Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 50 grams warm water; 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 280 grams all-purpose flour; 50 grams granulated sugar; 50 grams milk; 2 egg yolks; 40 grams soft butter; 3 liters sunflower oil (for deep frying); 150 grams cream cheese; 50 grams powdered sugar; 80 grams strawberry jam; 6 fresh strawberries; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 81 reviews

If you have a soft spot for sweets that feel like a warm hug, then you’re in for a real treat with this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe. Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden donut that reveals a luscious, creamy strawberry cheesecake center bursting with fresh fruity sweetness. These homemade yeast donuts, fried to perfection and beautifully decorated with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, are a love letter to dessert lovers everywhere. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises a delightful experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of six round dough balls frying in a white pot filled with bubbling hot oil. One golden-brown dough ball is being lifted by shiny silver tongs above the oil, showing a smooth and evenly cooked surface with a slightly lighter top. The other five dough balls float in the oil, varying between golden and darker brown shades, with a shiny texture that reflects the heat. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the rich color contrast of the frying dough balls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible appearance. From the yeast that gives the donuts their airy lift to the creamy filling that’s bursting with strawberry goodness, these essentials keep the process straightforward while yielding impressive results.

50 grams warm water: This activates the yeast, creating the foundation for fluffy donuts.
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and get that soft texture.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for yeast mixture): Feeds the yeast and helps it bloom beautifully.
280 grams all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the donut dough.
50 grams granulated sugar (for dough): Adds sweetness and enhances browning.
50 grams milk: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
2 egg yolks: Give the dough a lovely color and softness.
40 grams soft butter: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
3 liters sunflower oil: Perfect for deep frying to a golden, crispy finish.
150 grams cream cheese: The creamy base for the strawberry cheesecake filling.
50 grams powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and dusts the donuts for an elegant finish.
80 grams strawberry jam: Brings bright, fruity flavor that complements the cheesecake.
6 fresh strawberries: Adds freshness and a pop of color for decoration.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar gently in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, so your donuts will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the flour and sugar. Add the egg yolks, soft butter, and milk, then pour in the yeast mixture once it’s bubbly. This combination of ingredients combines to create a silky dough that will fry up light and fluffy.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Using a dough hook on medium speed, knead the dough for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re doing this by hand, be patient and knead until you get the same springy texture. This kneading develops the gluten that gives the donuts their wonderful chew and rise.

Step 4: Proof the Dough

Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it to keep warm. Allow it to proof for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in a warm spot, or until it doubles in size. Patience here rewards you with airy, soft donuts that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Shape and Proof Donuts Again

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thin 0.25 cm thickness. Use a 6 cm cookie cutter to cut uniform rounds. Place these rounds onto a baking sheet and let them proof again in a warm environment for 30 minutes until they puff slightly. This second proof helps create the perfect fluffy donut.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Preheat sunflower oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 180°C. This careful temperature control ensures your donuts fry evenly and absorb just the right amount of oil to be crispy without greasy.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts

Fry each donut in the hot oil for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown all over. You may need to flip them once or twice to ensure they’re evenly cooked. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold in strawberry jam until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This luscious filling will be the delicious surprise inside each donut.

Step 9: Fill and Decorate Your Donuts

Using a piping bag, carefully fill each cooled donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling. Add a fresh strawberry on top, a small dollop of strawberry jam, and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This presentation makes the donuts as stunning as they are tasty.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe

A round donut covered in light brown sugar sits in a woman's hand in the foreground. It has a thick layer of shiny red strawberry jam on top, followed by a swirl of smooth white cream, and finished with a bright red strawberry with green leaves placed on the cream. In the background, there is a white plate filled with more donuts, each topped with white cream and a red strawberry, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and powdered sugar are a must for garnishing these donuts. The strawberries add a perfect burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the powdered sugar gives that classic bakery look. For an extra touch, drizzle some melted white chocolate as a creative spotlight on your donuts.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you want to create a dessert platter, add some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to keep the strawberry theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the donuts stacked on a cake stand for a festive event or individually boxed as charming gifts. For brunch or a party, place them alongside mini fruit tarts or homemade lemon bars to wow your guests with a variety of sweet treats. You can also experiment with different fruit jams to switch up the flavor without changing the fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The donuts maintain their fluffiness best fresh, so try to enjoy them quickly for maximum indulgence.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts without filling them to keep their texture intact. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature and then add the filling fresh before serving.

Reheating

To warm up the donuts, gently microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or heat them in a low oven until soft and inviting. Avoid overheating, as this can dry them out. After reheating, fill them to enjoy that creamy strawberry cheesecake center at its best.

FAQs

Can I use a different jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is perfect here, you can swap it for raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam if you want to play with flavors. Just make sure the jam is smooth enough to blend well with the cream cheese filling.

Is it possible to bake these donuts instead of frying?

You can bake them if you prefer, though frying gives the donuts that classic golden and crispy exterior. To bake, set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake the shaped donuts for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden, then fill and decorate as usual.

How do I know when the yeast is active?

The yeast mixture should become bubbly and frothy after resting for about 10 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be expired or the water temperature might have been too hot or too cold, so try again with fresh yeast and warm (not hot) water.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might differ as gluten provides structure and elasticity. Look for gluten-free blends specifically meant for yeast doughs, and adjust proofing times as needed.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling?

Use a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip. Insert the tip gently into the side of the donut and squeeze in the filling slowly to avoid bursting the dough. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped works well too.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Recipe at home—the joy of frying up soft, golden rounds then surprising everyone with a rich, fruity cheesecake center. Whether you are sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a lovely treat yourself, these donuts bring warmth and happiness to any table. I hope you find the same delight making and enjoying them as I do!