There is nothing quite as delightful as biting into a warm, fluffy donut hole bursting with luscious, creamy strawberry cheesecake filling. This Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe blends soft, golden-fried dough with velvety, tangy cheesecake and fresh strawberry sweetness, creating a perfect bite-sized treat that feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dessert to share or simply a sweet indulgence to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these donut holes will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward donut hole heaven. Each component is straightforward yet vital—flour and baking powder give the perfect rise, cream cheese adds richness, and fresh strawberries bring a juicy burst of flavor that makes this recipe truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates a tender and fluffy dough texture.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the flavors in the dough.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures your donut holes puff up perfectly with a light crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Contributes richness and helps the dough brown beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the dough.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor into the dough.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for crisp, golden donut holes.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the filling for a rich cheesecake taste.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly without graininess.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely vanilla aroma to the filling.
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries: Brings natural sweetness and a burst of color inside the filling.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a pretty, sweet finish on top of the donut holes.
- Extra strawberries for garnish: Fresh slices or whole, they make the perfect bright and inviting decoration.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This dough is your canvas for fluffy donut holes packed with flavor.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Donut Holes
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls using lightly floured hands. Carefully lower them into the hot oil—frying in batches to keep the temperature steady. Cook until golden brown on all sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes each. Drain the donut holes on paper towels to remove excess oil and preserve their crisp exterior.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until velvety smooth. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Transfer this irresistible filling into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, ready to stuff each donut hole.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Holes
Using a small knife or a skewer, make a tiny hole in each donut ball. Pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling generously into each opening—don’t be shy here, as the filling is the star of this recipe! The soft cream cheese and fresh fruit create a delicious surprise within every bite.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
Finally, dust your stuffed donut holes with powdered sugar for an elegant touch and extra sweetness. Garnish each with slices or small pieces of fresh strawberries to highlight the flavors inside. Best enjoyed fresh and warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish elevates the look and taste of these donut holes. Fresh strawberry slices or tiny mint leaves provide a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of strawberry glaze or white chocolate can add a decadent twist that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these stuffed donut holes alongside a chilled cup of coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé for brunch or special occasions. For a wholesome touch, pair them with a bowl of mixed berries or a crisp green salad to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Arrange the donut holes in a pretty tiered stand for parties or family gatherings. Serve them in small paper cups or colorful mini muffin liners for easy handling. If you want to impress guests, pass around a platter sprinkled with powdered sugar and decorated with strawberry bouquets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your amazing Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, but the donut’s crispness may soften a bit as the filling chills.
Freezing
You can freeze the donut holes before filling them by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them completely and freshly pipe the cheesecake filling for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated donut holes gently in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain a bit of that fresh-out-of-the-fryer warmth. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy. If unfilled, you can crisp them back up more effectively in the oven before adding the filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well first to avoid extra moisture that could make the filling runny. Fresh strawberries do offer a brighter flavor and firmer texture, though.
What kind of oil is best for frying donut holes?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, works best. This ensures your donut holes fry evenly without absorbing unwanted flavors.
How can I make the dough less sticky?
Lightly dust your hands with flour when shaping the dough balls. If the dough is too wet, add a teaspoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable but still soft.
Is it necessary to pipe the filling, or can I stuff them another way?
Piping is the cleanest and most effective way to get the cheesecake filling inside without squishing the donut holes. You could also use a small spoon, but precision may be difficult.
Can I bake the donut holes instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious when stuffed.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend making this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe enough—it’s the kind of treat that brings instant smiles and makes your kitchen smell like a dream. So grab your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy the magic of homemade donut holes packed with creamy strawberry cheesecake filling. You won’t regret every rich, fruity bite!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are a delightful treat combining golden, fluffy fried donut holes filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh strawberries, these bite-sized desserts are ideal for sharing or indulging in a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
For Garnishing
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- Extra strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft and cohesive dough forms.
- Shape and Fry the Donut Holes: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect frying temperature. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a scoop to create uniform donut holes. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to distribute the fruit evenly without breaking it down too much. Transfer the filling into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for easy filling of the donut holes.
- Fill the Donut Holes: Use a skewer or small knife to poke a small hole in each fried donut hole. Pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling generously into each hole, making sure each donut hole is well filled to maximize flavor.
- Dust and Serve: Lightly dust the filled donut holes with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Garnish with extra fresh strawberry pieces around or on top for visual appeal. Serve these stuffed donut holes fresh to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is steady at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked donut holes.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
- The donut holes are best enjoyed on the same day to maintain freshness and crispiness.
- You can substitute cream cheese with a lactose-free version for those with lactose intolerance.
- For a fun twist, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
