Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Light fluffy donuts filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake center and finished with a sweet glaze these treats feel special enough for birthdays or lazy weekend baking projects when you want to spoil yourself or someone you love

The first time I tried these was on Mother’s Day and my whole family gathered in the kitchen Each bite reminded us why homemade is always worth it

Ingredients

• Warm milk: activates the yeast for fluffy donuts Use whole milk for richness if possible
• Active dry yeast: ensures the dough rises to airy perfection Choose fresh packets for best results
• Sugar: both sweetens and helps yeast to work opt for fine granulated sugar
• All purpose flour: forms the classic donut crumb High quality flour creates lighter donuts
• Salt: brings out the flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced
• Unsalted butter, melted: gives a tender texture and subtle richness Use real butter not margarine
• Egg: binds the dough and adds richness choose a fresh large egg
• Cream cheese, softened: creates the cheesecake filling Go for brick style cream cheese for best texture
• Powdered sugar (for the filling): adds sweetness without graininess Sift to avoid lumps
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth Real vanilla makes a difference in both filling and glaze
• Strawberry jam: gives fruity character to the center Choose a thick jam with real fruit bits for bold flavor
• Powdered sugar (for the glaze): makes that classic donut top
• Milk (for the glaze): thins it just enough to drizzle smoothly
• Vanilla extract (for the glaze): ties the flavors together again

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Yeast Mixture:

In a bowl dissolve the yeast and one tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk Wait about five minutes until you see foam This lets you know the yeast is alive and ready

Mix and Knead the Dough:

Add in flour salt melted butter egg and the remaining sugar Stir together then knead for about eight minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled about one hour Patience here creates that soft donut texture

Shape and Cut the Donuts:

Lightly flour your counter and roll the dough out to about one half inch thick Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to make twelve rounds Arrange the donuts on a tray and let them rest again for fifteen to twenty minutes This second rise ensures they puff up beautifully when fried

Fry the Donuts:

Heat oil in a deep pan to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Drop donuts in a few at a time Cook until each side is golden brown usually one to two minutes per side Drain them on paper towels This step is fast so stay attentive for perfect color

Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

Beat softened cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy Fold in the strawberry jam gently so you get pretty swirls and pockets of berry in each bite

Fill the Donuts:

Once donuts are completely cool poke a small hole in the side of each one Pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling inside turning the donut as needed to spread it evenly

Glaze the Donuts:

Mix powdered sugar milk and vanilla until smooth Drizzle or spoon the glaze over the stuffed donuts letting it set for a few minutes to form that signature glossy finish

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My favorite part is swirling good strawberry jam into the cream cheese because it looks so pretty and feels like a true bakery treat The first time I piped the filling my kids snuck half before the glaze was even set and there were smiles all around

Storage Tips

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the fridge because of the cream cheese filling They are best eaten the day they are made but you can refresh them with a short burst in the microwave to bring back that soft texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh strawberry jam try raspberry or blueberry jam for a twist You can swap in vanilla bean paste for extra flavor in the filling and glaze If you need to skip dairy there are rich plant based cream cheese options that work well here

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation dust the finished donuts lightly with powdered sugar or top them with fresh strawberry slices Serve them as a brunch centerpiece holiday breakfast or sweet treat with coffee

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Tips from Tradition

The idea of stuffing donuts is beloved in many cultures from Berliner to Bomboloni These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts take inspiration from both American cheesecake and European classics so every bite feels new and timeless

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam for the filling?

Yes, you can finely chop or mash fresh strawberries and fold them into the cream cheese mixture for a more natural texture and flavor.

→ How do I make sure the donuts are fluffy?

Allow enough time for the dough to rise until doubled in size and avoid over-kneading to ensure a light, airy texture.

→ What's the best way to fill the donuts?

Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to neatly inject the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center of each cooled donut.

→ Can these donuts be made ahead of time?

You can make the donuts in advance and fill them shortly before serving. Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

→ Is it possible to bake instead of fry these donuts?

While traditional donuts are fried for a classic texture, you can bake them for a slightly denser, but still delicious, result.

→ How should I store leftover filled donuts?

Keep filled donuts refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two days. Enjoy at room temperature for best texture.