These delicious strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a sweet treat that’s hard to resist! Each soft donut is filled with creamy cheesecake and bursts of fresh strawberry goodness.
Making donuts at home is actually easier than it seems, and trust me, they will vanish quickly! I love serving them warm with a little dusting of powdered sugar—heavenly! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the donuts to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can substitute it directly without dissolving in milk. Just mix it with the dry ingredients!
Warm Milk: It activates the yeast. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using almond milk or soy milk. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot!
Cream Cheese: Essential for the filling, it needs to be softened for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ricotta cheese, but it may result in a slightly different texture.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a delicious burst of flavor. If they aren’t in season, frozen strawberries can work, just thaw and drain them first.
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for frying. Canola oil is a great alternative if you have it on hand. Avoid olive oil as its flavor may not suit the donuts.
How Do You Perfectly Fry Donuts Without Them Being Greasy?
Frying can be a tricky process, but with some attention, you’ll get perfectly cooked donuts! Here are some tips:
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer is a great tool to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- After frying, place the donuts on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps keep them light and fluffy!
With these tips, you’ll whip up delightful donuts that are light and packed with flavor. Happy frying!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: light drizzle of icing (powdered sugar and milk mix)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise, and we recommend around 30 minutes for frying and cooling. In total, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to create these delightful donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Donut Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is super important as it wakes up the yeast! In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Once combined, stir in the yeast mixture.
2. Mixing the Dough:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until you get a soft dough. Then, flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. It’s a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it!
3. Letting the Dough Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Now, let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. You might want to take this time to sip on a cup of coffee!
4. Make the Fillings:
While the dough rises, let’s prepare the fillings! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until it’s smooth and creamy. For the strawberry filling, combine your diced strawberries with sugar in another bowl. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to get all those lovely juices flowing!
5. Shaping and Frying the Donuts:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface. Use a round cutter (around 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Next, heat up vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
6. Filling the Donuts:
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each donut with 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling. Then, top the cream cheese filling with some of those macerated strawberries. The combination will be heavenly!
7. Final Touches:
Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar to make them look fabulous. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk over the top.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are best served warm or at room temperature. Get ready to enjoy every bite of these fluffy, creamy, and fruity delights!
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Enjoy these delicious donuts at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a special dessert. They are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Regular Milk?
Yes, almond milk is a great substitute! Just make sure it’s warm (not hot) when adding it to the yeast to activate properly.
Can I Make These Donuts Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the fillings in advance. Refrigerate the dough after kneading, and it can stay in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.
What Can I Do If My Donuts Are Greasy After Frying?
If your donuts turn out greasy, it may be because the oil was not hot enough. Always ensure the oil is properly heated to 350°F (175°C). Also, be sure to drain excess oil on paper towels right after frying!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For prolonged freshness, you can refrigerate them, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
