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If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the irresistible creaminess of cheesecake with the fluffy delight of fried dough, then the Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. These bite-sized treasures are bursting with a luscious cream cheese filling and finished with a vibrant strawberry glaze that brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Each donut hole is a little explosion of flavor and texture, wonderfully soft with a golden crust, making them an ideal treat for any occasion or just a fun way to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to making these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes truly shine. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect dough texture, rich filling, and that fabulous strawberry glaze that brings this recipe to life.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – provides the essential structure and lightness for the donut holes.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – your secret weapon for puffing up these donut holes to fluffy perfection.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances all the sweetness to keep flavors vibrant.
- Whole Milk: 3/4 cup – brings moisture and tenderness to each bite.
- Egg: 1 large – binds ingredients while adding richness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – infuses flavor and keeps the dough wonderfully moist.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened – the luscious center that gives these donut holes their cheesecake soul.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – sweetens the cheesecake filling to velvety smoothness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – a subtle boost for both dough and filling flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, chopped – forms the fresh fruity base for the glaze’s bright taste.
- Strawberry Jam: 2 tablespoons – intensifies the strawberry notes with natural sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – adds a zesty brightness that makes the glaze pop.
- Oil for Frying: As needed – choose a neutral oil like canola to get that perfect golden crust.
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. This temperature is just right to ensure the donut holes fry up golden and crispy without soaking up excess oil, giving you that perfect balance of crunch on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Carefully mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined—overmixing can make the dough tough, and we want these donut holes irresistibly light and fluffy!
Step 3: Fry Your Donut Holes
Using a small scoop or spoon, gently drop rounded portions of dough into the hot oil in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Fry each donut hole for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. Keep a watchful eye—they cook fast but should come out perfectly cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the donut holes drain on a cooling rack, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what will elevate your donut holes from ordinary to extraordinary, giving every bite that classic cheesecake flavor.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Holes
Once the donut holes have cooled enough to handle but are still slightly warm, carefully poke a small hole in each one and use a piping bag or small spoon to fill them with the cheesecake mixture. This filling makes each bite rich, creamy, and totally irresistible.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Strawberry Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice until the berries soften and release their juices. Puree this mixture and then strain it to remove seeds, creating a smooth, glossy glaze. Dip each cheesecake-filled donut hole into the glaze for a vibrant, fruity finish that perfectly complements the creamy center.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving to add a delicate sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar over these cute little treats adds a snowy touch that’s both pretty and tasty. You can also add a few tiny fresh strawberry slices or a mint leaf for a pop of color that invites everyone to dig in right away.
Side Dishes
Serve these donut holes alongside a fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent dessert platter. For a brunch twist, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a fruity mimosa to balance the richness with a refreshing sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your donut holes on a tiered dessert stand for a whimsical display at parties, or serve them in small paper cupcake liners to make them easy to grab and enjoy. Another fun idea is to thread several onto decorative skewers for an eye-catching strawberry cheesecake “pop” that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration will extend their life to 4 days but may affect the dough’s softness a bit, so try to enjoy them fresh whenever possible!
Freezing
Donut holes freeze beautifully if you want to stash some away. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe anytime cravings strike.
Reheating
To revive frozen or leftover donut holes, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore some of that wonderful crispness on the outside while warming the creamy filling inside, making them nearly as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?
While this recipe is designed for frying to achieve that classic donut hole texture, you can bake them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden. Keep in mind the texture will be lighter and less crispy, but still delicious!
What’s the best way to fill the donut holes with cheesecake filling?
Using a piping bag with a small round tip or even a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works perfectly. Make sure the donut holes have cooled slightly to avoid melting the filling before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any extra liquid before cooking them down with the jam and lemon juice for a smooth, flavorful glaze that complements the donut holes beautifully.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
The ideal oil temperature should be around 350°F. Use a deep-frying thermometer for accuracy, or test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises immediately without browning too fast, the oil is ready.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before piping into your donut holes for the best consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe enough for anyone who loves a little indulgence wrapped up in bite-size perfection. From the soft, golden dough and creamy cheesecake heart to the luscious strawberry glaze, these treats are guaranteed to bring smiles at your next brunch, party, or cozy afternoon snack. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen—you’re going to love every single bite!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 donut holes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes featuring a fluffy, golden fried dough filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a fresh strawberry glaze. Perfect as a sweet treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence, these donut holes combine the richness of cheesecake with the bright flavor of strawberry in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Others
- Oil for Frying (neutral oil like canola), as needed
- Powdered Sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the donut holes fry evenly and achieve a golden crust.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring just until mixed to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which could toughen the donut holes.
- Fry the Donut Holes: Using a small scoop, carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on a cooling rack to allow excess oil to drip off and prevent sogginess.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious filling for the donut holes.
- Fill the Donut Holes: Once the donut holes have cooled slightly but are still warm, poke a small hole in each and pipe in the cheesecake filling using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice until the strawberries soften and flavors meld. Puree the mixture and strain it through a fine sieve for a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Dip each filled donut hole into the strawberry glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then place on a tray. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature precisely for perfect frying results.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the donut holes tender and light.
- Filling the donut holes while still warm helps the cheesecake filling melt slightly inside, making them extra indulgent.
- Strain the strawberry glaze to remove seeds and bits for a smooth finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
