Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts

I was in the mood for something indulgent yet playful, the kind of treat that feels like a little surprise with every bite. That’s when I thought—why not take the comforting warmth of a freshly fried donut and fill it with the creamy richness of strawberry cheesecake? The idea alone was enough to send me straight to the kitchen.

Making these donuts is a bit of a process, but the reward? Utterly worth it. The dough is soft and pillowy, lightly crisp on the outside and dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Then there’s the filling—sweet, tangy cream cheese blended with juicy strawberries and preserves, creating a burst of flavor that’s impossible to resist. One bite, and you get that contrast of warm dough and chilled, creamy filling, making every mouthful absolutely heavenly.

If you love classic donuts but want to take them up a notch, these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts will be your new favorite. Perfect for a weekend baking project, a brunch treat, or just because—because let’s be honest, who needs an excuse for homemade donuts?

What Are Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts?

Imagine a soft, golden donut, fried to perfection, then stuffed with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling. Coated in a light cinnamon-sugar dusting, these donuts offer the best of both worlds—comforting fried dough and a creamy, fruity surprise inside.

Key Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry preserves
• ½ cup diced fresh strawberries

For Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Dough scraper or knife
• Rolling pin
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon
• Piping bag with round tip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture.

Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Proof the Donuts

Once risen, roll the dough onto a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a 3-inch cutter. Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely, and let rest for 30-40 minutes until puffy.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Coat the Donuts

While warm, roll the donuts in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using). Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 5: Make the Filling

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in strawberry preserves and diced strawberries. Transfer to a piping bag.

Step 6: Fill the Donuts

Use a knife to make a small hole in each donut. Insert the piping bag and fill until slightly plump. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled filling experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.

A delightful surprise: The creamy strawberry cheesecake filling takes these donuts to the next level.

Homemade magic: No store-bought donut comes close to the taste of fresh, homemade ones.

Fun to make: Great for a weekend baking project or special occasion.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dough too sticky? Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading.

Dense donuts? Make sure the yeast is active and allow enough time for proofing.

Oil too hot? If donuts brown too quickly, lower the heat to maintain 350°F.

Soggy donuts? Drain them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steam buildup.

Filling too runny? Refrigerate the filling for 15 minutes before piping to help it thicken.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
– Pair with fresh fruit for a lighter contrast.
– Enjoy with a drizzle of chocolate or extra strawberry sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

2. Can I use store-bought donuts?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, buy plain donuts and simply fill them with the cheesecake mixture.

3. What’s the best way to fill the donuts without making a mess?
Use a piping bag with a small round tip and insert it gently into the side of the donut.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.

5. How do I make them extra fluffy?
Make sure to knead the dough well and allow enough time for it to rise fully.

Tips & Tricks

– Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
– Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
– Let the filled donuts sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to settle.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Donuts:

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough.

Replace the strawberry preserves with chocolate ganache for a richer filling.

2. Lemon Berry Donuts:

Swap vanilla extract for lemon zest in the filling.

Add blueberries along with strawberries for a tangy twist.

3. Coconut Cream Donuts:

Replace strawberry preserves with coconut cream.

Roll the donuts in toasted coconut flakes instead of sugar.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something special. They’re soft, rich, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making them impossible to resist.

The contrast between the fluffy dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re worth the effort, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why homemade donuts always feel like a little luxury.