When it comes to sweet snacks that are guaranteed to please, Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes top the list! These mini donuts are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with a rich and creamy strawberry cheesecake center. With a sugar coating and a burst of fresh strawberries, every bite is a delightful treat.
These donut holes are perfect for a fun breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack anytime you need a pick-me-up. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For the Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
1. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, mixing until the strawberry pieces are evenly distributed throughout the filling. Transfer this filling into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, then refrigerate until ready to use.
Tip: Refrigerating the filling will make it easier to pipe into the donuts later.
2. Make the Donut Hole Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter together.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
3. Fry the Donut Holes
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop small portions of batter into the hot oil, frying the donut holes in batches. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Once fried, remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
4. Fill the Donut Holes
Allow the donut holes to cool slightly, just enough to handle. Then, use the piping bag to carefully inject each donut hole with the strawberry cheesecake filling. You’ll want to make a small hole in the donut, then fill it with the creamy mixture.
5. Coat & Serve
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon if desired.
Roll each stuffed donut hole in the sugar mixture until it is evenly coated. This will give them a sweet, slightly spiced finish that complements the strawberry cheesecake filling.
Serve the donut holes warm for the best taste and enjoy the creamy filling with every bite!
Tips for Success
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps create a lighter, fluffier donut. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Frying Temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn; if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Stuffing the Donuts: Make sure the donuts have cooled slightly before injecting the filling. You don’t want the heat to melt the cream cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: These donut holes are perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
- As a Snack: Pack these donut holes for an afternoon snack, or serve them as a sweet addition to a party spread.
- For Brunch: These stuffed donuts make a fantastic addition to any brunch menu, adding a fun and decadent touch to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the donut holes and fill them in advance, then store them in an airtight container. For the best taste, coat them in sugar just before serving.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives these donut holes a golden, crispy exterior, you can try baking them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes if you prefer a lower-fat option.
How do I store the leftover donut holes?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days if you want them to last a bit longer. Simply warm them up in the microwave before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes! If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and finely chop them before adding to the filling.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. The soft, golden donut exterior pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress!
So, gather your ingredients, fry up some donut holes, and indulge in the sweet, fruity deliciousness of Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes.