If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things fruity and creamy, then the Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bite-sized morsels combine the tender, golden texture of fried dough with the rich, velvety tang of cheesecake filling and the vibrant freshness of strawberry glaze. Every single donut hole is a little explosion of flavor that’s perfect for breakfast treats, dessert parties, or whenever you just need a moment of pure joy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t be able to stop sharing it with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully approachable because it relies on simple, essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the flour that forms the dough’s foundation to the fresh strawberries that bring out the juicy brightness, every item is thoughtfully chosen to give you those irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – the backbone that gives the donut holes their fluffy structure.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – just enough sweetness to brighten the dough without overwhelming it.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – the secret to light, airy donut holes that puff up perfectly.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Whole Milk: 3/4 cup – adds tenderness and moisture, making the dough soft and rich.
- Egg: 1 large – binds all ingredients together and adds a touch of richness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – provides a silky mouthfeel and subtle buttery notes.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened – the creamy core that makes these donut holes feel like mini cheesecakes.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – perfectly sweetens the cheesecake filling without grittiness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – infuses both dough and filling with warm, fragrant undertones.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, chopped – the star fruit that transforms the glaze with natural sweetness and color.
- Strawberry Jam: 2 tablespoons – boosts the strawberry flavor, giving the glaze that luscious jammy depth.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – cuts through the sweetness with a splash of brightness; key for a balanced glaze.
- Oil for Frying: As needed – a neutral oil like canola works best to achieve golden, crispy edges.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment
Start by heating your oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature is critical here — oil that’s too cool will result in greasy, undercooked dough, while oil too hot will brown the donut holes before they cook inside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients—milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Carefully combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until incorporated. This helps keep the dough light and tender, perfect for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes
Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of dough into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan so they have space to puff and cook evenly. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until the donut holes are golden brown all over, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Drain the freshly fried donut holes on a cooling rack. While they cool slightly, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and luscious. This mixture is the dreamy filling that makes these donut holes extra special.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Holes
Once the donut holes are cool enough to handle but still warm, gently poke a small hole in each and pipe in the cheesecake filling. This step turns a delicious fried treat into a creamy indulgence that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Glaze and Dip
Simmer the chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until the fruit softens. Puree the mixture and strain out any seeds or solids. Finally, dip each filled donut hole into the vibrant glaze, adding a shiny, fruity finish that’s bursting with strawberry goodness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar and watch the smiles appear with every bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly dusting the donut holes with powdered sugar adds a delicate snow-like finish that looks beautiful and tastes like a little sweetness boost. Fresh sliced strawberries or a small mint leaf on top can add color, freshness, and an inviting presentation for guests.
Side Dishes
These luscious donut holes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk, balancing their sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside a simple fruit salad or lightly whipped cream to complement the cream cheese center.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering several donut holes on a decorative stick for a playful presentation or arranging them artistically on a cake stand. You can even serve them in small paper cups drizzled with extra strawberry glaze or chocolate sauce for a party-ready dessert display that gets instant love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cream cheese filling stays fresh but avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry out the dough slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted donut holes before filling by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and fill with cheesecake mixture, then glaze fresh for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover donut holes gently in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness without melting the filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy and affect the creamy filling’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well; just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking them down for the glaze to avoid a watery consistency.
Is there a way to bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake the donut holes at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden, but expect a slightly different, less crispy exterior.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, mascarpone will give a richer, creamier filling, though it’s softer so you may want to chill it before piping.
How long does the glaze keep? Can I make it ahead?
The strawberry glaze keeps refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Warm slightly and stir before using for dipping or drizzling.
What’s the best oil to use for frying donut holes?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are ideal because they handle high heat well and won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the donut holes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe that brings a smile with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or sneaking one (or two) for yourself, these little treats are a celebration of creamy sweetness and fruity freshness. Don’t wait for a special occasion; dive into making these delightful morsels today and watch how quickly they become your go-to sweet indulgence.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes, featuring tender fried dough filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and finished with a luscious fresh strawberry glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these bite-sized treats combine fluffy donut texture with rich cheesecake and vibrant strawberry flavor for an unforgettable indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Whole Milk
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Jam
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Other
- Oil for Frying (neutral oil like canola), as needed
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the temperature is stable for even frying.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully mixed and smooth.
- Make the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donut holes tender.
- Fry the Donut Holes: Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of dough into the heated oil in batches. Fry, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the donut holes cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating the cheesecake filling.
- Fill Donut Holes: Once the donut holes have cooled enough to handle, poke a small hole in each one and use a piping bag or small spoon to fill them with the cheesecake mixture.
- Make Strawberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice until the strawberries become soft and the mixture thickens slightly. Puree the glaze with a blender or immersion blender, then strain to remove seeds and solids for a smooth finish.
- Glaze the Donut Holes: Dip each cheesecake-filled donut hole into the warm strawberry glaze, coating them evenly, then allow the glaze to set slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the donut holes warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F to 360°F to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy donuts.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep donut holes light and fluffy.
- The cream cheese filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for ease.
- The strawberry glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the strawberry mixture longer over heat before pureeing.
- Use a piping bag with a small round tip for neat filling, or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
- Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangier dough and more tender texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
