I'll never forget the first time I tried a Strawberry Cheesecake Donut. It was at a little bakery down the street, and I remember the moment vividly. The sun was shining, and I felt like a kid again as I bit into that fluffy donut filled with creamy goodness and sweet strawberry jam. It was pure bliss! Ever since that day, I've been on a quest to recreate that magic in my own kitchen, and let me tell you, this recipe is the result of countless experiments and a little bit of chaos.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are perfect for any season, but I especially love making them in the spring when strawberries are in their prime. They’re a delightful treat for brunch or a sweet surprise for a special occasion. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching friends and family light up when they taste that first bite. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get ready to whip up some of these deliciously sweet donuts that are sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love "Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts"

Quick and easy to make, perfect for weekend brunch or a sweet snack.
Minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
Family-friendly recipe that everyone will love — kids and adults alike!
Freezer-friendly; you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
Customizable fillings and toppings to suit any taste or occasion.
Indulgent yet light, giving you that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Donuts

1 cup warm milk (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) - Make sure it’s just warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it!
2 teaspoons active dry yeast - This is what’ll give your donuts that beautiful rise.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar - Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting - Use a little extra for rolling out the dough.
½ teaspoon salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Adds richness to the donuts.
1 large egg, at room temperature - Helps bind everything together nicely.

For the Filling

1 cup cream cheese, softened - Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
½ cup powdered sugar - Sweetens the filling perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cream cheese.
½ cup strawberry jam - Use your favorite brand or homemade for that fresh taste!

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar - This will give your donuts that sweet, shiny finish.
2 tablespoons milk - Adjust based on how thick you want your glaze.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract - A little extra flavor never hurt anyone!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oil

Start by pouring about 2-3 inches of oil into a deep pan or a heavy pot. You want enough oil to let those donuts float around happily while frying!
Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can check this with a thermometer, or if you’re feeling adventurous, drop a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and rise to the top!

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is happy and ready to party!
Add in the granulated sugar, flour, salt, melted butter, and the egg. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; that’s normal!
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn your dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the magic moment where your dough comes to life!

Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that luscious filling! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a good old-fashioned whisk — whatever makes you happy!
Once your cream cheese mixture is ready, gently fold in the strawberry jam until it’s nicely swirled. You want to have that lovely flavor throughout!

Fry the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick.
Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out donut shapes. Don’t forget to save the holes — they’re delicious too!
Place the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet and cover them with a towel. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up a bit.
Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and irresistible!
Once they’re perfectly fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Glaze the Donuts

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the donuts if you prefer that look!
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. And there you have it — beautiful, homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts ready to be devoured!

Variations

For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the dough and fill with chocolate cream cheese.
Use fresh strawberries instead of jam for a burst of natural sweetness.
Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Try a lemon glaze instead of vanilla for a zesty finish.
For a lighter version, bake instead of fry — just brush with a little oil before baking.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are best served warm, right after glazing, to enjoy that creamy filling and sweet glaze. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat. You could even dust them with a little extra powdered sugar for that bakery-style finish!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!

Helpful Notes

If you prefer a lighter filling, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
For added texture, consider folding in some mini chocolate chips into the filling.
Feel free to use any fruit preserves you have on hand for the filling.
For allergy-friendly options, ensure your powdered sugar is corn-free if necessary.
Donuts can be made a day ahead; just glaze them right before serving for freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts?

Absolutely! You can freeze these delightful donuts for up to a month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter filling, or mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I make these donuts dairy-free?

To make these donuts dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut yogurt. For the butter, you can switch to a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Just ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free as well, including the milk!

Final Thoughts

There you have it — your very own Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts ready to impress family and friends! I hope you dive into this recipe with the same excitement and joy that I feel every time I whip up a batch. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories, so don’t stress if things get a bit messy. Just enjoy the process and savor those delightful flavors. I can’t wait for you to taste these donuts and hear how they bring smiles to your table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious strawberry cheesecake donuts filled with cream cheese and strawberry jam.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Add granulated sugar, flour, salt, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough and cut into donut shapes.
Let the donuts rise for another 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry donuts until golden brown.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for the filling.
Fill each donut with cream cheese mixture and strawberry jam.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
Dip each donut in the glaze.
Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm, not hot.
You can use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jam if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 250
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts