These fluffy donuts are a sweet treat filled with creamy strawberry cheesecake goodness! The chocolate glaze on top makes them extra special and hard to resist.
Who can say no to donuts stuffed with cheesecake? I love having them for breakfast or as a fun dessert. Just be ready to share, or they might disappear fast! 🍩💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for fluffy donuts. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead—just skip the proofing step. It’s faster and easier!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best for flavor and texture. But if they’re out of season, frozen strawberries can work too. Just thaw and drain them well before using.
Cream Cheese: For the filling, full-fat cream cheese gives the best taste. Neufchâtel can be a lighter substitute, but it may be less creamy. Just make sure to soften it first!
All-Purpose Flour: If you want to go gluten-free, try an all-purpose gluten-free blend. It usually works well in recipes like this without much adjustment.
How Do I Make Sure My Donuts Are Fluffy?
The key to fluffy donuts is properly proofing the dough. Here’s how:
- After mixing, let the dough sit in a warm place until it doubles in size—typically about an hour. You want it to rise well for that fluffy texture!
- Avoid rushing this step; it’s tempting to fry early, but patience pays off!
- When shaping your donuts, be gentle so the air doesn’t escape from the dough. Pinch the edges tightly to keep the filling in!
Frying at the correct temperature is also essential. If too hot, they’ll brown quickly, but be raw inside; too low, and they’ll soak up too much oil. Use a thermometer for best results!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Glaze and Toppings:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 6-8 fresh strawberry halves (for topping)
- Additional powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of active preparation, plus around 1 hour for the dough to rise, and then about 20 minutes for frying and assembling. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 40 minutes to enjoy those fresh, warm donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit until it becomes foamy, which should take about 5-10 minutes. This means your yeast is active and ready to work!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Then add the egg, melted butter, and the foamy yeast mixture to the bowl. Mix everything together until you have a sticky dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that to save some energy!
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, make the strawberry cheesecake filling. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
7. Cut the Donuts:
Using a round cutter about 3 inches in diameter, cut out circles from the dough. Place about 1 teaspoon of the strawberry cheesecake filling in the center of half of the circles. Cover each of these with another dough circle and pinch the edges together to seal well.
8. Fry the Donuts:
In a deep pot or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the stuffed donuts in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk quantity based on how thick or thin you’d like your glaze.
10. Assemble and Serve:
Once the donuts are warm, drizzle the glaze over each one. Add a fresh strawberry half on top and lightly dust with additional powdered sugar, if desired.
11. Enjoy!
Serve these indulgent donuts warm and savor the creamy strawberry filling! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
This recipe makes about 8-10 delicious strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts, just like in the picture. Happy cooking! 🍓🍩
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a delicious twist. Just make sure to chop them similarly to the strawberries to maintain the right texture in your filling.
How to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat them gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the stuffed donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as fried donuts but will still be delicious!
What to Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check the freshness of your yeast. Yeast that is expired won’t activate properly. Additionally, ensure the environment is warm enough for rising. If it’s too cold, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise.