These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a sweet treat you won’t resist! Fluffy donuts filled with creamy cheesecake and bursting with fresh strawberries make every bite special.
Oh, and let’s be real—who doesn’t love a dessert that’s basically a donut and cheesecake combined? I like to enjoy mine with a cup of coffee for the perfect snack break!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is key for making the donuts rise. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, using the same amount. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients!
Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten the dough and macerate strawberries. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the cheesecake filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, mascarpone cheese can be a delicious substitute, though it will have a slightly different flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: These add great flavor and texture. If strawberries aren’t in season, try using frozen strawberries but remember to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
Heavy Cream: This helps make the filling rich and creamy. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well and gives a pleasant flavor and texture too.
How Do You Ensure Your Donuts Are Perfectly Fluffy?
The key to fluffy donuts is letting your dough rise properly. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size. Don’t rush this step; the yeast needs time to work!
- Activate yeast in warm water until frothy (5-10 mins).
- Keep dough in a warm area for rising. An oven preheated for 2 minutes (then turned off) works great.
- For the second rise, allow your cut donuts to puff up for another 30-45 minutes.
Frying is also crucial; ensure your oil temperature stays around 350°F (175°C). A thermometer can be handy here! Overcrowding the pan can cause temperature drops, leading to greasy donuts. Fry in small batches for the best results.
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
For Assembly and Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh strawberries halved (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of active preparation time and around 2 hours of rising and cooking time. You’ll be mixing, kneading, and frying your way to fluffy donuts with a delicious filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy on top. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, softened butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour little by little while mixing until you see a soft dough starting to form.
3. Knead Dough:
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Once that’s done, place it into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
4. Macerate Strawberries:
While the dough is rising, take your chopped strawberries and mix them with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl. This helps soften the strawberries and brings out their juices. Set it aside!
5. Make Cheesecake Filling:
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the macerated strawberries (including some of their juice) to create a chunky filling. Refrigerate it until you are ready to use it.
6. Shape Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or round cutter (around 3 inches in diameter) to cut out the donuts.
7. Second Rise:
Place the cut donuts on a floured tray, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they are nice and puffy.
8. Heat Oil:
In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to let the donuts float while frying.
9. Fry Donuts:
Carefully fry the donuts in batches. Fry each one for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and let them drain on paper towels.
10. Assemble Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool enough to touch, slice each one horizontally about halfway through. Generously fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling you made earlier.
11. Finish and Serve:
Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar and place a fresh strawberry half on top of each one. Serve them up immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe will yield soft, fluffy donuts filled with a delightful strawberry cheesecake mixture, perfect for any occasion or simply as a sweet treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made biscuit or doughnut dough from the store. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and proceed to fill them with the strawberry cheesecake filling as described in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, they might get a bit less fluffy over time.
Can I Freeze the Filled Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the filled donuts! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat briefly in the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them in the filling. Alternatively, you can substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor twist!
