Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

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Golden, pillowy, and irresistibly sweet, these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Each bite bursts with a creamy cheesecake filling, balanced by a luscious strawberry center that adds a touch of tartness. The crisp exterior, dusted with powdered sugar, gives way to the rich and velvety interior, making these bite-sized treats impossible to resist.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these donut holes are a delightful twist on classic filled donuts. Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or as an elegant dessert at a gathering, they will leave everyone craving more. Their combination of creamy, fruity, and deep-fried goodness is the ultimate comfort treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors – The sweetness of cheesecake and the tanginess of strawberries complement each other beautifully.
• Crispy outside, creamy inside – The contrast of textures makes every bite exciting.
• No need for yeast! – A quick dough means these are ready in no time.
• Great for any occasion – Serve them as a fun brunch dish, a party dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat.
• Customizable – Try different fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or even chocolate for a unique twist.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes, having the right tools will make the process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowls – You’ll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients, as well as for preparing the cheesecake filling.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk – Helps blend the cheesecake filling until smooth and lump-free.
• Piping Bag with a Small Tip – Essential for easily injecting the cheesecake-strawberry filling into the donut holes.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Ensures even frying with consistent heat. A Dutch oven works great too.
• Candy or Deep-Fry Thermometer – Helps maintain the ideal frying temperature (around 350°F/175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs – Useful for safely lifting the donuts out of the hot oil without breaking them.
• Cooling Rack with Paper Towels – Allows excess oil to drain, keeping the donut holes crisp.
• Fine Mesh Sifter – Perfect for dusting powdered sugar evenly over the finished donuts.

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Preparation Tips

• Keep ingredients at room temperature – This ensures smooth mixing, especially for the cheesecake filling.
• Preheat the oil properly – If the oil is too cold, the donuts will absorb too much oil; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking inside.
• Use a piping bag for filling – This makes it much easier to inject the cheesecake and strawberry filling without making a mess.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to maintain even cooking and crisp texture.
• Drain excess oil properly – Letting the donuts rest on a paper towel prevents them from becoming too greasy.

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Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tanginess)

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk or use a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag and refrigerate while preparing the donuts.

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Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam with lemon juice (if using) for a slightly tangy contrast.
2. Stir well and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Donut Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands to handle it more easily.

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Step 4: Shape the Donut Holes

1. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
2. Use a small round cutter or roll small portions of dough into balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
3. Place them on a parchment-lined tray while heating the oil.

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Step 5: Fry the Donut Holes

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in small batches.
3. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until golden brown and puffed.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

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Step 6: Fill the Donut Holes

1. Allow the donut holes to cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
2. Use a piping bag with a small round tip to inject each donut hole with a bit of cheesecake filling and a bit of strawberry filling.
3. Insert the tip gently into the donut hole and squeeze until filled, being careful not to overfill.

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Step 7: Dust and Serve

1. Lightly dust the stuffed donut holes with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sifter.
2. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

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Notes

• Best served fresh – These donut holes taste best when eaten warm, right after filling and dusting with powdered sugar.
• Filling can be customized – You can swap the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or even Nutella for a different twist.
• Use a thermometer – Maintaining the correct oil temperature ensures a perfectly fried, non-greasy donut hole.
• Refrigerate the filling – Chilling the cheesecake filling makes it easier to pipe into the donuts without becoming runny.
• Even sizing is key – Rolling the dough into uniform-sized balls helps them cook evenly and prevents undercooked centers.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overcrowding the Pan

Frying too many donut holes at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy and unevenly cooked donuts. Fry in small batches for the best results.

2. Skipping the Oil Temperature Check

If the oil is too hot, the outside of the donuts will cook too quickly while the inside remains raw. Too cold, and they’ll absorb excess oil, making them soggy. Keep the temperature steady at 350°F (175°C).

3. Overfilling the Donuts

Adding too much cheesecake and strawberry filling can cause the donut holes to burst or leak. Fill them gently to avoid making a mess.

4. Not Draining Properly

After frying, place the donuts on a wire rack with paper towels underneath rather than directly on paper towels. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

5. Using Cold Ingredients for the Dough

Ensure the egg and milk are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from achieving a smooth texture.

6. Skipping the Cooling Step Before Filling

Filling the donuts while they’re too hot can cause the cheesecake mixture to melt inside, making them less creamy. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before filling.

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What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are already delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take your dessert experience to the next level. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fresh Berries

A side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries enhances the fruity flavors of the filling and adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the donut holes.

2. Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, making each bite even more indulgent.

3. Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the donuts for an extra layer of decadence.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Pairing warm donut holes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an irresistible hot-and-cold dessert combo.

5. Caramel or Strawberry Sauce

Dipping these donut holes in caramel sauce or extra strawberry sauce enhances their sweetness and adds a fun element to serving.

6. Espresso or Coffee

The deep, bold flavors of coffee or espresso complement the sweetness of the donuts, making them an excellent treat for breakfast or brunch.

7. Lemon Curd

If you love a tangy contrast, a small side of lemon curd balances the sweetness with a bright citrusy flavor.

8. Sparkling Wine or Dessert Wine

For a more elegant dessert experience, serve these donut holes with a glass of sparkling wine or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato.

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Storage Instructions

How to Store Leftover Donut Holes

If you have leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
• In the Refrigerator: Place the donuts in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that refrigeration may slightly affect their texture.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 2 months.

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How to Reheat Donut Holes

• Oven (Best for Crispiness): Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5–7 minutes until warm.
• Air Fryer: Set to 325°F (163°C) and heat for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Microwave (Quickest but Softens Texture): Heat in 10-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating, as it can make the filling too runny.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Donut Hole)

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 100mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! While frying gives them a crispy texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush them with melted butter before baking for extra flavor.

2. What’s the best oil for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best because they have a high smoke point and won’t affect the flavor of the donuts.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before frying. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling and cutting.

4. How do I prevent the donut holes from being too greasy?

Ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan. Drain the donuts on a wire rack instead of directly on paper towels to prevent sogginess.

5. Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Try raspberry jam, blueberry preserves, Nutella, peanut butter, or even lemon curd for a fun twist.

6. Why did my donuts turn out dense instead of fluffy?

This can happen if the dough is overmixed, which develops too much gluten. Mix until just combined for a soft, tender texture.

7. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to let the donuts cool slightly before filling. Also, don’t overfill—just enough to give a burst of flavor without breaking the donut.

8. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Brush the shaped dough balls lightly with oil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as deep-fried but still delicious!

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining a crispy golden shell with a creamy cheesecake and fruity strawberry filling. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or a special gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, with easy storage and reheating options, you can enjoy them even beyond the first day.

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