These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a sweet treat you won’t want to miss! Each fluffy donut is filled with smooth cream cheese and fresh strawberries for a delicious surprise inside.
Who can resist donuts, right? I love serving these at brunch, and I bet your friends will think you’re a baking superstar after one bite! 🍩❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our donuts. If you’re in a pinch, you can use cake flour for a softer texture or whole wheat flour for a heartier donut. Just keep in mind that adjustments may be needed for hydration.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the donuts fluffy. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing. However, if you’re out of yeast, baking powder won’t work here as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat alternative, and mascarpone can add a richer flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading dough may seem tricky, but it’s a key step for achieving fluffy donuts. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Turn your risen dough onto a floured surface and flatten it gently.
- Fold the dough towards you and then push it away using the palms of your hands. Rotate it a quarter turn and repeat.
- Continue this process for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and springs back when poked.
Don’t rush! Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives your donuts the right texture. If the dough sticks, just sprinkle a bit more flour on your surface.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam or preserves
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus an additional 1-1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Frying the donuts will take about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can expect to enjoy these delightful treats in about 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it foams up. This step is important as it activates the yeast and helps the donuts rise.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Knead the Dough:
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
While the dough is rising, make the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set this aside so the flavors can meld together nicely.
6. Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. You can re-roll any scraps to cut out more donuts.
7. Fry the Donuts:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in small batches, about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
8. Fill the Donuts:
Let the fried donuts cool slightly. With a small knife or piping tip, poke a hole in the side of each donut to create a pocket. Then, fill a piping bag or a plastic bag with the cream cheese filling and pipe it generously into each donut.
9. Add the Strawberry Topping:
In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the strawberry jam to coat them. Place a spoonful of this strawberry mixture on top of each filled donut.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, dust the donuts lightly with powdered sugar for that perfect sweet touch. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts warm or at room temperature!
These treats are sure to impress your friends and family. Happy baking! 🍩
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought donut dough to save on prep. Just follow the frying instructions, and proceed with the filling and topping as usual for delicious results.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot or cold when you added it. You could also try placing the dough in a warmer environment, such as an oven preheated to a low temperature and then turned off.
Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Yes! Store any leftover filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To enjoy them warm, you can reheat them briefly in the microwave—just make sure not to overdo it to avoid a chewy texture.
How Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
To make vegan strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts, use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), and choose a vegan cream cheese alternative for the filling. Adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly, and enjoy!
