Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden donut only to discover a creamy, dreamy strawberry cheesecake filling inside. That’s exactly what you get with these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts! These decadent treats combine the best of both worlds—soft, pillowy donuts and rich, fruity cheesecake—making them the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special day, or just treating yourself, these donuts are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these delicious donuts, including step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and why this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- Creamy and Dreamy: The strawberry cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and bursting with fruity flavor.
- Fluffy and Golden: The donuts are soft, pillowy, and perfectly baked (or fried!).
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunches, parties, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Customizable: Swap the strawberry filling for other flavors or toppings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will love these indulgent donuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious donuts:
For the Donuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries, pureed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Pink food coloring and sprinkles for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan or set up a deep fryer if making fried donuts.
Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Bake (or Fry) the Donuts
- For Baked Donuts: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
- For Fried Donuts: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Pipe or spoon the batter into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Fill the Donuts
- Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake mixture. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and squeeze gently until filled.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a drop of pink food coloring if desired.
- Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if using.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, fruity, and fluffy goodness!
Tips for Customization
- Different Fillings: Swap the strawberry filling for blueberry, raspberry, or chocolate cheesecake.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle with melted chocolate, caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sweet filling and glaze, and fill the donuts with a savory cream cheese or herb mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought donuts?
Yes! Use store-bought donuts and fill them with the homemade strawberry cheesecake filling for a quick version.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! Freeze the unfilled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill with fresh cheesecake filling before serving.
4. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off or a small spoon to fill the donuts.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a creamy, dreamy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, fruity filling, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable, so you can make them your own.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us. Happy baking!