If you are craving an extraordinary sweet treat that combines fluffy dough, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, you absolutely have to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe. These bite-sized delights are not only irresistibly delicious but also wonderfully easy to make, blending the richness of cheesecake with the juicy brightness of strawberries inside a perfectly fried donut hole. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, a party, or just a cozy night in, these stuffed donut holes promise to steal the show and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making these donut holes shine. Each component plays a vital role — from the fluffy texture created by the flour and baking powder, to the creamy cheesecake filling that brings richness, and of course the fresh strawberries that add a burst of color and freshness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for light and fluffy donut holes.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the donut holes rise and become airy.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ½ cup milk: Moistens the dough for a tender bite.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and softness into the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Oil for frying: Creates the golden, crispy exterior of the donut holes.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base of the luscious cheesecake filling.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any graininess.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth to the cheesecake flavor.
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries: Adds juicy bursts of freshness inside the filling.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting: Gives a lovely finishing touch to your donut holes.
- Extra strawberries for garnish: Provides a pretty, fresh pop of color when serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms. This dough is the foundation for those light and fluffy donut holes that will become irresistibly good once fried.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Donut Holes
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Roll your dough into little 1-inch balls—these small bites are what make the dessert so fun. Carefully drop each ball into the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown all over, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil but keep that perfect crispness.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Using softened cream cheese, beat it together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Then, gently fold in the diced strawberries. This filling is creamy, sweet, and has just the right hint of fresh fruit that complements the donut exterior perfectly. Transfer this filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip so you can stuff each donut hole neatly.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Holes
Take each donut hole and carefully poke a small hole in one side. Pipe the cheesecake and strawberry filling generously into each hole until you feel it’s perfectly stuffed—don’t be shy here since that filling is the star! This step transforms your basic donut holes into spectacular little bites of indulgence.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
Finally, give your stuffed donut holes a gentle dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds a pretty finishing touch but also a subtle sweetness. Garnish with extra slices or pieces of fresh strawberries to amp up the fresh flavor and delightful appearance. Serve them warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can get creative by adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or sprinkling chopped pistachios to add a bit of crunch and color contrast to your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe. A fresh strawberry on the side always brightens the plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
These donut holes pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light citrus salad to balance their richness. They also make a sweet complement to a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea if you’re serving them for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your donut holes on a tiered serving tray to elevate their look at a party or family gathering. Or, for a more casual vibe, arrange them in a pretty bowl lined with parchment paper, letting everyone help themselves. You could even skewer several donut holes with strawberries in between to make cute dessert kabobs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since they contain a cream cheese filling, it’s best to consume them within 2 to 3 days to enjoy optimal freshness and safety.
Freezing
These stuffed donut holes freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer flavor, gently warm the donut holes in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough tough and the filling overly warm.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones for the filling?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if necessary. Be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling which can affect the texture.
Is it possible to bake these donut holes instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different—less crispy but still delicious.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The cheesecake filling can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and stir gently before piping into the donut holes.
What oil is best for frying these donut holes?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works best. They provide a clean frying flavor without overpowering the donut’s taste.
How do I know when the donut holes are cooked perfectly?
Look for a deep golden brown color and an evenly cooked exterior. They should float to the top when frying and have a light, fluffy interior when cut open.
Final Thoughts
You are going to love how this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe brings together classic flavors in such a fun and delightful way. Each bite is a perfect balance of fluffy, creamy, sweet, and fresh that’s hard to resist. I highly encourage you to try making them at home—you’ll soon find they become one of your go-to recipes for sharing joy and indulgence with everyone around you.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are a delightful treat, combining fluffy fried donut bites with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling mixed with fresh strawberries. Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert, these bite-sized indulgences are dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh strawberries for an extra pop of flavor and freshness.
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 (enough for deep frying)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
Finishing Touches
- 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 evenly distribute the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft, cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Fry the Donut Holes: Heat oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they are smooth for even frying. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until creamy and well combined. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to avoid breaking them up while ensuring they are evenly distributed in the filling. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for easy filling.
- Fill the Donut Holes: Poke a small hole into each cooled donut hole, careful not to break the outer shell. Insert the piping bag tip and fill each donut hole generously with the strawberry cheesecake mixture for a rich and flavorful bite.
- Dust and Serve: Lightly dust the stuffed donut holes with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Garnish with extra fresh strawberry pieces to enhance presentation and flavor. Serve immediately for the best freshness and enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains at 350°F for even frying and to prevent greasy donut holes.
- The dough should be soft but not sticky; if sticky, lightly flour your hands before shaping.
- Use fresh strawberries for the filling to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Donut holes are best eaten fresh to preserve the crispness of the exterior and creamy filling.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.
