Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
A Decadent Treat That Feels Like a Hug in Every Bite
Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy donut that oozes with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling, coated with a golden graham cracker crust for that irresistible crunch. These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a dreamy fusion of a classic cheesecake and a warm, baked donut—perfect for a cozy weekend treat or an indulgent dessert for any occasion. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a slightly lighter option without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients Overview
For the Donuts:
- 1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough – This is the secret to a quick and easy donut base. It provides a tender texture with just the right chewiness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The heart of the cheesecake filling, ensuring a rich and creamy center.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness while keeping the filling silky smooth.
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam – Brings a fruity, tangy contrast that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the filling with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers – The crunchy, buttery topping that mimics the classic cheesecake crust.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – Helps the graham crackers adhere and adds a rich, golden finish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Shape the Biscuit Dough
Roll out the biscuit dough gently on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter (or a glass), cut out circles and press them into the donut pan, ensuring they form a slight indentation in the center.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. This step ensures that your filling is creamy and perfectly blended.
Step 4: Fill the Donuts
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough circle, then add a dollop of strawberry jam on top. This layering creates a delightful balance between rich and fruity flavors.
Step 5: Add the Graham Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Sprinkle this mixture over each donut to give it a delicious crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and slightly puffed. The aroma of sweet vanilla and strawberries will fill your kitchen!
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best gooey cheesecake center, or chill for a firmer, classic cheesecake texture.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Donuts
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps in your filling.
2. Don’t Overfill the Donuts
A heaping spoonful is enough—overfilling may cause the filling to ooze out during baking.
3. Make a Homemade Jam Swirl
For an extra gourmet touch, swirl a bit of fresh mashed strawberries into the jam before adding it to the donuts.
4. Add a Cinnamon Kick
Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the graham cracker crumbs for an added layer of warmth and depth.
5. Serve with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a bakery-style finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the donuts (without the graham cracker topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore the texture.
- Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the donuts soggy.
20 FAQ About Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- What are strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts?
- Strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are soft, fluffy donuts filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with fresh or syrupy strawberries.
- Are these donuts baked or fried?
- Strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are typically fried to achieve a crispy outer layer and soft, doughy interior.
- Can I make these donuts in an air fryer?
- Yes, you can make them in an air fryer for a lighter, less greasy result.
- What kind of dough should I use for the donuts?
- You can use yeast-based dough or biscuit dough, depending on your preference for texture.
- How do I make the cheesecake filling?
- The cheesecake filling is usually made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sometimes a bit of sour cream for extra tang.
- Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
- Yes, frozen strawberries work fine. Just thaw and drain them before using to prevent sogginess.
- How do I stuff the donuts without making a mess?
- Pipe the cheesecake filling into the donuts after they’ve been fried and cooled slightly, or use a syringe for more precision.
- Can I use a store-bought donut dough?
- Yes, you can buy pre-made donut dough or use biscuit dough to make the process faster.
- How long do strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts stay fresh?
- They are best enjoyed the same day but can stay fresh for 1-2 days if stored in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze these donuts?
- Yes, you can freeze the donuts after filling them with the cheesecake and topping them with strawberries, though they may not be quite as fresh when reheated.
- Do I need to refrigerate the donuts after stuffing them?
- Yes, since the filling contains dairy, it’s a good idea to refrigerate the donuts if you’re not eating them immediately.
- Can I make the cheesecake filling in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the donuts.
- Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make both the donut dough and the cheesecake filling.
- What kind of icing should I use for these donuts?
- You can glaze the donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze or drizzle with chocolate or cream cheese icing for extra flavor.
- Can I add other fruits to the filling?
- Absolutely! You can add blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry topping for variety.
- How do I prevent the donuts from becoming too greasy?
- Be sure to fry the donuts at the right temperature (around 350°F) and drain them on paper towels after frying.
- Is it necessary to add lemon juice to the cheesecake filling?
- It’s not necessary, but lemon juice adds a nice tang that balances out the sweetness.
- How can I make the donuts more decadent?
- Try rolling the donuts in cinnamon sugar after frying or adding a drizzle of white chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Can I make these donuts without a deep fryer?
- Yes, you can use a heavy pot with oil to fry the donuts or even bake them in the oven if you’re avoiding frying.
- Are these donuts difficult to make?
- Not at all! With a bit of patience for frying and stuffing, strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a fairly simple treat to prepare.
20 Best Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- Use fresh yeast dough for fluffier donuts: If you’re making the dough from scratch, use fresh yeast to ensure a light and airy texture.
- Chill the filling before stuffing: Chill the cheesecake filling before stuffing the donuts to help it maintain its shape inside the warm dough.
- Don’t overstuff the donuts: Add just enough filling so it doesn’t spill out, but leaves room for the donut to seal.
- Fry at the right temperature: Maintain the oil at 350°F to avoid greasy donuts and ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a thermometer: A kitchen thermometer can help ensure that your oil stays at the perfect frying temperature.
- Let the donuts cool before stuffing: Let the fried donuts cool for a few minutes before adding the filling so the cream cheese doesn’t melt.
- Use piping bags: A piping bag with a long tip makes it easy to stuff the donuts without making a mess.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan: Fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy donuts.
- Consider adding lemon zest to the filling: A little lemon zest in the cheesecake filling can enhance the flavor and give it a fresh kick.
- Roll in sugar while hot: Roll the donuts in cinnamon-sugar immediately after frying to add extra sweetness and texture.
- Make your donuts extra fluffy with buttermilk: If you’re using a biscuit-based dough, try adding buttermilk for a softer, fluffier result.
- Use a donut cutter: For perfect donut shapes, use a donut cutter rather than cutting by hand to keep the size uniform.
- Stuff the donuts after frying: Fry first, then stuff, to prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out during the cooking process.
- Add strawberry preserves to the filling: If you want extra strawberry flavor, mix some strawberry preserves into the cheesecake filling.
- Pipe the filling while the donuts are warm: The warmth of the donut makes the filling easier to pipe inside without too much resistance.
- Make sure the oil is clean: Change the frying oil if you’ve cooked other foods in it to avoid any unwanted flavors in your donuts.
- For a healthier option, bake the donuts: If you want to cut back on calories, bake the donuts in the oven rather than frying them.
- Use a good-quality cream cheese: A rich, smooth cream cheese makes all the difference in creating a velvety cheesecake filling.
- Stuff immediately before serving: For the best texture and freshness, stuff the donuts right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Top with fresh strawberries: For added color and freshness, top your donuts with sliced fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
