Combining the classic flavors of cheesecake and fresh strawberries, these donuts are the ultimate indulgence. They’re light, airy, and perfectly sweetened, making them a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightful Flavors: The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet strawberry jam, and a light glaze is heavenly.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Perfectly risen donuts with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Customizable: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or your favorite fruit filling.
- Impressive Yet Easy: While they look bakery-quality, they’re surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chef’s Tip: Use high-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor, or make your own for a homemade touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, remaining sugar, melted butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms (about 5-7 minutes by hand or using a dough hook).
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
2. Form and Fry the Donuts
- Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
- Use a round cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps to make additional donuts.
- Place the donuts on a tray and cover them. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold in the strawberry jam gently to create a swirled effect or mix completely for a uniform filling.
4. Fill the Donuts
- Once the donuts have cooled, use a skewer or piping tip to create a hole on the side of each donut.
- Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake mixture and pipe into the donuts until full.
5. Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the filled donuts or dip the tops for a glossy finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the donuts on a serving plate and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Serve immediately and savor the rich, creamy filling and sweet glaze!
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- For Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit and other pastries for a decadent brunch spread.
- As Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top indulgence.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Perfect Dough Rise: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t Overfill: Add just enough filling to avoid bursting the donuts.
- Chill the Filling: A slightly chilled filling is easier to pipe into the donuts.
- Double the Glaze: If you love extra sweetness, double the glaze recipe for a thicker coating.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying?
Yes! Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. They’ll be slightly less fluffy but still delicious.
What if I don’t have strawberry jam?
You can use any fruit jam or preserve you have on hand, such as raspberry or apricot.
How should I store leftovers?
Store filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and frying.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for a clean taste and even frying.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a show-stopping treat that combines the best of creamy cheesecake, fruity strawberries, and fluffy donuts. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, these donuts are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of making these delectable donuts from scratch!