Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts, a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, are about to revolutionize your breakfast (or dessert!) game. Imagine biting into a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donut, bursting with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the sweet, summery flavor of fresh strawberries. Sounds heavenly, right? I thought so too!

While the exact origins of combining donuts and cheesecake remain a sweet mystery, the inspiration clearly stems from our universal love for both treats. Donuts, with their humble beginnings as simple fried dough, have evolved into a global phenomenon, celebrated in countless variations. Cheesecake, on the other hand, boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes as an energy boost. Bringing these two iconic desserts together is a testament to our endless creativity in the kitchen.

What makes these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The soft, airy donut provides a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. The bright, fruity strawberries add a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite utterly divine. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes!

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
• For the Strawberry Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry puree (from about ½ cup fresh strawberries)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk, or more as needed
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Red food coloring, for a more vibrant color
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Graham cracker crumbs

Preparing the Donut Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, resulting in a consistent rise.
2. Cream Sugar and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and resulting in a more tender donut. You can even chill it for a couple of hours if you have the time.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly flour it. This will prevent the donuts from sticking after they’re cut.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different sized round cutters) to cut out the donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a biscuit cutter and a small round cookie cutter for the center.
3. Re-roll Scraps: Gently re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more donuts. Try to minimize re-rolling, as it can make the donuts tougher.
4. Rest the Cut Donuts: Place the cut donuts on the prepared baking sheet and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the dough to relax again, resulting in a lighter and fluffier donut.
5. Heat the Oil: While the donuts are resting, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays consistent. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing the donuts from becoming greasy.
6. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain the Donuts: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the donuts cool slightly before filling and glazing.

Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Sift the powdered sugar if it’s lumpy to ensure a smooth filling.
3. Add Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat until the filling is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the filling to become too stiff.
4. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the strawberries and make the filling watery.
5. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to pipe into the donuts.

Preparing the Strawberry Glaze

1. Make Strawberry Puree: In a blender or food processor, puree about ½ cup of fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. This will give you a smooth and vibrant glaze.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.
4. Add Salt and Food Coloring (Optional): Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If desired, add a drop or two of red food coloring to enhance the color of the glaze.

Assembling the Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

1. Create the Filling Hole: Use a small knife or a piping tip to create a hole in the side of each donut. Be careful not to poke all the way through the donut.
2. Fill the Donuts: Transfer the strawberry cheesecake filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe the filling into the hole of each donut until it is generously filled. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
3. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the top of each filled donut into the strawberry glaze, allowing the excess glaze to drip off.
4. Garnish (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the glazed donuts with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, sliced fresh strawberries, or graham cracker crumbs. The glaze will set quickly, so it’s important to add the garnish right away.
5. Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed and garnished donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil temperature consistent is crucial for even cooking. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the donuts. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• Chill the Filling: Chilling the strawberry cheesecake filling makes it easier to pipe into the donuts.
• Fresh Strawberries are Key: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will give the filling and glaze the best flavor.

Storage Instructions:

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time. For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts (without the filling and glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before filling and glazing.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are truly a symphony of flavors and textures, a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. From the tangy cream cheese glaze to the burst of fresh strawberry in every bite, these donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I know I’ll be making them again very soon! But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s more than just a donut; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the satisfying chewiness of the donut itself, and the creamy, decadent glaze that ties it all together. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a donut that looks this good? It’s a showstopper, perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat. And the best part? You can easily customize these donuts to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs to the glaze for an extra cheesecake-y crunch. Or, if you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top for a truly indulgent experience. For a lighter twist, you could use a low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in the glaze. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts even further: * Brunch Board Star: Arrange these donuts on a brunch board alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mini quiches for a stunning and delicious spread. * Dessert Platter Delight: Include these donuts on a dessert platter with other sweet treats like brownies, cookies, and mini cheesecakes for a variety of textures and flavors. * Coffee Companion: Enjoy these donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up. * Ice Cream Sundae Topping: Crumble these donuts over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with strawberry sauce for a decadent sundae. * Party Favor Perfection: Package individual donuts in small cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a charming and delicious party favor. Don’t be intimidated by the “cheesecake” element. This recipe is designed to be approachable and fun, even for beginner bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. I promise, the end result is well worth the effort. I truly believe that these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts will become a new favorite in your household. They’re perfect for special occasions, weekend treats, or simply when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some donut magic! I’m confident that you’ll love these as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your donut adventures! Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. I hope you enjoy these delightful treats! Print