There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of strawberries and cheesecake. The creamy, tangy richness of cheesecake paired with the sweet, juicy burst of strawberries creates a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Now, imagine all that deliciousness packed into a bite-sized, golden-fried donut hole. Yes, it’s as incredible as it sounds!
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a fun weekend baking project, or just craving something sweet, these little delights will hit the spot. They’re crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with a luscious strawberry cheesecake mixture that melts in your mouth.
If you love classic donut holes but want to take them up a notch, this recipe is for you. They’re easy to make, require no yeast, and can be whipped up in under an hour. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring some sweetness to your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – No yeast or proofing time required!
- Irresistibly Creamy Filling – A rich and velvety cheesecake center bursting with strawberry flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat.
- Fried to Golden Perfection – A crispy outer shell with a soft, fluffy center.
- Fun & Customizable – Try different fillings, toppings, or even bake them instead of frying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donut Holes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a small tip and refrigerate while you prepare the donut holes.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Hole Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donut holes dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes
In a deep pot or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning the donut holes occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Coat the Donut Holes
While the donut holes are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated. This gives them a beautifully sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Holes
Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use a piping tip to poke a small hole into each one. Pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center of each donut hole, being careful not to overfill.
Step 6: Enjoy!
These delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are best enjoyed fresh while they’re still warm and the filling is creamy. Serve them as they are, or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Helpful Tips
- Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature – Too hot, and the donut holes will burn on the outside while staying raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain 350°F.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overworking the batter can result in dense donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Refrigerate the Filling – Chilling the cheesecake mixture makes it easier to pipe into the donut holes.
- Use a Piping Bag or Syringe – For easy filling, a piping bag with a small tip works best, but a squeeze bottle or syringe can also get the job done.
- Experiment with Flavors – Try adding lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy twist or drizzle with a strawberry glaze for extra sweetness.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- These donut holes taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can bake them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use strawberry jam or freeze-dried strawberries crushed into powder for a similar effect.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! While they’re best fresh, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just fry and fill them when ready to serve.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
You can, but fresh strawberries work best. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Can I Air Fry These Instead of Deep Frying?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They won’t have the same crispiness as deep-fried ones, but they’ll still be delicious.
What If I Don’t Have a Piping Bag?
You can use a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off or a condiment squeeze bottle to pipe the filling into the donut holes.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days, but they’re best enjoyed warm, so reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
For longer storage, freeze the donut holes (without filling) for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them, warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes, and then fill them with the cheesecake mixture.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes, you might also enjoy:
- Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies
- Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
- Baked Raspberry Donuts
- Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are little bites of heaven. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, they’ll quickly become a favorite. The combination of crispy, sugar-coated dough and rich, creamy strawberry cheesecake filling is simply irresistible.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes
Description
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of strawberries and cheesecake. The creamy, tangy richness of cheesecake paired with the sweet, juicy burst of strawberries creates a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Now, imagine all that deliciousness packed into a bite-sized, golden-fried donut hole. Yes, it’s as incredible as it sounds!
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a fun weekend baking project, or just craving something sweet, these little delights will hit the spot. They’re crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with a luscious strawberry cheesecake mixture that melts in your mouth.
If you love classic donut holes but want to take them up a notch, this recipe is for you. They’re easy to make, require no yeast, and can be whipped up in under an hour. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring some sweetness to your day!
Ingredients
For the Donut Holes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a small tip and refrigerate while you prepare the donut holes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donut holes dense instead of light and fluffy.
In a deep pot or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning the donut holes occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
While the donut holes are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated. This gives them a beautifully sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.
Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use a piping tip to poke a small hole into each one. Pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center of each donut hole, being careful not to overfill.
These delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are best enjoyed fresh while they’re still warm and the filling is creamy. Serve them as they are, or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- These donut holes taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can bake them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use strawberry jam or freeze-dried strawberries crushed into powder for a similar effect.