Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

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When I first came up with the idea of combining rich strawberry cheesecake filling with warm, pillowy donuts, I knew I had to make it happen. The very first batch I made disappeared in under an hour, and I’ve been hooked ever since. These donuts are soft, golden, and delicately crisp on the outside, but the magic truly lies within. Each bite is filled with a velvety cream cheese and fresh strawberry surprise that tastes like your favorite cheesecake, tucked into a donut.

What I love most is how these feel like a celebration, even on an ordinary day. They’re perfect for brunches, dessert trays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something decadent. I’ve made them for family gatherings, gifted them in boxes, and even stashed a few secretly for late-night cravings. The balance between the fluffy fried dough and the creamy filling hits just right—not too sweet, never too heavy.

If you’re like me and think cheesecake and donuts are each irresistible in their own right, then you’re going to fall in love with this indulgent mashup. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a full-on dessert experience. Trust me, these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are the kind of treat that will have people asking you for the recipe on the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

This recipe brings together two dessert favorites: donuts and cheesecake. The strawberry filling is both fresh and nostalgic, with bursts of juicy flavor that complement the smooth richness of the cream cheese. They’re easy to make with pantry staples, yet look bakery-level impressive when served. Whether you choose to fry or air-fry your donuts, the result is golden perfection. Plus, they’re versatile—you can customize the filling, toppings, or even go for a baked version if you like. If you want a show-stopping treat with minimal effort, this is it.

Ingredients

Cream cheese is the heart of the filling, giving it that tangy richness that cheesecake lovers crave. It blends perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries for that classic pairing.

Fresh strawberries add brightness and juiciness to every bite. Their natural sweetness intensifies when cooked slightly, making the filling taste like a spoonful of strawberry jam folded into cheesecake.

Granulated sugar sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the natural flavor of the berries and cream cheese.

Vanilla extract gives the donuts a warm undertone and enhances the creamy, fruity filling. A touch of vanilla always rounds out desserts like this beautifully.

Eggs and whole milk work together to create a tender dough and help it puff up when fried, ensuring that classic fluffy donut texture.

All-purpose flour builds the base of the dough. It provides structure without making the donuts too dense.

Instant yeast is key to giving the dough its light, airy rise. Letting it proof just right creates that soft, chewy interior.

Unsalted butter adds richness to the dough, giving it a slightly decadent bite and helping with a golden exterior.

Salt balances all the flavors and prevents the donuts from tasting overly sweet.

Neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil is needed for frying, giving the donuts a crispy shell without overpowering the flavor.

Powdered sugar is optional but highly encouraged for dusting over the top of the donuts. It adds that bakery-style finish.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the sugar and yeast into it. Let it sit until foamy. Mix in the eggs, melted butter, salt, and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until creamy. Fold in finely chopped strawberries. Chill the mixture while you shape the donuts.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let them rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a long tip to fill them with the strawberry cheesecake mixture. Insert into the side and squeeze until filled.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Dust the tops with powdered sugar or dip them in a simple glaze if you like. Serve fresh and enjoy the creamy, dreamy center in every bite.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you want to mix things up a bit, there are so many ways to customize these donuts. For the filling, try using a raspberry or blueberry puree instead of strawberries, or swirl in a bit of lemon zest for extra brightness. Not a fan of cream cheese? Mascarpone or ricotta will give a different but equally rich texture. You can also swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed—just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 replacement.

Instead of frying, you can bake these donuts at 350°F until golden, then fill them after cooling. The texture is slightly more cake-like, but still delicious. For a shortcut, you could also use pre-made biscuit dough or crescent dough for a semi-homemade version. And for an extra layer of indulgence, dip the tops in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are incredibly versatile. I love serving them as part of a weekend brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and coffee. For a dessert twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. They’re perfect with afternoon tea or as a late-night snack with a cold glass of milk.

If you’re hosting, try stacking them in a donut tower for a beautiful centerpiece. They also make fantastic party favors—just place a few in a cute box tied with ribbon. Whether served warm or at room temperature, their creamy centers and golden edges never disappoint.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The filling stays creamy, and the dough holds up surprisingly well. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating or the filling may become too runny.

You can also make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and shaping. The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead too—just give it a good stir before using.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dough and filling the night before. Store the dough in the fridge and let it come to room temp before rolling. The filled donuts can also be stored in the fridge and gently reheated.

Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before chopping. Frozen berries can add extra moisture, so be sure your filling isn’t too runny.

What’s the best way to fill Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts?

A piping bag with a long round tip works best. Insert into the side and fill until you feel a little resistance. You can also slice the donut partially and spoon in the filling for a rustic look.

Can I bake Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake them at 350°F until golden and puffy, about 12-15 minutes. They won’t have the same crispness but will still be soft and delicious.

How do I prevent Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts from getting soggy?

Let them cool fully before storing, and avoid sealing them while still warm. If storing, keep them in a slightly vented container in the fridge.

Related Recipes You’ll Like

If you’re as obsessed with cheesecake-inspired treats as I am, don’t miss the Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for a fluffy, fruity dessert twist. Looking for something no-bake but still full of cheesecake goodness? The No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake will absolutely win you over. And if you’re a fan of creamy desserts with a hint of citrus, definitely check out the Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream too.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a crowd-pleasing favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on your dessert or brunch board on Pinterest so you can come back to it any time. Share it with friends who love a good homemade treat or post your version on Instagram and tag me—I love seeing your creations! Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, this recipe deserves a spot in your favorites collection.

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