These delightful strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are like little bites of happiness! Soft, fluffy donuts burst with a creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry goodness.
Making these is so much fun! I love to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a sweet touch. Just remember to save a few for friends—if you can resist! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the donuts rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing. Just add it to the dry ingredients!
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk can be great substitutes. Just be sure to warm them gently.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the go-to for donuts, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste yummy!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling rich. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries are best for the filling. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen berries—just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How Can You Get Donuts Perfectly Fluffy?
The key to light and fluffy donuts is all about the rising process. After mixing your dough, allow it to rise in a warm spot. The longer you let the dough rise, the fluffier your donuts will be. Here’s how to nail it:
- Keep the dough covered while it rises to prevent it from drying out.
- Make sure your ingredients, especially the milk, are warm but not hot. This helps the yeast activate without killing it.
- When shaping the donuts, be gentle. Overworking the dough may result in tough donuts.
- After cutting out the donuts, let them rise again before frying—this helps them puff up nicely in the oil.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly fluffy donuts that are a delight to bite into!
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for these delightful donuts is about 3 hours, which includes 1.5 hours for rising the dough, 15 minutes to make the filling, and about 30 minutes for frying and cooling. Don’t forget to account for a little time to enjoy the deliciously sweet result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by dissolving the yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Then add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you find the dough sticking, sprinkle small amounts of flour as needed to help with kneading.
3. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, which should take between 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out the donuts. Place these cut donuts onto a floured tray or a parchment-lined sheet, cover them, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts:
In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and let them cool.
6. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks appear. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is fluffy and well blended.
7. Assemble the Donuts:
Using a sharp knife, slice each donut horizontally about halfway through to create a pocket (be careful not to cut all the way through). Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each donut with the cheesecake filling. Top with the chopped fresh strawberries inside each donut.
8. Finish and Serve:
Generously dust the stuffed donuts with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy these deliciously creamy strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts right away!
Enjoy your luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought donut dough. Just follow the frying instructions on the package and then stuff them with the cheesecake filling as directed.
How Do I Tell When the Oil is Ready for Frying?
A simple way to check if your oil is ready is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and browns within 60 seconds, the oil is at the perfect temperature. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen thermometer, aiming for 350°F (175°C).
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the donuts. Just give it a quick stir before using to ensure it’s nice and creamy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but keep in mind that this may affect the texture.