If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels like a hug in dessert form, look no further than this Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, golden donut gently fried to perfection, then discovering the creamy, luscious strawberry cheesecake filling nestled inside. It’s a delightful combination of fluffy, tangy, and fruity flavors all wrapped in one bite-sized wonder. Whether you’re making a special breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts are sure to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have many of these ingredients on hand, which makes creating this magical treat even easier. Each one plays a vital role: from the tender crumb of the dough to the rich and tangy cheesecake filling bursting with fresh strawberry goodness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender yet sturdy donuts, cake flour works beautifully for softness.
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tangy cheesecake filling, coconut sugar is a nice alternative.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise and develop a light texture; freshness is key here.
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda: Gives a subtle lift and helps with browning, no substitutions recommended.
- 0.5 teaspoons salt: Balances flavors, sea salt can soften the overall taste.
- 0.75 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the donut’s flavor; you can easily make your own by adding vinegar to milk.
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and tenderness, coconut oil is a tasty alternative.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough; flax egg works wonderfully for a vegan version.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm aroma and depth, almond extract adds a lovely twist.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Creates the luscious, creamy filling central to this recipe; tofu can replace it for vegan donuts.
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cheesecake filling, omit if you want a less-sweet filling.
- 0.5 cups fresh strawberries (chopped): Bursts of natural fruit flavor that brighten the filling; thawed frozen strawberries work too.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to balance sweetness, lime juice can work just as well.
How to Make Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold the wet mixture into the dry until just combined — resist the urge to overmix! Letting the batter rest for about 10 minutes allows the baking powder to activate, ensuring a wonderful rise and tender crumb.
Step 2: Fry the Donuts
Heat your oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust without absorbing too much oil. Carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden brown. Transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the donuts are cooling, whip your cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla extract. This mixture should be fluffy, tangy, and packed with the fresh fruit flavor that makes the Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 4: Fill the Donuts
Once your donuts have cooled to room temperature, it’s time to add the star of the show: the strawberry cheesecake filling. Use a piping bag or a small zipper bag with the tip cut off, gently injecting the filling into the center of each donut. Be mindful not to overfill to prevent any mess, but generous enough so every bite is filled with creamy delight.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dust the donuts lightly with powdered sugar for that extra touch of elegance and sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature. You can almost hear the satisfied sighs with the first bite of this delectable treat!
How to Serve Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just a little extra flair can elevate these donuts even further. Fresh strawberry slices, a light drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios add texture, color, and appeal that will wow your guests before they even take a bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich doughnuts with a fresh fruit salad, a cup of steaming coffee, or a chilled glass of milk. The freshness and contrasting flavors complement the sweetness, making for a perfectly balanced indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange donuts stacked on a cake stand or nestled in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful napkin. Serve alongside small bowls of extra strawberry cheesecake filling for dipping or spreading, turning the experience into something interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any donuts left (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor. Refrigeration can dry them out, so keeping them at room temp is best.
Freezing
These donuts freeze beautifully. After filling them, place them on a baking sheet individually until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 1 month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover donuts warm, gently reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm. Avoid overheating to keep the filling creamy and dough soft.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes can yield a softer donut with less oil, though you’ll miss out on that crisp golden exterior frying provides.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Thawed frozen strawberries work just fine; just make sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the filling from becoming too runny.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the egg with a flax egg, use tofu for the cream cheese, and replace butter with coconut oil. These substitutions work well without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whip before filling the donuts to bring back the fluffiness.
How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?
Maintain the oil temperature strictly at 350°F and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in small batches for even cooking and better texture.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a fun, impressive way to treat yourself and loved ones that brings joy to every bite. The balance of fluffy dough and creamy strawberry filling creates a delicious little moment of happiness you absolutely deserve. Trust me, once you try it, these donuts will be a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure—you won’t regret it!
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Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these irresistibly decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts, combining fluffy fried donuts with a creamy, tangy strawberry cheesecake filling. Perfect for a delightful treat or dessert, these donuts feature a soft, tender dough fried to golden perfection and generously filled with a luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberry mixture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (Use cake flour for a softer texture)
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar (Can substitute with coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (Ensure it’s fresh)
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda (Do not substitute)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt (Use sea salt for milder taste)
- 0.75 cups buttermilk (Substitute with milk + vinegar if unavailable)
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter (melted) (Can be replaced with coconut oil)
- 1 large egg (For vegan option, use flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Substitute with almond extract for a different profile)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (Tofu can be used for vegan variant)
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar (Can be omitted for less sweetness)
- 0.5 cups fresh strawberries (chopped) (Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Can be substituted with lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Oil for frying (enough to maintain 350°F temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes to hydrate and develop a tender texture.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying each side for 2-3 minutes or until the donuts turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whip until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, creating a luscious frosting-like filling.
- Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag or a small spoon to pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling into the center of each donut. Take care not to overfill to avoid spillage.
- Serve and Enjoy: Optionally dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum indulgence and enjoy the rich, fruity, creamy experience.
Notes
- For a vegan adaptation, substitute egg with a flax egg and use tofu instead of cream cheese.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, combine 0.75 cups milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries work well too.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure donuts cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Allow the donuts to cool completely before filling to prevent filling from melting or leaking.
