Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The soft, fluffy donuts are filled with a sweet and creamy strawberry cheesecake filling that’s made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of strawberry jam or fresh strawberries. The donuts are fried to golden perfection (or baked, if you prefer), then rolled in a sugary cinnamon coating, creating a warm and comforting dessert with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert for a special occasion, these donuts are a sure way to impress anyone with their indulgent flavor. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheesecake or just love donuts, these strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts offer the best of both worlds. The combination of creamy filling and fluffy donut makes each bite an experience of pure joy, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a satisfying crunch. Let’s get started on making these delicious treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Creamy Filling

The strawberry cheesecake filling is smooth and rich, made with cream cheese and a touch of strawberry jam or fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect contrast to the soft, fluffy donut.

2. Versatile for Any Occasion

These stuffed donuts work perfectly for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a brunch, for dessert, or as a sweet afternoon snack. You can even make them for a special treat during the holidays.

3. Customizable Filling

If you love strawberries but want to mix things up, you can easily substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a different twist on the classic cheesecake filling.

4. Perfect for Donut Lovers

These donuts offer the best of both worlds—a fluffy, slightly sweet donut with a rich, creamy filling inside. If you love donuts and cheesecake, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

5. Easy to Make

While frying donuts might seem like a challenge, this recipe is simple to follow, and you can even bake the donuts if you prefer a lighter option. With easy-to-follow steps, you can have a batch of these delicious donuts in no time.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Milk
Eggs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Vegetable oil (for frying, or use a donut pan if baking)

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries, finely chopped)
Heavy cream or milk (for desired consistency)

For the Coating:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon (optional, for cinnamon sugar coating)

Variations

Different Fruit Fillings: While strawberry is the classic choice, you can use raspberry, blueberry, or cherry jam for the filling to switch up the flavors.
Baked Donuts: If you prefer baked donuts instead of fried, simply prepare the donut batter and bake in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
Chocolate Coating: For a richer flavor, dip the donuts in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts for an extra indulgent treat.
Lighter Filling: Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a lighter filling while still maintaining that creamy texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

If frying the donuts, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you’re baking the donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.

Step 3: Fry or Bake the Donuts

If frying: Using a spoon or a donut cutter, carefully drop spoonfuls of the donut batter into the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain.

If baking: Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before removing from the pan.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add in the strawberry jam or chopped fresh strawberries, mixing until fully combined. If the filling is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Coat the Donuts

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using) in a shallow bowl. Roll the still-warm donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 6: Stuff the Donuts

Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill the center of each donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling. Be generous with the filling for the best experience!

Step 7: Serve

Once filled, serve the donuts immediately for the best texture and flavor. You can garnish with a little extra powdered sugar or fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Proper Donut Frying Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly without cooking through. If it’s too cool, the donuts may absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Donut Pan for Baking: If you opt to bake the donuts, using a donut pan will give you the classic donut shape. If you don’t have one, you can also use a muffin tin for a slightly different look.
Donut Filling: When filling the donuts, make sure to only fill the center—overfilling can make them messy or cause the donuts to break open.
Sugar Coating Variations: For a different twist, you can add a little lemon zest or vanilla powder to the sugar coating to complement the filling.

How to Serve

Serve these strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts fresh and warm for the best flavor. They make a great addition to a weekend brunch, special dessert, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also top them with whipped cream or extra fresh strawberries for an added touch of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. The texture may soften over time, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Reheating

If reheating, place the donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore some of their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the donuts in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying them.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the filling to prevent excess moisture.

3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before filling the donuts.

4. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or even peach preserves for a different flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of extract?

Yes, you can swap the almond extract for other extracts, such as hazelnut or lemon, depending on your preference.

6. Can I use non-dairy alternatives?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative and use plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.

7. How can I make the donuts less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the donut batter or omit the cinnamon sugar coating if you want a less sweet donut.

8. Can I make mini donuts with this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mini donut pan and adjust the cooking time accordingly (about 8-10 minutes for mini donuts).

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the filling can enhance the flavor and make it even more indulgent.

10. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure the donuts are fully cooled before filling, and be gentle when filling them. You can also use a piping bag with a narrow tip to ensure precision.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and fluffy donuts, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether fried or baked, these donuts are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their creamy filling and cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion, from brunch to a special treat after dinner. Enjoy these delectable donuts fresh, or make them ahead and store for later enjoyment.