Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup strawberry jam; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Introduction

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts combine the soft, fluffy texture of homemade donuts with a creamy cheesecake filling swirled with sweet strawberry jam. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, they make a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

A white plate holds a stack of round doughnuts with a shiny, golden brown crust coated in granulated sugar. The top doughnut is cut in half, showing two layers inside: a creamy white filling at the base and a glossy red jam layer above it, both oozing slightly from the soft, airy dough. The dough has a light yellow color and fluffy texture. In the background, red strawberries and a glass of milk slightly blurred add a fresh and wholesome feel. The setting is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and the room temperature egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut the dough into donut shapes and let them rest for another 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350-360°F (175-180°C).
Step 5: Carefully fry the donuts in batches for 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Prepare the cheesecake filling by beating the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the strawberry jam to create swirls.
Step 7: For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Step 8: Using a piping bag or small spoon, inject the cheesecake filling into the slightly warm donuts. Then dip the tops of the donuts into the vanilla glaze or drizzle the glaze over them.
Step 9: Let the glazed donuts set for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to firm up nicely.

Tips & Variations

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm, not hot, to ensure proper activation.
For a fruity variation, try mixing other jams like raspberry or blueberry into the cheesecake filling.
If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two round cookie cutters of different sizes to shape the donuts.
Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature for even frying.

Storage

Store the filled and glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them briefly in a microwave or oven to soften the glaze and filling. Avoid storing uncovered to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white plate holds five round donuts with a golden brown outside dusted with powdered sugar. Two donuts are cut open, showing a soft, light yellow inside with two layers of filling: a creamy white layer and a bright red strawberry jelly layer that looks thick and glossy. In the background, there is a small glass bowl filled with more red strawberry jelly and several fresh, red strawberries with green tops. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden. However, they will have a different texture and less crisp exterior compared to frying.

How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Maintain the oil temperature between 350-360°F (175-180°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will soak up more oil. Fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady.