Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious? Look no further than this recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts! These fluffy, golden donuts filled with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries are sure to delight your taste buds and elevate your dessert game. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a luxurious treat, this unique combination of flavors makes a mouthwatering dessert that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Donuts:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional for extra flavor)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough starts to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped strawberries and strawberry jam if using. Set aside.
- Shape and Stuff the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles using a donut cutter or a large cookie cutter.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Cover each with another dough circle and seal the edges tightly.
- Fry the Donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the stuffed donuts into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze, covering the top or the whole donut, as preferred.
- Serving:
- Serve the donuts warm for the best experience, allowing the creamy cheesecake filling and the sweetness of the strawberries to meld perfectly with the fluffy dough.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts:
- Ensure the oil temperature is consistently at 350°F to avoid oily or undercooked donuts.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling or the glaze.
- The cheesecake filling can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator to ease the preparation process.
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts combine the comforting texture of soft donuts with the luxurious flavor of strawberry cheesecake, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to impress at a gathering or enjoy a special treat at home. Give this recipe a try, and you might find it becoming a new favorite!
Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Serving Tips:
- Best Served Warm: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are best enjoyed when they are warm. The warmth enhances the flavors, making the cheesecake filling delightfully gooey and the dough soft and tender. Consider reheating them for a few seconds in the microwave if they have cooled down to revive that fresh-from-the-fryer taste and texture.
- Accompaniments: These donuts are rich and flavorful on their own, but you can pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Presentation: To make these donuts look even more appealing, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or even some fresh strawberry slices right before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes them visually attractive, perfect for special occasions.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the donuts within a day of making them, you can keep them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Avoid storing them in a warm place as the cheesecake filling needs to stay cool.
- Refrigerating: For longer storage, refrigerate the donuts. Since they contain a cheesecake filling, which includes cream cheese and fresh strawberries, it’s safer to store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other flavors from the fridge and to maintain their freshness. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Although fresh is best, you can freeze these donuts if needed. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-lock freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. To serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to refresh their texture and warmth.
- Reheating: To recapture the fresh texture and warmth, reheat the donuts briefly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds if at room temperature, or a little longer if they have been refrigerated. Be careful not to overheat as the filling may become too hot and could lose its creamy texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts remain delicious and appealing, whether you’re enjoying them immediately after cooking or savoring them as a treat over a few days.
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the filling, but it’s important to handle them correctly to avoid excess moisture. Thaw the strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping them up. If they’re still very wet, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too soggy and ensure that your donuts maintain the best possible texture.
2. What can I do if I don’t have a donut cutter?
If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can easily use two different sized round cookie cutters or even a large cup and a small bottle cap for cutting out the dough. Use the larger cutter or cup to cut the donut base and the smaller cutter or cap to cut holes in the center if you prefer ring donuts. For stuffed donuts like these, simply use the larger cutter for both the top and bottom layers, and skip the hole!
3. Is there a way to make these donuts less sweet?
Certainly! If you prefer your donuts to be less sweet, you can adjust the amount of sugar in both the dough and the filling. For the dough, reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons. For the filling, you can decrease the powdered sugar and rely more on the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Additionally, you could opt for a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top instead of a full glaze.
4. How can I ensure my donuts are cooked perfectly when frying?
To ensure your donuts are cooked perfectly, use a thermometer to keep your oil consistently at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Fry the donuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding and to maintain a stable oil temperature. Each side should take about 2 minutes to turn a beautiful golden brown. Always let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.