Valentines Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Introduction

There’s something magical about donuts. They’re soft, pillowy, and warm, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy a craving. But when you stuff them with a creamy, dreamy strawberry cheesecake filling, they go from ordinary to extraordinary. Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are the kind of treat you crave for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night indulgence. They’re a perfect combination of two fan-favorite desserts: fresh donuts and rich, creamy cheesecake. And if you think this sounds too complicated to make at home, think again! These donuts are surprisingly easy to whip up, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. You’re going to love the way the light, fluffy donut contrasts with the velvety cheesecake filling and sweet, tart strawberry topping.

I first discovered this recipe while trying to find new ways to enjoy fresh strawberries in the spring. My family was having a small get-together, and I wanted to make something fun that would wow everyone. The minute the donuts came out of the fryer, and the strawberry topping started to drip onto the plate, I knew I had found a new favorite. It’s now a go-to treat whenever we’re celebrating something special or just craving something sweet. I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You might be wondering, “Why should I try making stuffed donuts at home?” Well, let me tell you, there are so many reasons why these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts should be on your baking radar. Here are just a few:

1. Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to make these delicious donuts. With a simple dough and cheesecake filling, they come together easily and can even be made in advance!
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want a decadent treat, these donuts fit the bill. They’re impressive enough for a brunch gathering but simple enough to make whenever the craving strikes.
3. Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The donut exterior is golden and slightly crispy, while the inside is soft, airy, and filled with that sweet, tangy cheesecake. Plus, the strawberry topping brings the whole thing together in the most satisfying way!
4. Customizable: You can adjust the filling and topping to your liking, making it perfect for everyone in your family or group of friends.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Rest Time: 40 minutes (for dough to rise)
• Servings: This recipe makes 12 donuts, perfect for sharing!

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 300
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

Donuts:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge the donuts)

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream

Strawberry Topping

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Donut Dough Start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Stir until the yeast dissolves, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast activates properly, giving your donuts that perfect rise. While waiting, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until the dough begins to form a ball.

2. Knead the Dough Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading it for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it feels sticky at first; just keep kneading, and it’ll come together nicely. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

3. Let the Dough Rise Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 40 minutes or until it doubles in size. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping.

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling For the cheesecake filling, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Then, gradually add the heavy cream and continue to mix until it’s light and fluffy. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add more cream cheese or reduce the amount of heavy cream. Once the filling is done, place it in the refrigerator to chill while you move on to the next steps.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and form a thick, syrupy consistency. Let it cool before using.

6. Shape and Fry the Donuts After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness, then use a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters) to cut out your donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a glass for the outer shape and a smaller one for the hole in the middle.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the fryer—fry them in batches if necessary.

7. Fill the Donuts Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag or a pastry injector to fill them with the chilled cheesecake filling. Be sure to inject a generous amount of filling into the center of each donut, so it’s perfectly stuffed!

8. Add the Strawberry Topping Top each donut with a spoonful of the strawberry topping, letting the syrup drizzle down the sides for that beautiful, homemade touch.

How to Serve

• Serve these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts warm with an extra drizzle of strawberry syrup.
• Pair them with a nice cup of coffee, milk, or a light fruit salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.
• If you’re feeling indulgent, dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for an extra sweet finishing touch.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If your yeast doesn’t foam in the warm milk, it’s likely expired, and you’ll need to use new yeast.
2. Don’t Skip the Rise: Letting the dough rise properly is key to light and fluffy donuts. Be patient, and your efforts will pay off!
3. Make Ahead: You can prep the donut dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and fry them up in the morning for an easy, homemade breakfast.
4. Perfect Frying Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F ensures that the donuts cook evenly and get that golden, crispy exterior without being greasy.
5. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other flavors to the cheesecake filling, such as lemon zest or a bit of cinnamon for a unique twist!

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: For a chocolatey twist, add some cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling and dip the donuts in melted chocolate before adding the strawberry topping.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free heavy cream for the filling, and swap out the eggs in the dough with a flax egg.
• Different Fruit Toppings: While strawberry is a classic, you could swap it out for blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of fruits depending on what’s in season.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve these donuts alongside a simple side of scrambled eggs or a green salad for a balanced meal.
• Beverages: These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a refreshing iced tea.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover stuffed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them, make sure they’re in a container that doesn’t allow them to get too squished.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the donuts individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Donut Cutter: A donut cutter makes shaping the donuts so much easier, but if you don’t have one, a pair of round cookie cutters will work just fine.
• Pastry Injector: A pastry injector or piping bag helps fill the donuts with the cheesecake mixture without making a mess.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: A deep fryer ensures your donuts fry evenly and stay crispy, but you can use a heavy pot as well for frying.

FAQ Section

• Can I use store-bought donut dough? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dough, but homemade dough makes a big difference in flavor and texture!
• Can I make the donuts without frying them? You can bake the donuts instead of frying them for a healthier option. Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts as I am to share them with you! They’re a perfect balance of crispy, soft, creamy, and fruity. Plus, they’re so much fun to make and even more fun to eat. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your beautiful donuts and hear about your experience making them!