Imagine biting into a fluffy, warm donut, only to discover a sweet and tangy strawberry cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. These Heavenly Bites: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—donuts and cheesecake—resulting in a treat that’s both indulgent and irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-day snack, these donuts offer a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture that will leave you craving more.
Prepare the Donut Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well. Add the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Fry the Donuts:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
While the donuts cool slightly, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until creamy. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Fill the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a skewer or a small knife to create a hole in the side of each donut. Insert the piping bag tip into the hole and gently fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake mixture.
Glaze the Donuts:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Dip the top of each filled donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the strawberry cheesecake filling. The citrusy note complements the sweetness of the strawberries and adds a refreshing twist to these indulgent donuts.
These Heavenly Bites: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a true celebration of flavor and texture. The combination of the fluffy donut, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet glaze creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, or indulging in a late-night treat, these donuts are sure to become a favorite. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the satisfaction of biting into a homemade donut stuffed with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling is simply unparalleled. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a batch of these heavenly delights that will have everyone asking for seconds.