Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of fluffy fried donuts and rich strawberry cheesecake filling creates a delightful balance of textures and taste.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – These donuts make a stunning treat for celebrations, brunches, or simply indulging in something sweet.
• Homemade Goodness – Nothing beats fresh, homemade donuts made with real ingredients and love.
• Easy to Customize – Switch up the flavors, coatings, or fillings to make them your own.
• Restaurant-Quality Dessert – Enjoy gourmet-style donuts in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Large eggs
• Oil for frying

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries, pureed
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream, whipped

For Coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Make the Donut Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Mix in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer the filling to a piping bag with a round tip and refrigerate until ready to use.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out donut shapes.
3. Place the cut-out dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 20 minutes.
4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Fill and Coat the Donuts:

1. Roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar or a sugar-cinnamon mixture, coating evenly.
2. Use a small knife or skewer to make a hole in the side of each donut.
3. Pipe the chilled strawberry cheesecake filling into the center of each donut until filled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts for a richer taste.
• Berry Medley Filling: Use a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a more complex fruit flavor.
• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
• Glazed Instead of Sugared: Skip the sugar coating and dip the donuts in a vanilla or strawberry glaze.
• Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a tangy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before eating.
• Freezing: Store unfilled donuts in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling.

FAQs

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

Use a thermometer to check that the oil is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready.

Can I use store-bought donut dough?

Yes! You can use pre-made biscuit dough or frozen yeast dough for a quicker version.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What’s the best way to fill the donuts?

A piping bag with a round tip works best, but you can also use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before pureeing to prevent excess moisture.

Why are my donuts greasy?

If the oil temperature is too low, the donuts absorb more oil. Make sure it stays around 350°F (175°C).

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, then roll in sugar while warm.

How do I prevent my donuts from being too dense?

Ensure the yeast is active and give the dough enough rising time to stay light and fluffy.

Can I make mini versions of these donuts?

Yes! Use a smaller cutter and reduce frying time slightly.

What’s the best way to store leftover filling?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also makes a great dip for fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a perfect fusion of classic fried donuts and creamy cheesecake filling. With a rich strawberry flavor and a soft, pillowy texture, these donuts are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them as a weekend treat or serve them for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Try them today and indulge in homemade donut perfection!

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