If you adore the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors paired with a soft, pillowy bite, you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe. Imagine golden, freshly fried donut holes filled with luscious cheesecake and topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze that bursts with freshness in every bite. This recipe is a beautiful way to elevate a classic treat, making every moment you share these little gems feel like a special occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for any celebration or cozy snack time at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the all-purpose flour that builds the dough’s structure to the fresh strawberries that make the glaze pop with color and taste, every component is essential for achieving that irresistible final bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – provides the sturdy yet tender base of the donut holes.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – lightly sweetens the dough without overpowering the flavors.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – adds the necessary lift to make the donut holes fluffy.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Whole Milk: 3/4 cup – keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Egg: 1 large – binds ingredients together and enriches the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – infuses the dough with buttery richness.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened – this transforms the filling into a creamy cheesecake dream.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – sweetens the cheesecake filling smoothly and evenly.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – enhances the flavor notes in both dough and filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, chopped – the star ingredient for the fresh, tangy glaze.
- Strawberry Jam: 2 tablespoons – boosts the strawberry flavor for a more intense glaze.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – adds brightness and a subtle zing to the glaze.
- Oil for Frying: As needed – a neutral oil like canola works best for frying perfectly golden donut holes.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Begin by heating your frying oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or Dutch oven. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial so your donut holes cook evenly and develop that gorgeous golden crust without absorbing too much oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Carefully mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, making sure not to overmix or the donut holes may become dense instead of fluffy.
Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes
Using a small scoop or spoon, gently drop rounded portions of the dough into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally, for around 3 to 4 minutes until each donut hole is perfectly golden brown on all sides. This method ensures they are cooked through yet delightfully light.
Step 4: Drain and Cool
Once fried, remove the donut holes from the oil and set them on a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Meanwhile, move on to making the irresistible cheesecake filling that will take your donut holes to the next level.
Step 5: Make and Fill with Cheesecake
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, poke a tiny hole into each donut and fill them generously with the cheesecake mixture for a luscious surprise inside every bite.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and soften. Then, puree and strain the mixture for a smooth glaze that carries the vibrant essence of fresh strawberries beautifully.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Dip each cheesecake-filled donut hole into the strawberry glaze, coating it generously. For an extra touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature. These are guaranteed to disappear fast!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these donut holes even further, try topping them with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a bit of crunch and color contrast. A small drizzle of white chocolate makes for a decadent finish that’s sure to impress any guest.
Side Dishes
These donut holes pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a rich cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. If you want to create a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe even more delightful. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a party, or serve in individual pastry cups with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf. For a fun twist, thread several onto small skewers as a grab-and-go treat at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover donut holes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you the chance to enjoy their creamy strawberry magic even after the initial excitement.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the donut holes (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. This method keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating and adding the glaze.
Reheating
To enjoy the donut holes as if freshly made, warm them gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes. Add the strawberry glaze after reheating to keep it glossy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, just thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess water diluting your glaze’s flavor and consistency.
What if I don’t have a piping bag for filling?
No problem! You can use a resealable plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off or even carefully spoon the filling into each donut hole and gently press it in.
Can I bake the donut holes instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture and flavor, you can bake the donut holes at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. They will be less crisp but still delicious!
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be mindful that texture might be slightly different. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the dough’s elasticity.
How long do the donut holes stay fresh after glazing?
Once glazed, enjoy them within a day or two for the best flavor and texture, as the glaze can soften the exterior over time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about homemade treats that combine nostalgia with a fresh twist, and this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe hits all the right notes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon indulgence, these little delights promise smiles and happiness in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will become a beloved addition to your recipe collection, tempting family and friends to ask for seconds before you know it!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes combine fluffy, golden-fried dough with a creamy cheesecake filling and a fresh strawberry glaze. Perfectly bite-sized and bursting with flavor, these sweet treats are ideal for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave something indulgent yet charmingly simple.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 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)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which could toughen the dough.
- Fry Donut Holes: Using a small scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
- Drain & Prepare Filling: Remove donut holes and drain on a cooling rack. While they cool slightly, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth to create the cheesecake filling.
- Fill Donut Holes: When donut holes are cool enough to handle but still warm, poke a small hole in each and pipe the cheesecake filling inside using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
- Make Strawberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice until the strawberries are soft and mixture is heated through. Puree the mixture and strain to remove seeds, creating a smooth glaze.
- Glaze & Serve: Dip each filled donut hole into the strawberry glaze, then place on a rack to set slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep donut holes light and tender.
- You can use frozen strawberries for the glaze if fresh are not available, just thaw before cooking.
- Use a piping bag with a narrow tip for easier filling of the donut holes.
- These donut holes are best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
