If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that combines the best of both worlds—fluffy donuts and creamy cheesecake—then Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a must-try! This irresistible treat combines the light, airy texture of a donut with the rich, indulgent flavor of strawberry cheesecake. Whether for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet snack, these donuts will surely be a hit. Here’s everything you need to know about this delectable dessert, plus the recipe to make them at home!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
1. Unique Flavor Fusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts bring together two beloved flavors: the tangy, creamy goodness of cheesecake and the soft, sugary bliss of donuts. The result is a dessert that is as familiar as it is exciting. Imagine biting into a donut with a luscious cheesecake filling and a sweet strawberry topping. It’s like having your favorite cheesecake in donut form!
2. Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a pastry expert to make these donuts. Whether you choose to fry or bake your donuts, the process is simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. In under an hour, you can create a batch of mouthwatering strawberry cheesecake donuts to impress your friends and family.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
These donuts are perfect for any occasion, from casual family brunches to holiday gatherings. They also make an excellent gift for loved ones. Their vibrant pink hue and delightful flavor make them a show-stopping dessert that’s bound to be the star of the table.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the strawberries break down and form a thick, syrupy consistency. Set aside to cool. - Make the Donut Batter:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms. - Bake the Donuts:
Grease a donut pan and spoon the batter into the wells, filling each about halfway. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. - Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and continue mixing until the filling is creamy and smooth. - Assemble the Donuts:
Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag or a small spoon to create a hole in the center of each donut. Fill each donut with the cheesecake mixture, being generous but careful not to overfill. - Top with Strawberries:
Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over each filled donut, allowing the sweet, juicy strawberries to cascade down the sides. For extra flair, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar on top. - Serve and Enjoy!
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them in an airtight container for a few days.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh strawberries for the topping. They provide a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake filling.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the cheesecake filling. You can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
- Try Fried Donuts: If you’re craving a traditional fried donut experience, you can fry these donuts instead of baking them. Simply heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), then fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. The combination of soft, fluffy donuts with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry topping creates a sweet and decadent treat that’s hard to resist. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy these donuts anytime you want to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you bake or fry them, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
Serving Tips:
- Serve Fresh for the Best Taste:
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, right after they’re assembled. The combination of the soft donut, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry topping is at its peak when it’s fresh. Serve them at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best flavor and texture. - Pair with Coffee or Tea:
Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts make a delightful addition to your morning or afternoon coffee break. The richness of the cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, cappuccino, or tea. - Add Extra Toppings:
For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle chocolate ganache or caramel sauce on top of the donuts. Crushed graham crackers also make a great addition, giving the donuts a cheesecake crust-like crunch. - Serve at a Party or Gathering:
These donuts are not only a delicious snack but also a visually stunning dessert. They can be served as part of a dessert table at birthday parties, brunches, or holiday gatherings. Their vibrant pink color and cheesecake appeal will make them the star of any event.
Storage Tips:
- Store in an Airtight Container:
If you have leftovers, store your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Be sure not to overstuff the container to prevent the donuts from becoming squished. - Refrigerate for Longer Freshness:
Since these donuts are filled with cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate them if you plan to store them for more than a couple of days. Place the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. - Freeze for Later Enjoyment:
If you want to keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze, place the donuts (without the strawberry topping) on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw the donuts at room temperature and add the strawberry topping before serving. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. - Avoid Storing with the Strawberry Topping:
If you plan to store the donuts for more than a day, it’s best to store the strawberry topping separately. This prevents the topping from making the donuts soggy. Add the strawberries just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts over multiple days or share them with others without compromising their flavor and texture!
1. Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donuts in advance. You can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The cheesecake filling can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just assemble the donuts and add the strawberry topping right before serving to keep everything fresh.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before cooking them into the topping to avoid a watery consistency.
3. Can I fry the donuts instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry the donuts for a more traditional donut texture. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Be sure to let them cool before filling and topping them with the cheesecake filling and strawberries.
4. How do I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts (without the strawberry topping) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw before serving and add the strawberry topping just before eating.
Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a heavenly combination of fluffy donuts filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries. Baked rather than fried, they’re a slightly healthier take on a classic dessert, bringing together the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries and cream cheese. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful treat!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (any type)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tartness)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Donuts:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow donuts to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip.
3. Make the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until strawberries soften and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
4. Fill the Donuts:
- Once the donuts are cool, use a skewer or straw to create a small hole in each donut.
- Pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling into the center of each donut.
5. Add the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip the top of each filled donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
6. Top with Strawberry Mixture:
- Spoon a bit of the strawberry mixture on top of each glazed donut. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the donut batter.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days.