Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich, creamy flavors of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity taste of strawberries, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy donut. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make these delectable donuts from scratch:
Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (or 1 cup strawberry preserves)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Let it cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the cooled strawberry mixture. Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Alternatively, use a larger cutter for the outer donut shape and a smaller one to cut out the centers if you prefer donut holes.
- Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Fill and Coat the Donuts:
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can cut a small hole in the side of each donut and spoon the filling inside.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (if using). Roll the filled donuts in the sugar mixture while they are still warm.
Serving and Storage
- Serve the strawberry cheesecake-filled donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor. They are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in an oven or toaster oven to restore some of their freshness.
Tips
- Donut Size: For a more uniform shape, use a donut cutter or a round cutter and a smaller cutter for the centers.
- Frying Oil: Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent for even frying. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Filling Variations: You can adjust the filling based on your preferences, such as adding more fruit or adjusting the sweetness.
Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts as a decadent breakfast treat, dessert, or special indulgence!