Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts: A Sweet Delight!
Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts have quickly become one of my favorite indulgences, and let me tell you why. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut only to discover a rich and creamy cheesecake filling infused with fresh strawberry goodness. It’s like a party in your mouth!
I remember the first time I made these little delights; it was during a weekend brunch with friends, and I wanted to impress. Let’s just say, the buzz in the room was palpable as everyone clamored for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just as a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me; you do not want to miss out on this recipe!
What’s in Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts?
Let’s break down what goes into these spectacular donuts, shall we?
– **All-purpose flour (2 cups)**: This is the backbone of our donuts, giving them that fluffy structure we all love. I usually go for the good old King Arthur brand.
– **Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)**: Sweetness, of course! You can adjust this if you want a little less sweetness, but I say, “Why not live a little?”
– **Baking powder (1 tbsp)**: This little leavening agent is what gets our donuts to rise and makes them fluffy and light.
– **Salt (1/2 tsp)**: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweetness. It’s amazing what a tiny bit of salt can do.
– **Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp)**: This adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements our filling beautifully.
– **Whole milk (1/2 cup)**: For that lovely moist texture. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking to keep it dairy-free.
– **Large eggs (2)**: These help bind everything together and add richness.
– **Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)**: Because everything’s better with butter, right?
– **Oil for frying**: I recommend using canola or vegetable oil for frying—less flavor interference!
– **For the Cheesecake Filling**:
– **Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)**: The star of our filling! Bring it to room temperature for easy blending.
– **Powdered sugar (1/4 cup)**: For sweetness and that lovely smooth texture.
– **Vanilla extract (1 tsp)**: A little extra vanilla never hurt anyone.
– **Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, chopped)**: The fresher, the better! Their flavor really shines through.
– **For the Cream Cheese Frosting**:
– **Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)**: More of that creamy goodness!
– **Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened)**: Gotta love that creaminess!
– **Powdered sugar (1 cup)**: Just enough to sweeten the deal.
– **Milk (1-2 tbsp)**: To reach that dreamy frosting consistency.
– **Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp)**: Adding to the magical flavor profile.
– **For Topping**:
– **Fresh strawberries (sliced)**: Because we eat with our eyes first!
– **Powdered sugar (for dusting)**: A delicate touch of sweetness to finish off!
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts Good for You?
Now, I won’t pretend that stuffed donuts are health food, but let’s get real, everyone deserves a treat occasionally, right? Here’s a quick rundown on the health benefits and considerations:
– **Cream cheese**: While delicious, cream cheese can be high in calories and fat. However, it also provides protein and calcium. So, moderation is the key!
– **Fresh strawberries**: These beauties are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and a good dose of fiber. They are definitely the little healthy hero of this recipe!
– **Whole milk**: A great source of calcium and vitamin D, though if you have lactose intolerance or are looking to cut calories, there are non-dairy alternatives available.
Overall, enjoy these scrumptious donuts as an occasional special treat, and they won’t bite back too much!
Ingredients List
– **For the Donuts**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Oil for frying
– **For the Cheesecake Filling**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
– **For the Cream Cheese Frosting**
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– **For Topping**
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
– Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts?
1. **Prepare the Donut Dough**: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. We don’t want to overmix!
2. **Fry the Donuts**: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Shape the dough into balls (think golf ball-sized). Carefully drop them into the hot oil, frying until golden brown—about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain them on paper towels.
3. **Make the Cheesecake Filling**: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chopped strawberries until creamy and smooth.
4. **Fill the Donuts**: Once the donuts are slightly cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a nozzle to inject the cheesecake filling into each donut. Insert the nozzle gently at one end and squeeze.
5. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting**: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar until mixed, then add milk and vanilla extract to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
6. **Frost the Donuts**: Dip the tops of the filled donuts in the cream cheese frosting or use a knife to spread it on. Get a little generous; life is short!
7. **Add Toppings**: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a gentle dusting of powdered sugar.
8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Arrange your beautiful creations on a lovely plate, and voilà! Serve immediately for the freshest, yummiest experience!
Donuts and Beyond!
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For a fun twist, how about adding a swirl of strawberry jam into the cheesecake filling for some extra fruity goodness?
I can’t wait for you to give these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts a try! They are bound to impress family and friends, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you come up with. Happy frying! 🍩✨
