love These Donuts
- Heavenly soft and fluffy: These donuts are perfectly light with a golden-brown exterior.
- Luscious cheesecake filling: A smooth, tangy-sweet center that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh strawberry flavor: A bright, fruity contrast to the creamy filling.
- Fried or baked options: You can choose between a classic deep-fried donut or a healthier baked version.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, they always hit the spot!
What Do These Donuts Taste Like
Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy donut, and as you reach the center, you’re met with a creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake filling swirled with sweet, juicy strawberries. The balance between rich, smooth cream cheese and bright fruitiness is pure perfection. Add a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp strawberry jam
For Frying & Topping:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar or granulated sugar (for dusting)
Essential Tools for This Recipe
- Mixing bowls – For making the dough and filling.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer – To mix the dough easily.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the dough.
- Biscuit cutter or glass – To cut out the donut shapes.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot – If frying.
- Baking sheet & oven – If baking.
- Piping bag or ziplock bag – For filling the donuts.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes (or use a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries and strawberry jam. Set aside in the fridge.
Step 3: Shape & Cut the Donuts
- Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter (or glass) to cut out donut rounds.
- Place the cut dough on a lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Fry or Bake the Donuts
- For Fried Donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For Baked Donuts:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden.
Step 5: Fill the Donuts
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, poke a hole in the side with a knife.
- Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag.
- Pipe the filling into each donut until full.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Dust with powdered sugar or roll in granulated sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- A cup of coffee or tea – Perfect pairing for breakfast or brunch.
- Vanilla or strawberry ice cream – For an extra indulgent dessert.
- Fresh fruit – A light, refreshing contrast.
- Whipped cream – Because why not?
Tips for Perfect Donuts
✔ Use warm milk, not hot – This helps the yeast activate without killing it.
✔ Don’t over-knead – Too much kneading can make the donuts tough.
✔ Let them rise properly – A good rise ensures a fluffy texture.
✔ Monitor oil temperature – If frying, keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
✔ Fill when slightly warm – If too hot, the filling will melt; if too cold, it won’t pipe well.
How to Store These Donuts
- Room Temperature: Best eaten fresh, but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm slightly before eating.
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months. Reheat and fill before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Let it rise overnight in the fridge and proceed with the recipe the next day.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baked donuts are slightly less airy but still delicious.
How do I make the filling thicker?
Add a little more powdered sugar or chill it longer before piping.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are pure happiness in every bite! Whether you fry or bake them, the combination of fluffy dough, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries is irresistible.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your creations on Pinterest or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious donuts! 🍓🍩
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