Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delightful fusion of classic donuts and creamy strawberry cheesecake. These donuts are light, fluffy, and filled with a rich cheesecake mixture, topped with a sweet strawberry glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these donuts are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
3. Fry the Donuts:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
5. Fill the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a small knife to make a hole in the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the cheesecake filling and pipe the filling into each donut.
6. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more strawberry puree or powdered sugar as needed.
7. Glaze the Donuts:
Dip the top of each filled donut into the strawberry glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the donuts with sliced fresh strawberries and crushed graham crackers if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Dough Rising: Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying. Too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cool, and they will absorb excess oil.
- Filling the Donuts: Use a piping bag with a long, round tip to fill the donuts easily and evenly.
Variations
- Berry Mix: Use a mixture of berries for the glaze or filling for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for an extra indulgent touch.
- Lemon Cheesecake Filling: Add lemon zest and juice to the cheesecake filling for a tangy twist.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of donuts and cheesecake. With their fluffy texture, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and savoring these delightful treats, and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!