If you love the idea of bite-sized treats bursting with creamy, fruity goodness, then you are going to adore this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe. Imagine golden, pillowy donut holes filled with luscious cheesecake and topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. They are the perfect little indulgence to brighten up any morning or steal the show at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a favorite fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial to achieving the amazing texture and flavor of the donut holes. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance of richness, fluffiness, and fruity brightness.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – provides the essential structure so your donut holes stay soft but hold together nicely.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – gently sweetens the dough without overpowering the cheesecake filling.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – the secret behind that delightful puff and light texture in every bite.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances all the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Whole Milk: 3/4 cup – keeps the dough moist and tender.
- Egg: 1 large – binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – adds buttery flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened – the star of the cheesecake filling that makes every bite creamy and dreamy.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – sweetens and smooths out the filling perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – a subtle flavor enhancer for both dough and filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, chopped – forms the fresh, fruity base of the glaze for that gorgeous color and flavor.
- Strawberry Jam: 2 tablespoons – boosts the strawberry flavor, making the glaze extra vibrant.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – adds a fresh brightness that balances sweetness in the glaze.
- Oil for Frying: As needed – a neutral oil like canola ensures your donut holes fry up golden without flavor interference.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil
Start by heating your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven. The right temperature is key for getting that beautiful golden crust without absorbing too much oil, which keeps the donut holes light and airy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt – this dry mix creates the perfect base. In another bowl, combine the whole milk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract for a rich, flavorful liquid blend. Gently stir the wet into the dry just until combined; overmixing can make the dough tough, so keep it light and tender.
Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes
Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally so they cook evenly all around. In about 3 to 4 minutes, your donut holes will puff up into golden orbs of delight. Remove and drain them on a cooling rack to keep their crispness.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While the donut holes cool slightly, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until absolutely smooth and creamy. This filling is what truly makes the donut holes unforgettable, adding that signature cheesecake richness in every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Holes
Once the donut holes have cooled to a safe handling temperature, gently poke a small hole in each one and pipe in the luscious cream cheese filling. The surprise of creamy sweetness inside creates a wonderful contrast to the crisp exterior.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Strawberry Glaze
Combine the chopped fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the berries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Puree the glaze and strain it for a smooth finish. Dip each filled donut hole into this vibrant glaze for a glossy, fruity coating that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your donut holes are now ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual charm.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top can elevate the visual appeal and taste. You could even drizzle a little white chocolate or add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a thematic nod to classic cheesecake flavors.
Side Dishes
These donut holes pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a fresh fruit salad to balance out the richness. For a brunch spread, adding savory items like crispy bacon or scrambled eggs makes a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the donut holes in a pretty bowl or presenting them on decorative skewers for easy grabbing at parties. You can also use mini cupcake liners or place them on a tiered dessert stand to turn these little treats into a beautiful centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some of these delicious donut holes left over, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cream cheese filling tastes best when fresh, so try to enjoy them quickly for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the donut holes before filling and glazing. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw and then fill and glaze as usual.
Reheating
To warm leftover donut holes, gently heat them in a low oven or microwave just until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve the delicate cream cheese center and prevent the glaze from melting away.
FAQs
Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying them?
While frying gives them that traditional crispy outside and tender inside, you can bake donut holes for a lighter and less oily version. Just bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden, but expect a slightly different texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before making the glaze to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the dough’s structure and texture.
How can I tell when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
A kitchen thermometer is the best tool to ensure your oil hits 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of dough in the oil: it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling the day before and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before piping it into your donut holes for the best texture and ease of use.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe enough if you want to wow your friends or treat yourself to something special. The combination of warm, fluffy dough with luscious cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry glaze is pure magic. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite of your homemade little masterpieces!
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
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes combine tender, fluffy fried dough with a luscious cream cheese filling and a vibrant strawberry glaze, making for an irresistible and delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
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
Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Glaze
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Jam
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
For Frying
- Oil for Frying (canola or neutral oil), as needed
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for frying the donut holes evenly and avoiding greasiness.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until mixed to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fry the donut holes: Using a small scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of the dough carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally to ensure all sides become golden brown, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drain and cool: Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly to prepare for filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: While the donut holes cool, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the donut holes: Once the donut holes have cooled enough to handle, poke a small hole in each and pipe the cheesecake filling inside using a piping bag or a small spoon.
- Prepare the strawberry glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice until the strawberries soften, about 5 minutes. Puree the mixture until smooth and strain to remove seeds and pulp.
- Glaze the donut holes: Dip each filled donut hole into the strawberry glaze to coat. Place them on a rack to let excess glaze drip off.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry cheesecake donut holes warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the glaze.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the donut holes cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the donut holes light and fluffy.
- Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before filling to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- Leftover donut holes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
