Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts: An Irresistible Treat You Must Try

Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden donut filled with luscious strawberry cheesecake cream and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to make these indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 g) strawberry jam or preserves

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a medium bowl, mix the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Create a well in the center and add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Donuts

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch (1.5 cm) thickness.
2. Cut the Donuts:
   Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place the donuts on a floured baking sheet.
3. Second Rise:
   Cover the donuts with a towel and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
4. Heat the Oil:
   Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry the Donuts:
   Fry the donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

1. Prepare the Cream:
   In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Strawberry Jam:
   Gently fold the strawberry jam into the cream cheese mixture to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix to preserve the swirls of strawberry.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

1. Create an Opening:
   Using a small knife or a skewer, make a hole on the side of each cooled donut.
2. Pipe the Filling:
   Transfer the strawberry cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle and pipe the filling into the center of each donut generously.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts

1. Prepare the Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding a little more milk if necessary.
2. Glaze the Donuts:
   Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the donuts using a spoon.

Additional Information

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yields: About 12 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 300–320 kcal per donut (depending on the amount of filling and glaze)

Expert Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Check Milk Temperature Carefully: Too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate properly.
• Do Not Overknead: Kneading too much can create tough donuts instead of light, fluffy ones.
• Monitor Oil Temperature Closely: Maintaining 375°F ensures even cooking; use a thermometer for best results.
• Cool Donuts Before Filling: Hot donuts will melt the cheesecake filling, making a mess.
• Store Properly: Keep filled donuts refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for the best taste.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage:
  Place leftover stuffed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating:
  Warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore softness before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, shape, proof, and fry.

Can I freeze the donuts?
It’s best to freeze the donuts before filling. Simply fry, cool, and freeze. Thaw and then fill and glaze when ready to serve.Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

What other fillings can I use?
You can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd for a twist!

Enjoy these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts as the ultimate treat for your sweet tooth! Whether for brunch, a special occasion, or just because — they are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.