Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

Introduction

If you love donuts and cheesecake, then Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are the perfect combination for you! These fluffy, homemade donuts are filled with a creamy cheesecake-inspired filling, topped with a fresh and sweet strawberry glaze, and finished off with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch, enjoy a special treat for yourself, or want a fun twist on a classic dessert, these donuts are a delicious and irresistible choice.

The idea of combining donuts and cheesecake might sound indulgent, but the balance of flavors and textures in this recipe makes it the perfect sweet treat. The crispy outer layer of the donut contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling inside. The strawberry glaze adds a fresh, fruity sweetness that ties everything together. The graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top bring a little crunch and remind you of the classic crust found on a traditional cheesecake. It’s the ultimate dessert hybrid, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts from scratch. We’ll cover everything from preparing the donut dough to making the cheesecake filling and strawberry glaze, along with helpful tips and variations to customize this recipe to your preferences. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

• Cheesecake-Inspired Filling: The creamy cheesecake filling is the star of this recipe, bringing a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet donut and strawberry glaze.
• Fruity Sweetness: The fresh strawberry glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, making these donuts feel fresh and vibrant.
• Homemade Goodness: Making donuts from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, giving you a truly homemade treat that’s even better than store-bought.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or a fun dessert, these donuts are a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthday parties, or just as a treat for yourself!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, add extra toppings, or use different fillings or glazes to personalize these donuts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including proofing and cooling)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per donut (depending on specific ingredients used)

Nutrition Facts (Per Donut)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25g

Ingredients

Donut Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, mashed (or use strawberry puree)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to adjust the consistency)

Topping:

• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for the cheesecake crust effect)
• Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Donut Dough

Start by making the donut dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Mix the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re well-combined.

Next, add the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.

If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to work with. Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will help it rise slightly and become a bit easier to roll out.

2. Roll Out the Donut Dough

After the dough has rested, transfer it to a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. You can use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts, or you can use two round cookie cutters (one larger for the outside and one smaller for the hole). If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can also make donut holes by cutting the dough into small circles or squares.

Once you’ve cut out the donuts, gather any excess dough, reroll it, and continue cutting until all the dough is used. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Heat the Oil for Frying

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

4. Fry the Donuts

Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. You may need to adjust the heat slightly if the donuts are browning too quickly or too slowly.

Once the donuts are golden and cooked through, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool while you prepare the filling and glaze.

5. Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the donuts are cooling, make the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated. Add the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach a smooth, pipeable consistency. The filling should be thick but soft enough to pipe into the donuts.

Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of one corner cut off for easy piping.

6. Make the Strawberry Glaze

To make the strawberry glaze, start by mashing the fresh strawberries with a fork or using a food processor to puree them. In a small bowl, combine the mashed strawberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth. Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to dip the donuts in.

7. Assemble the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled completely, it’s time to fill and glaze them. Use the piping bag to inject the cheesecake filling into the center of each donut. You can insert the tip into the side or bottom of the donut and squeeze gently to fill it.

After filling the donuts, dip the tops into the strawberry glaze. Make sure the glaze covers the entire top of the donut. You can also drizzle the glaze over the donut if you prefer a lighter coating.

8. Add the Toppings

For the final touch, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top of the glazed donuts. This will give the donuts a cheesecake crust effect, adding a crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling.

If desired, garnish the donuts with fresh strawberry slices for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the donuts tough. Mix the dough until just combined for the fluffiest results.
• Control Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and be raw inside. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Use a Piping Bag for Filling: A piping bag makes filling the donuts easy and mess-free. If you don’t have one, a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of the corner cut off will work just fine.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add more milk or heavy cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Make Ahead: You can make the donut dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.

Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

• Raspberry Cheesecake Donuts: Swap the strawberries for raspberries for a different fruity glaze. Raspberry pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Donuts: If you love chocolate, dip the donuts in a chocolate glaze instead of strawberry. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
• Mini Donuts: Make mini versions of these donuts for bite-sized treats. These are perfect for parties or as a fun snack.
• Baked Donuts: If you prefer a healthier option, bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the donuts in a donut pan, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
• Lemon Cheesecake Donuts: For a citrus twist, add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and lemon juice to the glaze.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though the glaze may lose some of its shine.

You can also freeze these donuts. Once they’ve been filled and glazed, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a decadent and delicious dessert that combines the best of both worlds—donuts and cheesecake! With a creamy cheesecake filling, a sweet strawberry glaze, and a crunchy graham cracker topping, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these donuts are sure to delight everyone.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a batch of these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts today!