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This strawberry cheesecake donut recipe transforms ordinary donuts into an extraordinary dessert experience with vibrant strawberry flavor and creamy cheesecake filling. The combination of fresh strawberries in the batter, luscious cream cheese glaze, and sweet strawberry coulis creates an irresistible treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
I created these donuts for my daughter's birthday brunch and they disappeared within minutes. The pink glaze had everyone reaching for seconds before the first batch was even cooled completely.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for light fluffy donuts
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without making it overly dense
- Baking powder: Ensures proper rise for that classic donut texture
- Fresh strawberries: Bring natural color and bright flavor to every bite
- Cream cheese: Creates that distinctive cheesecake tanginess
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the filling making it truly decadent
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the donut base and strawberry topping
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth glaze that sets beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Batter:
- Whisk together your dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt. When combining with wet ingredients use a gentle hand just until incorporated to keep the donuts tender. Overmixing will activate too much gluten making them tough.
- Heat the Oil:
- Maintain oil temperature at exactly 350°F throughout frying. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool and the donuts absorb excess oil becoming greasy. Use a thermometer for precision this step makes or breaks your donuts.
- Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Watch for the donuts to turn deep golden around the edges before flipping. They should puff up visibly within the first minute of cooking. Allow about 2 minutes per side rotating gently with wooden chopsticks or a slotted spoon to ensure even browning.
- Create the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients to avoid lumps. The filling should be thick enough to pipe yet soft enough to fill the donuts completely. Chill for 15 minutes if it seems too runny.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze:
- Ensure strawberries are finely chopped almost to a puree for the smoothest glaze. Add milk just one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drip down the sides of the donuts.
- Assemble With Care:
- Allow donuts to cool for at least 10 minutes before filling to prevent the cream cheese mixture from melting. When piping the filling move the tip around inside each donut to distribute filling evenly throughout.
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My favorite part of making these donuts is watching people's faces light up when they take that first bite. The combination of warm fried dough cool cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a moment of pure joy that reminds me why I love baking.
Storage Tips
These donuts maintain their best texture for about 8 hours at room temperature. If you need to store them longer place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze may soften slightly but the flavor remains delicious. For best results warm refrigerated donuts for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving to restore that fresh donut experience.
Seasonal Variations
When strawberries aren't at their peak consider substituting other berries like raspberries or blueberries in both the filling and glaze. During fall months pumpkin puree with cinnamon makes a wonderful seasonal adaptation. You can even try chocolate ganache with orange zest for a chocolate orange variation that works beautifully during winter holidays.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cheesecake donuts make a stunning centerpiece for brunch when arranged on a tiered serving platter garnished with fresh mint leaves and additional strawberries. Pair with champagne for special celebrations or a rich coffee for everyday indulgence. For dessert they transform into an elegant plated experience when served with a quenelle of vanilla ice cream and additional strawberry coulis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the donuts aren't undercooked?
Make sure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) and fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
- → Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and firm to the touch.
- → How do I make the glaze stick better?
Ensure the donuts are slightly warm but not hot when dipping into the glaze, and allow them to set on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Yes, but thaw the frozen strawberries first and ensure they are well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the glaze.
- → How do I store the donuts after making them?
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.