Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy donut hole filled with creamy cheesecake and bursting with the sweet tang of fresh strawberries. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, that dream is closer than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes are about to become your new favorite dessert. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this magical treat right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
There’s something truly special about combining two beloved desserts—donuts and cheesecake—into one bite-sized masterpiece. Here’s why these treats will steal your heart (and maybe even your Instagram feed).
Perfect for Any Occasion
You don’t need a reason to enjoy these delightful morsels. They’re perfect for birthdays, brunches, holiday gatherings, or even as a simple weekend indulgence. Their small size makes them easy to share, but let’s be honest—you might want to keep them all to yourself.
Easy to Customize
Not everyone has the same dietary preferences, and that’s okay! These donut holes can easily be adapted to suit gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets without sacrificing flavor. We’ll walk you through those options later in this guide.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s face it: who can resist the combination of rich cream cheese, juicy strawberries, and soft, fried dough? Desserts like these have universal appeal because they hit all the right notes—sweet, creamy, fruity, and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
Before you get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Below is a handy table breaking down the ingredients by category.
Key Points About Ingredients
- Freshness Matters: When it comes to strawberries, always opt for ripe, juicy ones. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen strawberries work too—just thaw and drain them before use.
- Quality Counts: Using high-quality cream cheese and real butter will elevate the taste significantly. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.
Now that you’ve got your shopping list ready, let’s move on to the fun part—making these heavenly donut holes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
Don’t worry if baking isn’t your forte. This recipe is designed to guide you every step of the way. Follow along closely, and soon you’ll have a batch of irresistible treats ready to devour.
1: Prepare the Dough
The foundation of any great donut is its dough. Here’s how to make it from scratch:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures your dough rises properly.
- Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until the dough comes together. Knead it on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While your dough is rising, whip up the star of the show—the cheesecake filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in finely diced strawberries and a splash of lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon enhances the berry flavor while keeping the filling balanced.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Cold filling is easier to handle and less likely to ooze out during frying.
3: Assemble the Donut Holes
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to assemble the donut holes:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough. Each circle should be roughly 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a teaspoon of chilled cheesecake filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leaks during frying.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them tightly to seal. Gently roll the sealed ball between your palms to shape it into a smooth sphere.
4: Fry and Coat
Frying is where the magic happens. Follow these steps for perfectly golden donut holes:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature—it’s crucial for achieving that crisp exterior.
- Carefully lower the assembled donut holes into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll it in granulated sugar. For an extra touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or crushed graham crackers on top.