Strawberry Cheesecake-Filled Donuts Recipe 🍓

Ingredients For : Strawberry Cheesecake-Filled Donuts Recipe 🍓

For the Donuts

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or use fresh strawberries blended into a thick puree)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Making the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a mixing bowl, stir together the warm milk, yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes until it begins to foam. This step ensures that the yeast is active, which is essential for creating light and airy donuts.
2. Combine Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, melted butter, remaining sugar, and egg with the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well-combined, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but workable.
3. Let the Dough Rise
   Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl, then cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Allowing the dough to rise at this stage contributes to the donuts’ light and airy texture.

Step 2: Shaping and Frying the Donuts

1. Roll Out the Dough
   When the dough has doubled in volume, place it on a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a circular cookie cutter, approximately 3 inches wide, to shape the donuts. Reroll any excess dough to make additional donuts if needed.
2. Second Rise
   Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes. This second rise ensures they’ll be light and fluffy after frying.
3. Heat the Oil and Fry
   Pour oil into a deep pot, filling it about halfway, and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower each donut into the oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to lift out the donuts, allowing them to drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

1. Mix the Ingredients
   In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.. Gently fold in the strawberry jam until evenly incorporated. If you prefer using fresh strawberries, blend them until smooth and fold them into the cream cheese mixture instead of the jam.
2. Prepare for Filling
   Transfer the filling to a piping bag with a small round tip (or use a plastic zip-top bag with one corner snipped off). This setup will make it easier to pipe the filling into the donuts.

Step 4: Filling the Donuts

1. Cool the Donuts
   Make sure the donuts have cooled to room temperature before filling, as heat could cause the cheesecake filling to become too runny.
2. Fill Each Donut
   Using a skewer or chopstick, poke a small hole into the side of each donut, creating a cavity for the filling. Insert the piping bag tip into the hole and gently fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake mixture. Don’t overfill, as the filling may burst out.

Step 5: Making the Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients
   In a small bowl, blend the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk until it reaches the desired consistency; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
2. Drizzle the Glaze
   Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the glaze over the top of each donut.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake-Filled Donuts

1. Rolling Out the Dough Evenly
   Roll the dough to an even thickness of 1/2 inch to ensure all donuts cook evenly. Using a cutter that is about 3 inches in diameter creates the perfect size for a filled donut.
2. Using the Right Oil Temperature
   Maintaining a steady oil temperature of 375°F (190°C) is essential for evenly cooked donuts. If the oil temperature is too high, the exterior will brown too fast, leaving the inside uncooked.
3. Filling the Donuts Carefully
   Use a skewer to create a clean cavity for filling, and don’t overfill. A little filling goes a long way, so be gentle when squeezing it into each donut.
4. Allowing the Glaze to Set
   After drizzling the glaze, allow it a few minutes to set before enjoying the donuts. This keeps the donuts from becoming too sticky and messy to eat.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Serving Size: 12-15 donuts (depending on size)
• Calories: Approximately 300 calories per donut

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry cheesecake-filled donuts are the perfect combination of soft donut dough, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry flavor. They’re a fun twist on traditional donuts, adding a layer of creamy, fruity decadence. These donuts are also versatile enough to be served as a dessert, breakfast treat, or special brunch addition. The contrast between the fluffy donuts and the smooth, sweet filling creates an unforgettable taste experience that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

1. Serving Suggestions
   Serve these donuts fresh with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with hot beverages, making them ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
2. Storage Instructions
   If you have any leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving to bring back some of the donut’s softness. Avoid freezing filled donuts, as the cream cheese filling may separate once thawed.

Enhancements and Variations

1. Alternative Fillings
   Experiment with different fruit jams or preserves for the filling, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a unique twist.
2. Chocolate Drizzle
   Add a chocolate drizzle on top of the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Simply melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the donuts once the glaze has set.
3. Lemon Zest
   For a hint of citrus, add a touch of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. It adds a subtle freshness that complements the strawberry flavor.

These donuts are a creative way to enjoy classic flavors with a fun twist, and they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy baking!