If you have a soft spot for cute, bite-sized treats that combine the best of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine fluffy donut holes with a luscious cheesecake center, all lovingly coated in a vibrant strawberry glaze that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. This delightful recipe takes your regular donut experience to a whole new level, making every bite a celebration of flavor and texture that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe. From the fluffy dough to the rich cheesecake filling and bright strawberry glaze, each element plays a crucial role.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – provides the sturdy yet tender base that forms your donut holes’ structure.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – lightly sweetens the dough without overwhelming the flavors.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – ensures your donut holes puff up perfectly, creating that soft texture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – enhances the flavors by balancing sweetness and richness.
- Whole Milk: 3/4 cup – adds moisture for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Egg: 1 large – binds everything together and adds richness that can’t be beaten.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – infuses the dough with subtle buttery flavor and moisture.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened – the star ingredient for that irresistibly creamy cheesecake filling.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – sweetens the cream cheese filling to silky perfection.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – lifts the flavors in both the dough and the filling with a warm, fragrant note.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, chopped – provide fresh fruitiness and natural color for the glaze.
- Strawberry Jam: 2 tablespoons – adds a concentrated burst of strawberry flavor.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – brightens the glaze, cutting through the sweetness with fresh acidity.
- Oil for Frying: As needed – choose a neutral oil like canola to ensure a clean, crisp finish.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment
Start by heating your oil to the perfect frying temperature of 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial because maintaining the right heat ensures your donut holes cook evenly and achieve that golden-brown crispness everyone loves.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Carefully fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined – overmixing will make your donut holes tough instead of tender, so keep it light!
Step 3: Cook Your Donut Holes
Use a small scoop to drop rounded portions of the dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches so the temperature stays steady. Turn them occasionally, letting each donut hole develop an even, golden-brown crust in about 3 to 4 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While your donut holes cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This filling is what makes this recipe truly special, adding a velvety richness inside each bite.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Holes
Gently poke a small hole in each donut using a skewer or piping tip, then pipe the cheesecake filling inside. Take your time to get an even fill, so every bite surprises you with creamy decadence.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Strawberry Glaze
For the glaze, simmer the chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Puree the mixture, then strain to create a smooth glaze. Dip each filled donut hole into the glaze, allowing a beautiful, shiny strawberry coat to form.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and charm.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
Some simple garnishes can elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe to star-quality dessert status. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries on top for a delightful crunch and pop of color. A small fresh strawberry or mint leaf alongside can also add a fresh, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Serve these donut holes with a cup of aromatic coffee or a chilled glass of milk to complement their sweet richness. For brunch or a special gathering, pair them with fresh fruit salad or light yogurt to balance the indulgence with freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by serving your donut holes in mini paper cupcake liners or on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching spread. You could also thread several on a skewer for a playful “donut hole kebab” that’s perfect for parties or as a grab-and-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without losing that signature cream cheese filling texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, place unfilled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw, fill with cheesecake mixture, and glaze for best results.
Reheating
Reheat at a low temperature in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to gently warm through without melting the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough chewy and the filling runny.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well for the glaze. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent the glaze from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the donut holes their signature texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden. Keep in mind, the fried version is crispier on the outside.
How do I prevent the donut holes from absorbing too much oil?
Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is key. If the oil is too cool, the donut holes will soak up oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and use a wire rack to drain the excess oil afterward.
Can I make the cheesecake filling dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream cheese for a vegan or lactose-free option, but the texture and taste will vary slightly.
How long does it take to make the Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 35 minutes, including preparation, frying, filling, and glazing – making it a quick yet impressive treat to whip up anytime.
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe is like giving yourself a little gift wrapped in dough, cream cheese, and strawberries. It’s a delightful way to impress family and friends or simply to treat yourself to something truly special. So grab those ingredients and dive into this fun, delicious project — you’ll love every bite and the smiles it brings around your table.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes — golden, fluffy fried dough spheres filled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and finished with a fresh strawberry glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these bite-sized treats combine the best of fried dough and rich cheesecake, balanced with the natural sweetness of strawberries.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Whole Milk
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Jam
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Other
- Oil for Frying (such as canola oil), as needed
- Powdered Sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Begin by heating oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial to ensure the donut holes cook evenly and become golden brown.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients—milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the dough tough.
- Prepare and Fry Dough: Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of the dough into the hot oil in batches. Fry, turning occasionally, until the donut holes achieve a golden brown color, about 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature stable.
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes and place them on a cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: While the donut holes cool, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Donut Holes: Once the donut holes have cooled enough to handle but are still warm, poke a small hole in each. Use a piping bag or small spoon to fill each donut hole with the prepared cheesecake filling.
- Prepare Strawberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, then puree and strain the glaze for a smooth consistency.
- Glaze and Finish: Dip each cheesecake-filled donut hole into the strawberry glaze, coating them evenly. Let excess glaze drip off. Optionally, dust the finished donut holes with powdered sugar for a delicate touch.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry cheesecake donut holes warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy these delightful treats fresh!
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy donut holes.
- Do not overmix the dough; mix until ingredients are just combined for light, fluffy donut holes.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut for filling.
- The strawberry glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with suitable plant-based alternatives, though the flavor may vary.
- Make sure the donut holes are slightly cooled before filling to prevent melting the cheesecake mixture.
