Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, fluffy doughnuts bursting with a tangy, creamy center that brightens every bite. This Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe is exactly that kind of irresistible treat. The doughnuts themselves are golden, tender, and lightly sweetened, while the luscious lemon cheesecake filling offers a perfect balance of silky richness and citrusy zest. Whether it’s for a special brunch, a celebratory dessert, or just a pick-me-up snack, these delightful doughnuts bring a sunny twist that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe requires just a handful of simple, yet carefully selected ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each one has a special role, whether it’s helping the dough rise beautifully, adding creaminess, or layering in fresh citrus notes.
- Milk: The comforting base that hydrates the dough and keeps it soft and tender.
- Flour (3 cups): Provides structure and chew to the doughnuts, so they’re perfectly fluffy.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just enough sweetness to make the doughnuts delightfully inviting.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s overall taste.
- Eggs (2): Help bind the dough and give it richness and color.
- Butter, melted (4 tbsp): Adds moisture and a subtle buttery flavor that makes the dough extra tender.
- Active dry yeast (2 tsp): The magic behind the doughnuts’ rise and airy texture.
- Oil (for frying): The key to achieving that perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the velvety cheesecake filling with a tangy depth.
- Icing sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling while keeping the texture smooth.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Provides fresh citrus brightness that wakes up the flavors.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
- Lemon curd (2 tbsp): Adds richness and an extra burst of lemony sweetness in the filling.
- Lemon slices: Perfect for garnishing and adding a fresh, visual pop.
- Fresh mint leaves: Add a refreshing hint and beautiful color contrast on top.
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by combining the milk, active dry yeast, flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl. The milk should be warm but not hot to activate the yeast perfectly. Mix everything until a rough dough forms, then knead it gently until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading step is crucial for developing gluten, which will give your doughnuts their tender, airy texture. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts
After the dough has risen, punch it down softly to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small balls roughly 1 to 1.5 inches across — this size ensures quick, even frying and perfect bite-sized doughnuts. Place them on a floured surface and cover them lightly with a towel while you heat the oil, so they don’t dry out.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the dough balls in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes on both sides until the doughnuts turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. While still warm, gently roll the doughnuts in sugar for a sweet, delicate coating that adds a lovely crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, icing sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon curd until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling really makes the Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe stand out with its bright, tangy flavor and rich texture.
Step 5: Fill the Doughnuts
Once your fried doughnuts have cooled to room temperature, use a piping bag or a small spoon to carefully fill each doughnut with the cheesecake mixture. Poke a small hole in the side or bottom of each doughnut and gently squeeze in the filling until you feel the resistance. It’s a delightful surprise inside every bite!
Step 6: Decorate and Enjoy
To make your doughnuts look as irresistible as they taste, garnish each one with a thin slice of fresh lemon and a sprig of mint. This simple touch adds freshness and a pop of color that will impress anyone lucky enough to dig in.
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding bright garnishes like thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the zesty filling. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant, sweet finish that looks wonderful.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, balancing their sweetness with a gentle bitterness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to echo the bright lemon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at parties or gatherings. Another fun idea is to place them in individual cupcake liners decorated with edible flowers, turning each doughnut into a mini work of art that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days, but for the best taste and texture, enjoy them within the first day.
Freezing
Although frying fresh doughnuts is wonderful, you can freeze them for later. Place cooled and unfilled doughnuts on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month and thaw in the fridge before filling and garnishing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm doughnuts in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds just until warm—not hot—to avoid melting the filling. This helps restore some of their fresh, just-made softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of filling in this Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe?
Absolutely! While the lemon cheesecake filling is fantastic here, you can experiment with raspberry cream cheese, vanilla custard, or even chocolate ganache to suit your tastes—just keep fillings smooth for easy piping.
Is it necessary to fry the doughnuts, or can I bake them?
Frying gives these doughnuts their classic crisp exterior and tender inside, but you can bake them for a lighter version. Adjust baking time to about 12-15 minutes at 375°F, and the texture will be cakier than yeasty.
How do I ensure the dough rises properly?
The yeast should be activated with warm milk around 105-110°F, and giving the dough enough time in a warm environment helps it double in size. Avoid cold spots or drafts while proofing.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before filling to keep it smooth and creamy.
What’s the best oil to use for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying doughnuts. They help achieve a golden crust without imparting strong flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like homemade doughnuts filled with a bright, creamy lemon cheesecake center to bring a smile to your face. This Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe invites you to enjoy a delightful combination of textures and flavors that feel both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re sharing these with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone, they’re sure to become a treasured go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Lemon Cheesecake-Filled Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts combine the fluffy, golden-fried texture of classic doughnuts with a smooth, tangy lemon cheesecake filling. Perfectly sweetened and infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, these doughnuts are a delightful treat decorated with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, offering a refreshing twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients
Doughnut Dough
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Oil for frying (about 4 cups)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon curd
Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Extra granulated sugar for coating
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, flour, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated into a sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into small balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on a surface ready for frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat enough oil to submerge the doughnuts to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in batches, frying each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to turn them over as needed to ensure even frying.
- Drain and Coat: Remove the fried doughnuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. While still warm, roll each doughnut in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, icing sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon curd. Beat the mixture until it is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Fill the Doughnuts: When the doughnuts have cooled to room temperature, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to inject the lemon cheesecake filling into the center of each doughnut.
- Decorate: Garnish each filled doughnut with a thin lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint for an attractive presentation and a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: These delightful lemon cheesecake doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh as a sweet treat or dessert.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar coating to your taste preference.
- If lemon curd is unavailable, substitute with additional lemon juice and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
- To keep doughnuts fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor.
