There’s something irresistible about combining two beloved desserts into one delicious treat. These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes offer the perfect blend of soft, fluffy donuts filled with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling and topped with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. Whether served as a special breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering, they are sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike.

What makes these donut holes even more appealing is their versatility. They are bite-sized, making them ideal for portion control, but also packed with flavor that will have you reaching for just one more. The smooth and creamy cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the lightly fried donut exterior, all dusted with a light coating of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. Perfectly balanced, they’ll make your dessert dreams come true.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

The combination of fresh strawberry and cheesecake is a timeless classic, and these donut holes elevate that pairing to a whole new level. Not only are they decadently indulgent, but they also bring a nostalgic feeling of comfort with every bite. The donut exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the smooth, velvety filling ensures every bite is as creamy and delicious as the last. If you’re someone who loves both cheesecake and donuts, then these little treats are an absolute must-try!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Importance of Each Tool)

Before you dive into making your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes, it’s important to gather the right tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

Donut Hole Pan or Frying Pan
A donut hole pan will give you the perfect round shape and uniform texture for your donut holes. Alternatively, a frying pan can be used to deep fry the donut holes, but you’ll need to ensure the oil temperature is right to get that golden crisp on the outside.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls – one for the donut dough and one for the cheesecake filling. Using separate bowls helps keep the processes organized and ensures no cross-contamination of ingredients.
Whisk and Spoon
A whisk is great for combining dry ingredients for the donut dough, while a spoon or spatula will help you fill the donut holes with the cheesecake mixture. A spoon is also useful for portioning the dough.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements are key to getting the right balance of flavors in the dough and cheesecake filling. Make sure to measure both wet and dry ingredients accurately for the best results.
Piping Bag or Zip-lock Bag
To pipe the cheesecake filling into the donut holes, a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the tip cut off is incredibly helpful. It allows for easy and clean filling without making a mess.
Cooling Rack
After frying or baking your donut holes, a cooling rack will allow air to circulate around them, keeping the outside crisp and preventing them from becoming soggy.

Preparation Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients
Before you start, make sure your cream cheese for the filling is at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and results in a smooth filling.
Don’t Overmix the Donut Dough
When preparing the donut dough, be gentle. Overmixing can make the donuts dense, so just combine until everything is incorporated.
Proper Oil Temperature
If you’re frying your donut holes, ensure the oil is heated to about 350°F (175°C). Too high and the donuts will burn, too low and they’ll absorb too much oil.
Let the Filling Set
If you’re making the filling ahead of time, let it chill in the fridge for a bit to firm up. This makes it easier to pipe into the donut holes without it spilling out.
Fresh Strawberry Flavor
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. You can either chop them and mix them into the cheesecake filling or place a small piece inside each donut hole before sealing it.

With these tools and tips, you’ll be ready to create the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

For the donut holes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil for frying (if deep frying)

For the cheesecake filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
Fresh strawberries, finely chopped (optional, for a strawberry-infused filling)

For topping:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

These ingredients are all you need to create your perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes. With just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess, these donut holes will be irresistible from the first bite.

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be thick but still slightly sticky. Set the dough aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In another mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until well combined and the filling is fluffy. If you want to add some strawberry flavor to the filling, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. Chill the mixture in the fridge while you move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donut Holes

Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to about 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats, form small balls of dough, about 1 tablespoon each. If you’re using a donut hole pan, spoon the dough into each cavity until full, ensuring the dough doesn’t overflow. Alternatively, if you’re frying, carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Fry the donut holes for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Holes

Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use a piping bag (or a zip-lock bag with the tip cut off) to pipe the chilled cheesecake filling into the center of each donut hole. Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough, and fill them just enough to have a nice, creamy surprise inside.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Dust the filled donut holes generously with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finish. If you’d like, you can also add a few extra chopped strawberries on top for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

Serving Temperature: These donut holes are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, as the filling is most delightful when it’s creamy and not too cold. If you prefer them warm, simply reheat them briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the donut holes and the cheesecake filling ahead of time. The donut holes can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, while the filling should be refrigerated and kept fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the donut holes with the filling and dust with powdered sugar.
Extra Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. If you love berry flavors, try using raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries mixed with the cream cheese filling.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Dough: It’s tempting to mix until the dough is smooth, but overmixing will lead to dense donut holes. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
Incorrect Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside but remain raw on the inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Keep the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect fry.
Underfilling or Overfilling the Donut Holes: When piping the cheesecake filling into the donut holes, be cautious. Underfilling will result in an underwhelming bite, while overfilling may cause the filling to spill out. Aim for a generous but controlled amount.
Filling Too Early: If you fill the donut holes with the cheesecake mixture while they’re too hot, the filling can melt or run out. Wait until they’ve cooled slightly before filling them.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy perfectly delicious strawberry cheesecake donut holes every time.

What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes?

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are already a sweet treat on their own, but if you want to elevate your dessert spread or meal, here are some perfect pairings that complement their flavors:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing fruit salad featuring berries, kiwi, and citrus will provide a fresh balance to the rich sweetness of the donut holes.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these donut holes is a match made in dessert heaven. The cold, smooth texture complements the warm, fluffy donut perfectly.

3. Whipped Cream

Top each donut hole with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy texture that enhances the cheesecake filling.

4. Hot Chocolate or Coffee

Pair these donut holes with a hot beverage like rich, creamy hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. The slightly bitter drink will balance the sweetness of the donuts.

5. Strawberry Jam or Compote

If you want to add extra fruit flavor, serve these donut holes with a side of strawberry jam or compote. The added berry flavor will intensify the strawberry experience.

6. Yogurt Parfait

Layer these donut holes with Greek yogurt, granola, and more fresh berries for a delightful parfait that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

7. Chocolate Dipping Sauce

If you’re a fan of chocolate, a warm chocolate sauce for dipping makes for an indulgent addition that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.

8. Lemonade or Iced Tea

For a refreshing drink, serve these donut holes with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea. The tartness of the drink will cut through the richness of the filling, offering a balanced taste.

Storage Instructions (and Reheating if Applicable)

To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes stay fresh:

Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within 1-2 days, store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their texture and flavor well for a short period.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the donut holes after filling them. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. However, keep in mind that refrigeration may affect the texture of the fried dough slightly.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the donut holes before filling them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and fill with the cheesecake filling just before serving.

Reheating:

If you prefer your donut holes warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help restore their crispness.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per donut hole (based on a serving of 1 donut hole):

Calories: 150-180 kcal
Fat: 8-10 g
Carbohydrates: 18-22 g
Protein: 2-3 g
Sugar: 8-10 g

Keep in mind that these values will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the size of the donut holes. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the donut holes instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the donut holes if you prefer a lighter option. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the dough for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep in mind, they may not have the same crispy texture as fried donut holes, but they’ll still be delicious!

2. How do I make these donut holes gluten-free?

To make these donut holes gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend you choose is designed for baking to ensure the texture of the donut holes is still light and fluffy.

3. Can I use a different type of filling?

Absolutely! While cheesecake filling is classic, you can swap it out for whipped cream, pastry cream, or even chocolate ganache. Feel free to get creative with different fillings based on your preferences.

4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure the donut holes are not too hot when you fill them, as this can cause the filling to melt and leak out. Additionally, don’t overfill the donut holes—only pipe enough filling to fill the center without overflowing.

5. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before piping it into the donut holes.

6. What if I don’t have a donut hole pan?

If you don’t have a donut hole pan, you can fry the dough into small round balls using a spoon or scoop. Alternatively, you can use a mini muffin tin for baking the donut holes.

7. Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the filling, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

8. How can I make these donut holes more colorful?

To add a pop of color, you can incorporate different fruits into the cheesecake filling, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even mango. For an extra touch, drizzle a berry compote or fruit syrup over the donut holes before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are a fun and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the soft, fluffy goodness of a donut. With simple ingredients, easy preparation steps, and endless possibilities for variations, these donut holes are the perfect sweet bite for any occasion. Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast, a special dessert, or a party snack, they are sure to be a hit!