Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

Strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. You'll love biting into a soft, fluffy donut filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a sweet strawberry glaze. These treats originated from the trend of stuffed donuts in the mid-20th century and have since become a popular specialty bakery item. Making them at home requires some intermediate baking skills, but the result is worth it. You'll need to prepare a donut batter, cheesecake filling, and strawberry glaze. The process involves frying the donuts, filling them with cheesecake mixture, and finishing with a glossy glaze. There's so much more to discover about these mouthwatering pastries!

Key Takeaways

• Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts combine fluffy donuts with creamy cheesecake filling and strawberry glaze.
• The recipe requires intermediate baking skills and yields approximately 12 donuts.
• Key components include donut batter, cheesecake filling, and strawberry glaze made from fresh strawberries.
• Donuts are fried until golden brown, then filled with a piped cheesecake mixture.
• The final product features a soft exterior, creamy interior, and tangy-sweet strawberry flavor.

History

The origins of stuffed donuts can be traced back to the mid-20th century, with various cultures putting their own spin on the concept.

You'll find that German bakers were among the first to experiment with filled donuts, creating the beloved Berliner. This tasty treat inspired others to get creative with their own fillings.

As you explore the history of stuffed donuts, you'll discover that they've become a global sensation.

In the 1960s, American bakeries started offering jelly-filled donuts, which quickly gained popularity. Soon after, cream-filled varieties emerged, delighting donut lovers everywhere.

The idea of combining cheesecake and donuts is a more recent innovation.

You'll be excited to learn that this fusion dessert started popping up in specialty bakeries in the early 2000s. Bakers wanted to offer something unique to their customers, and what better way than to combine two beloved treats?

Strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a natural evolution of this trend.

They're a perfect example of how bakers continue to push the boundaries of traditional pastries, creating new and exciting flavors for you to enjoy.

Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts with these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts. This decadent treat combines the fluffy texture of a classic donut with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious weekend breakfast, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike.

This recipe yields approximately 12 stuffed donuts and requires some intermediate baking skills. While the process may seem involved, the end result is well worth the effort. The donut dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, allowing you to break up the workload and guarantee fresh, warm donuts in the morning.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

To make the donuts, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then let rise in a warm place for about an hour.

While the dough rises, prepare the cheesecake filling by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the diced strawberries.

Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into circles. Let the circles rise for another 30 minutes, then fry in hot oil (350°F) for 1-2 minutes per side. Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake mixture and dust with powdered sugar.

For best results, confirm your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too hot, and the donuts will brown too quickly without cooking through; too cool, and they'll absorb excess oil.

Allow the donuts to cool completely before filling to prevent the cheesecake mixture from melting. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Warm slightly before serving for the ideal taste and texture experience.

Cooking Steps

Let's roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

You'll start by preparing the donut batter and cheesecake filling separately.

Once you've fried your donuts to a perfect golden brown, you'll fill them with the creamy cheesecake mixture and top them off with a sweet strawberry glaze.

Step 1. Prepare Donut Batter

Mixing bowls at the ready, it's time to prepare the donut batter. You'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter.

Start by whisking the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk until well combined.

Now, here's where the magic happens! Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overmix. You want a smooth batter, but a few small lumps are okay. They'll disappear during cooking.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to add a special touch. Vanilla extract will give your donuts that classic flavor, while a hint of nutmeg adds warmth.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of almond extract for a unique twist.

Step 2. Prepare Cheesecake Filling

The next step in creating these delectable treats is preparing the cheesecake filling. You'll need cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of heavy cream.

First, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until it's nice and creamy.

Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it's well combined and there are no lumps.

Now, it's time to add the heavy cream. Pour it in slowly while you continue mixing. This will give your filling a light, fluffy texture that's perfect for stuffing donuts.

Keep beating until the mixture is smooth and holds its shape. If it's too thick, you can add a little more cream. If it's too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Once you're happy with the consistency, give it a taste. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or vanilla flavor to your liking. Your cheesecake filling is now ready to be piped into those warm, freshly fried donuts!

Step 3. Fry Donuts Until Golden Brown

With your cheesecake filling ready, it's time to focus on the star of the show: the donuts themselves.

Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot. You'll want about 2 inches of oil. While it's heating up, shape your dough into rounds and let them rest for a few minutes.

Once the oil is hot, carefully lower 2-3 donuts into it. Don't overcrowd the pot! Watch as they sizzle and puff up.

After about 1-2 minutes, flip them over using a slotted spoon. They should be a beautiful golden brown on the first side. Cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.

When they're done, lift them out and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels. This will help drain excess oil.

Let them cool for a few minutes before you start filling them. Remember, patience is key here – you don't want to burn yourself or ruin that perfect texture you've worked so hard to achieve!

Step 4. Fill Donuts With Cheesecake Mixture

Now that your donuts have cooled slightly, it's time to fill them with that luscious cheesecake mixture.

Grab a piping bag and fit it with a small round tip. If you don't have a piping bag, a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off will work just fine.

Scoop your prepared cheesecake filling into the bag, making sure to remove any air bubbles.

Take each donut and use a sharp knife to create a small hole on one side. This will be your entry point for the filling.

Gently insert the piping tip into the hole and slowly squeeze the bag, filling the donut with the creamy mixture. You'll feel the donut getting heavier as it fills up.

Don't overfill, or the mixture might ooze out!

Once all your donuts are filled, it's time for the finishing touch.

Dip the top of each donut in some melted strawberry jam or sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for that perfect pop of color and flavor.

Your friends and family will be amazed by these delightful treats!

Step 5. Top With Strawberry Glaze

Let's put the finishing touch on these incredible donuts with a vibrant strawberry glaze. You'll need fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.

Start by blending the strawberries until smooth, then strain the puree to remove any seeds. In a bowl, mix the strained puree with powdered sugar, adding milk gradually until you reach the perfect consistency.

Now, it's time to glaze your donuts! Hold each donut by its side and dip the top into the strawberry mixture. Give it a little twist as you lift it out to guarantee even coverage. Let the excess drip off, then place the donut on a wire rack to set.

For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top while the glaze is still wet.

As the glaze sets, you'll see it transform into a beautiful, shiny coating that'll make your donuts irresistible. The tangy sweetness of the strawberry glaze perfectly complements the rich cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that's sure to delight everyone you serve.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the best of two beloved desserts.

You'll find that they're perfect for sharing with friends and family, or as a special indulgence for yourself. The soft, fluffy donut exterior gives way to a creamy cheesecake filling, while the strawberry glaze adds a burst of fruity sweetness.

Making these donuts might seem challenging, but with a little patience and practice, you'll be creating bakery-worthy treats in no time.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors or toppings to make them your own. You could try blueberry or raspberry instead of strawberry, or even add some chocolate chips to the filling for an extra treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh Ones?

Did you know that 95% of frozen fruits retain their nutritional value? You can absolutely use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones!

They're a great alternative, especially when fresh berries aren't in season. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

You'll still get that delicious strawberry flavor in your recipe. Plus, frozen berries are often more affordable and convenient.

How Long Do These Donuts Stay Fresh?

These delicious treats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep them tasty for a little while!

If you store them in an airtight container at room temperature, they'll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. Want them to last longer?

Pop them in the fridge, and they'll be good for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they'll taste!

When you're ready to indulge, let them come to room temperature for the best flavor.

Are There Any Gluten-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?

Imagine this: a gluten-free donut that's light as a cloud and just as heavenly!

You're in luck because there are several alternatives for this recipe. You can use gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, or coconut flour to create a delicious base.

Don't forget to adjust the liquid content, as gluten-free flours often absorb more moisture.

For the filling, you're already good to go since cheesecake is naturally gluten-free.

With a little experimentation, you'll be serving up gluten-free delights in no time!

Can I Make the Cheesecake Filling Ahead of Time?

You can make the cheesecake filling ahead of time, and it's a great way to save time when you're ready to assemble your treats.

Simply whip up the filling, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to use it, give it a quick stir to verify it's smooth and creamy.

This prep-ahead method can be a real time-saver, especially if you're planning to serve these yummy delights at a gathering!

What's the Best Oil Temperature for Frying These Donuts?

Hang onto your smartphone, 'cause we're diving into the world of donut frying!

You'll want to aim for an oil temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) for perfectly golden donuts. It's like giving your dough a warm hug!

Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the heat. If it's too low, you'll get greasy donuts, and if it's too high, they'll burn on the outside while staying raw inside.

Happy frying, and enjoy serving up these delicious treats!