Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as delightful as it is surprisingly easy? Then get ready to meet your new favorite treat: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes! These aren’t your average donut holes; we’re talking miniature explosions of creamy cheesecake goodness, bursting with the sweet tang of fresh strawberries. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy donut hole, revealing a luscious center of strawberry cheesecake filling. The contrast of textures – the soft, slightly chewy donut exterior and the smooth, cool cheesecake filling – is simply divine. It’s a flavor party in your mouth!
What makes these donut holes so special? First, the flavor combination is irresistible. The classic pairing of strawberries and cheesecake is elevated by the fun, bite-sized format. Second, they’re surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a weekend baking project or a special occasion. Third, they’re incredibly versatile. They’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging in a delicious treat after a long day. And let’s be honest, what evokes a better mood than a plate of these adorable, delicious donut holes? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having friends over, or just need a little self-care, these are the perfect sweet treat.
You’ll love the taste – a perfect balance of sweet and tangy – and the texture – soft, fluffy, and delightfully creamy. Get ready for a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more! Let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for our delightful donut holes.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent, giving our donut holes that airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the donut holes.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds flavor and keeps the donut holes moist.
- Strawberry cream cheese filling: This is the star! (Recipe follows below)
- Powdered sugar: For a light dusting of sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): For garnish and an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of pureed strawberries. Mix until smooth and creamy. Tip: For a smoother filling, use a hand mixer!
- Make the Donut Hole Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes.
- Fry the Donut Holes: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Fill the Donut Holes: Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use a toothpick or a small knife to create a small hole in the center of each donut hole. Fill each hole with a generous amount of the strawberry cheesecake filling. Tip: If the filling is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
- Dust and Garnish: Dust the filled donut holes with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better your ingredients, the better your donut holes will taste. Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough donut holes. Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying; too hot and they’ll burn, too cold and they’ll be greasy. Let the donut holes cool slightly before filling to prevent the filling from melting. And finally, have fun! Baking should be enjoyable, so relax and enjoy the process.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative and customize these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes to your liking! Here are a few ideas:
Raspberry Cheesecake Filling: Substitute raspberries for strawberries in the filling for a delightful twist.
Lemon Cheesecake Filling: Add a zest of lemon to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty flavor.
Chocolate Donut Holes: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the donut hole batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid over-reheating, as this can make the donut holes dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help prevent your filling from becoming too watery.
Q: How long do the donut holes last? A: Stored properly, these donut holes will last for up to 2 days at room temperature or 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I make the donut holes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the donut holes and the filling ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and fill them just before serving.
Q: What kind of oil should I use for frying? A: Vegetable oil or canola oil are good choices for frying donut holes. Avoid using oils with strong flavors that might overpower the delicate flavors of the donut holes.
The Final Word
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, combined with the fun, bite-sized format, makes them irresistible. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! And if you love them, give the recipe a rating – I’d love to hear your feedback! Happy baking!
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
Equipment
- Donut pan A mini donut pan is recommended.
- Mixer A stand mixer or hand mixer will work.
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar.
- In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture, egg, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the strawberry puree.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out and use a cookie cutter to create donut shapes. Fill the center of each donut with the cheesecake filling.
- Fry the donut holes in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Let cool completely before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.