Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Picture this: a soft, golden donut, still warm from the fryer, giving way to a creamy cheesecake filling that bursts with the sweetness of ripe strawberries. The air is scented with the comforting aroma of fried dough and vanilla, while a glossy strawberry glaze glistens under the light. Trust me, you’re going to love this — it’s worth every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe is my love letter to those cozy mornings at my grandmother’s kitchen table. She would always have something freshly baked, and strawberries were her pride and joy. I took her passion for homemade jam and combined it with my obsession for cheesecake, then tucked it all inside a pillowy donut. The result? A treat that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Stuffed donuts have been enjoyed for decades across cultures — from Berliners in Germany to bomboloni in Italy. This strawberry cheesecake twist draws from the indulgent spirit of American cheesecake and the irresistible charm of fruit-filled pastries. It’s a fusion that feels both familiar and exciting, blending creamy decadence with fruity brightness.

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Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a midnight snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour when using pre-made dough.
Customizable: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend.
Crowd-Pleasing: Always a hit at parties, picnics, and bake sales.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Filling can be made a day in advance.
Great for Leftovers: Store and enjoy over the next couple of days without losing quality.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before we start, let me share a few tricks that make all the difference:

1. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
2. Fry donuts in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
3. Cool donuts slightly before filling to prevent the cheesecake from melting.
4. For extra flavor, macerate strawberries in sugar before blending into the filling.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make these donuts effortlessly, gather:
Mixing Bowls: For preparing filling and glaze.
Hand or Stand Mixer: To achieve a silky cheesecake filling.
Piping Bag with Nozzle: For neat filling insertion.
Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: To fry the donuts evenly.
Slotted Spoon: To remove donuts without excess oil.
Cooling Rack: To prevent sogginess after frying.

Ingredients in Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

These ingredients harmonize to create a balance of rich creaminess and fruity sweetness:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, forms the base of the donut dough.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, adds sweetness to the dough.
3. Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons, helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
4. Whole Milk: 1 cup (warm), activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
5. Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (softened), adds richness and tenderness.
6. Eggs: 2 large, provide structure and richness.
7. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, balances sweetness.
8. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened), creates the cheesecake filling base.
9. Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup, sweetens and smooths the filling.
10. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor in both dough and filling.
11. Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup (diced), provides fresh fruity flavor.
12. Vegetable Oil: For frying, ensures even cooking and crisp exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

All-Purpose Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Whole Milk: Substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free donuts.
Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese works for a plant-based option.
Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries can be used when fresh are unavailable.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, giving a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet donut.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries add natural sweetness and a burst of color.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Now, let’s bring these dreamy donuts to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add eggs, butter, and flour. Knead until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet to rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Assemble the Dish: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and diced strawberries until creamy. Transfer to a piping bag.
5. Cook to Perfection: Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and cool slightly.
6. Finishing Touches: Insert piping nozzle into each donut and fill generously with cheesecake mixture.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with strawberry glaze, then serve warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in contrasts — a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to a pillowy soft center, then the cool, creamy cheesecake filling bursts with strawberry sweetness. Every bite is a balance of richness and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Maintain oil temperature for even frying.
• Let donuts cool slightly before filling to preserve texture.
• Use a fine mesh sieve to dust powdered sugar evenly.

What to Avoid

• Overcrowding the fryer, which drops oil temperature and makes greasy donuts.
• Under-proofing dough, leading to dense results.
• Overfilling, which can cause leaks during serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

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

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Fried donuts can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted, unfrozen donuts and reheat in the oven before filling.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Serve slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, or for extra indulgence, drizzle with strawberry glaze. Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Slice leftover donuts and use them as a base for an over-the-top bread pudding. Alternatively, cube and layer them in parfait glasses with yogurt and extra berries.

Additional Tips

For a stronger strawberry flavor, blend strawberries into the glaze. If you like a tangier filling, add a spoonful of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange donuts on a tiered cake stand with fresh strawberries scattered around. Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh pop of green.

Variations to Try

1. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts.
2. Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts.
3. Tropical Cheesecake Donuts with pineapple and coconut.
4. Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Donuts.

FAQ’s

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, but they will be less golden and crisp. Bake at 350°F for about 15-18 minutes.

2. Can I make the filling ahead?

Absolutely, store it in the fridge up to 24 hours.

3. How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?

Cool on a wire rack and store uncovered for the first hour.

4. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, it saves time and still yields tasty results.

5. What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.

6. Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, thaw and drain them first.

7. How do I know when oil is ready?

A thermometer should read 350°F, or a small piece of dough should sizzle and float within seconds.

8. Can I glaze instead of dusting with sugar?

Of course, a strawberry glaze is delicious.

9. How long do they stay fresh?

Best enjoyed within 2 days.

10. Can I make mini versions?

Yes, just reduce frying time.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a little bit of heaven in every bite. With their fluffy exterior, creamy filling, and burst of berry freshness, they’re a treat you’ll come back to again and again. Go ahead — make a batch, share them with loved ones, and watch them disappear.

Watch How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts