There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, soft donut and discovering a luscious, creamy filling inside. These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes take that idea to a whole new level, combining the irresistible flavors of fresh strawberries and rich cheesecake in a bite-sized treat. The combination of the pillowy donut dough and the indulgent cheesecake filling is the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. These little bites of heaven are great for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion—easy to make and even easier to devour!

The strawberry cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese and a burst of sweetness from the strawberry preserves. The donut holes are fried to golden perfection, then tossed in sugar for that crispy, sugary outer layer. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating yourself to a snack, or bringing a fun twist to a classic dessert, these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are sure to become your new favorite indulgence. Let’s dive into how to make these tasty bites and why you’ll love them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Cheesecake Filling

The creamy strawberry cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and tangy, creating a contrast to the soft and fluffy donut exterior. It’s the best of both worlds in one delicious bite!

2. Perfectly Sized for Snacking

These donut holes are bite-sized, making them ideal for sharing at parties or just popping into your mouth as a quick treat. No forks or plates necessary!

3. Fresh Strawberry Flavor

With the addition of strawberry preserves or fresh strawberries, the donut holes are filled with a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling.

4. Easy to Make

Despite their impressive look and delicious taste, these donut holes are surprisingly simple to prepare with minimal ingredients. The process is straightforward, and they come together quickly.

5. Customizable

You can tweak the filling by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even using a different type of jam. You can also roll the donut holes in cinnamon sugar instead of regular sugar for extra flavor.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Whole milk
Eggs
Unsalted butter
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Strawberry preserves (or fresh strawberries)
Granulated sugar (for coating)

Variations

Berry-Filled Donut Holes: Instead of strawberry preserves, try raspberry or blueberry jam for a different fruity filling.
Chocolate Lovers’ Donut Holes: Add a spoonful of chocolate ganache to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For a spiced flavor, roll the donut holes in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of just granulated sugar.
Mini Cheesecake Donuts: Use the same filling to stuff small donut-shaped pieces instead of holes for a slightly different presentation.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Donut Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the donut holes.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donut Holes

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’re using strawberry preserves, fold them into the cream cheese mixture. For fresh strawberries, mash the berries and mix them into the cream cheese filling.

Step 5: Stuff the Donut Holes

Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, use a small piping tip or a skewer to make a small hole in the center of each donut. Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake filling and pipe the mixture into each donut hole until it’s filled with creamy goodness.

Step 6: Coat with Sugar

In a small bowl, place granulated sugar and roll the stuffed donut holes in the sugar until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately!

Tips for Making the Recipe

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a small plastic bag with the tip cut off to pipe the filling into the donut holes.
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature to ensure the donut holes cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
For a smooth and creamy filling, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
You can use a spoon to create a small hole in the center of the donut holes if you don’t have a piping tip.

How to Serve

Serve these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect as a sweet snack, breakfast treat, or for a special brunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence. If desired, garnish with extra fresh strawberries or whipped cream for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, they can still be delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the donut holes (without the filling) by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or fryer for a crispy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the donut holes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm. If frozen, allow them to thaw for a few minutes before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can use any fruit preserves, such as raspberry, blueberry, or even peach, to suit your taste.

2. Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying them?

While frying is recommended for the classic texture, you can bake the donut holes at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

4. How do I keep the donut holes crispy?

To keep the donut holes crispy, store them uncovered at room temperature, but they are best enjoyed the day they are made.

5. Can I use a different filling for these donut holes?

Definitely! You could try chocolate ganache, vanilla custard, or even a lemon curd filling for a unique twist.

6. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F (175°C), or drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it fries and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

7. Can I make these donut holes without using eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer to make these donut holes egg-free.

8. Can I use a donut pan instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the donut holes in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy exterior.

9. Can I store the filling separately from the donut holes?

Yes, you can store the filling separately and pipe it into the donut holes just before serving to prevent the donuts from becoming soggy.

10. How can I make these donut holes gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donut holes gluten-free.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds—fluffy, warm donuts and creamy, tangy cheesecake. Whether you’re looking for a fun breakfast idea, a sweet snack, or a party treat, these donut holes will not disappoint. With endless variations and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. So, gather your ingredients, fry up some delicious donut holes, and get ready to indulge in a truly scrumptious dessert!