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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a donut that bursts with fruity freshness while melting in your mouth with creamy goodness, then the Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These donuts combine the best of soft, fluffy dough with a tangy strawberry glaze and a luscious cheesecake crumble topping, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special gathering, these donuts never fail to impress with their irresistible charm and homemade warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that together create magic. Each one plays a vital role, from the fluffy yeast dough to the creamy cheesecake crumble and the vibrant strawberry glaze, making every bite a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, airy donut that’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the goodness.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy rise and light texture we all crave in donuts.
- Whole milk (warm): Helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness in the dough and feeds the yeast for a lively rise.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and a slight richness to the dough.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and help with structure and tenderness.
- Strawberry jam or puree: The heart of the glaze, adding natural fruity flavor and vibrant color.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet coating that clings perfectly to the donuts.
- Cream cheese (softened): For that creamy cheesecake essence in the crumble layer.
- Powdered sugar (for crumble): Sweetens the cheesecake topping just right.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Add a delightful crunch and a hint of buttery flavor to the crumble.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (optional): Give an extra pop of fruity texture and beautiful color as a garnish.
- Neutral oil for frying: Use canola or vegetable oil, perfect for frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Begin by combining warm whole milk, a tablespoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it means the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to make your donuts light and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough starts to come together. This gradual addition helps prevent a sticky mess and encourages an even texture throughout your dough.
Step 3: Knead and rise
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, which is key to a perfect donut’s chew and structure. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. Watching it puff up is like seeing your effort coming to life!
Step 4: Shape the donuts
Roll your dough out to about half an inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes and holes. Place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet and let them proof for 30 to 45 minutes—this second rise ensures they’ll be irresistibly light and tender after frying.
Step 5: Fry to golden perfection
Heat your neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully fry the donuts for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn a lovely golden brown. Drain the donuts on a wire rack to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess. This step delivers that classic, slightly crispy exterior and pillow-soft interior we all love.
Step 6: Make the strawberry glaze
Whisk together your strawberry puree or jam with powdered sugar to create a smooth and luscious glaze. The glaze adds a burst of strawberry flavor with a shiny finish that immediately makes your donuts look delightful and appetizing.
Step 7: Prepare the cheesecake crumble
Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy and well combined. Then fold in the graham cracker crumbs to create a slightly crunchy, tangy topping that captures the essence of a classic cheesecake.
Step 8: Assemble your masterpiece
Dip each cooled donut into the strawberry glaze, letting excess drip off before placing them on the rack. Then generously sprinkle the cheesecake crumble over each glazed donut. For an extra special touch, finish with a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberries to add color and an irresistible pop of fruitiness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, or a few fresh strawberry slices can elevate your donuts from delicious to dazzling. The freeze-dried strawberries featured in this recipe add texture and a beautiful burst of color that makes these donuts especially eye-catching.
Side Dishes
Serve these donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a fruity herbal tea for a perfectly balanced snack or dessert. Their richness pairs especially well with light, refreshing drinks that cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your donuts on a tiered cake stand for an inviting display or plate them individually with a small dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry slice on the side. You could also box them up in pretty gift boxes with parchment paper as a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their fresh texture. Refrigeration is not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm, but keep in mind chilled donuts might firm up slightly.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature so the strawberry glaze and cheesecake crumble stay intact and delicious.
Reheating
Warm your thawed donuts briefly in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that just-fried softness without melting the glaze or crumble, delivering pure donut joy with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam for the glaze?
Absolutely! You can puree fresh strawberries and strain out the seeds for a smoother glaze. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to balance the sweetness since fresh berries might be less sweet than jam.
What’s the best oil for frying these donuts?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil work best. They won’t interfere with the donut’s flavor and hold their heat well for perfect frying.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
You sure can! While frying gives that classic outside crunch, these donuts can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes until golden. They’ll be a bit lighter but still tasty topped with the strawberry glaze and crumble.
How do I soften the cream cheese for the crumble?
Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it in short 10-second bursts until soft but not melted. This makes mixing smoother and easier.
Can I make this Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe vegan or dairy-free?
With some tweaks like plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and egg substitutes, you can definitely create a vegan version. Just be mindful that these changes might subtly alter texture, so experiment to find your perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about making your own Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe from scratch—the smell of fresh dough, the thrill of frying golden rounds, and that first heavenly bite into a glazed treat topped with creamy cheesecake crumble. It’s a recipe that brings joy and a touch of indulgence to any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these delightful donuts with your loved ones. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful treat combining fluffy, yeast-risen donuts with a sweet strawberry glaze and a creamy cheesecake crumble topping. Perfectly fried to a golden crisp and topped with freeze-dried strawberries for an extra pop of flavor and texture, these donuts are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert treat!
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
Frying
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
Strawberry Glaze
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or puree
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Cheesecake Crumble
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the warm whole milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour along with the yeast mixture until a dough starts to form.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Donuts: Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donuts and holes. Place them on a baking sheet and allow them to proof for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Heat Oil: Pour neutral oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is adequately hot for frying.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Make Strawberry Glaze: Whisk together the strawberry jam or puree with the powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. This glaze will give the donuts their sweet strawberry flavor and shine.
- Prepare Cheesecake Crumble: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs evenly to form the crumble topping.
- Glaze and Decorate: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip each into the strawberry glaze to coat. Immediately sprinkle with the cheesecake crumble and optionally garnish with freeze-dried strawberries for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain the oil temperature and even cooking.
- Freeze-dried strawberries are optional but add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a teaspoon of milk or water.
