Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Creamy: The rich cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the tartness of fresh strawberries.
Hands-On Fun: Making these donuts is a fun, interactive process that’s perfect for baking with kids or friends.
Double the Treat: Enjoy two fillings in one donut hole—cheesecake and strawberry jam.
Impressive Yet Easy: These donuts look fancy but come together in under two hours, so you can enjoy a gourmet treat without much effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donut Holes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
½ cup warm milk (~110°F/45°C)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

For the Strawberry Filling:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the jam)

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar
Dark chocolate drizzle
Fresh strawberries or sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 5–7 minutes). Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Fry the Donut Holes: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it into small balls. Fry the dough balls in batches for about 2–3 minutes, turning them until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Donuts: Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use a small knife to make a hole in each one. Pipe a layer of cheesecake filling into each donut, followed by a spoonful of strawberry filling.
Optional Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with dark chocolate, or top with fresh strawberries and sprinkles for added flair.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12-16 donut holes, depending on the size. The total preparation time is approximately 2 hours, including rising and frying time.

Variations

Chocolate Hazelnut Filling: Swap the strawberry jam for a chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella.
Different Fruit: You can replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches to make your own fruity variation.
Glazed Donuts: Instead of powdered sugar, dip the donuts in a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Storage/Reheating

Store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the donut dough is ready for frying?

The dough should double in size after rising, and you can test it by gently pressing your finger into it—if the indentation remains, it’s ready for frying.

Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fillings and dough a day in advance, then fry and assemble the donuts the following day.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the donut holes once they are assembled (without toppings). Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.

Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?

While frying gives them their signature texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Is it necessary to use lemon juice in the cheesecake filling?

The lemon juice adds a bit of tang, which balances the sweetness of the cream cheese. However, it’s optional if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may differ slightly.

What can I use instead of vanilla extract in the cheesecake filling?

You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.

Can I add more fillings inside the donut holes?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other fillings like caramel, Nutella, or even a custard for a fun twist.

How do I prevent the donut holes from becoming too greasy?

Make sure the oil is heated to the right temperature (350°F/175°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil. Fry them in small batches to maintain the temperature.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert. With a crispy, golden exterior and two fillings packed inside, these donuts are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a fun snack, they will become a go-to recipe in your collection.

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12-16 donut holes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts feature a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy cheesecake filling and a tangy strawberry jam, creating a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Ideal for breakfast or dessert parties, they’re an impressive yet easy treat to make.

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic (5–7 minutes). Let it rise for 1 hour.
Fry the Donut Holes: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry dough balls for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and lemon juice (optional) until smooth.
Assemble the Donuts: After cooling, make a hole in each donut and fill with cheesecake and strawberry filling.
Optional Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with dark chocolate, or top with fresh strawberries.

Notes

Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) to avoid greasy donuts.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze donuts without toppings for up to 1 month.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American