Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegetable oil (for frying); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Who can resist the perfect combination of sweet, fluffy donut holes and rich, creamy strawberry cheesecake filling? 🍓✨ These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes bring together everything you love in a dessert — crispy, golden dough coated in cinnamon sugar and a luscious, fruity cream cheese center. They’re bite-sized indulgences that are perfect for brunch, dessert, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.

If you’ve never made homemade donut holes before, don’t worry — this recipe is simple, fun, and totally worth it. Plus, the fresh strawberries and smooth cheesecake filling take them to the next level. Ready to create a batch of irresistible goodness? Let’s dive in! 🍩💕

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

Key Benefits

Why will you fall in love with these irresistible treats? Let’s count the ways:

Perfect Flavor Combo: The warm, golden-brown donut holes pair beautifully with the cool, creamy strawberry cheesecake filling — it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment or advanced skills — these donut holes come together with simple, everyday ingredients.
Bite-Sized Indulgence: Their small size makes them perfect for sharing (or not!). Serve them at brunch, as a party treat, or as a quick sweet fix.
Fresh and Creamy Filling: The real strawberries mixed into the cheesecake filling add a refreshing, fruity burst in every bite.
Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can easily play with different fruit fillings or flavorings to make them your own.

These little delights are more than just a dessert — they’re a moment of pure joy. Ready to make them? Let’s get started! 🍩✨

Ingredients

Before we dive into making these delicious treats, let’s get everything you’ll need. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a huge difference in flavor and texture.

For the Donut Holes:

2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft, fluffy texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the donut holes rise perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Brings a warm, cozy flavor to the dough.
1/2 cup whole milk – Keeps the dough soft and moist.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds flavor and a tender texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
Vegetable oil (for frying) – Ensures a crisp, golden exterior.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened – The star of the filling, making it smooth and creamy.
1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without making it grainy.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the filling.
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped – Brings a juicy, fruity burst of flavor.

For the Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Creates a sweet, crunchy exterior.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Complements the coating with warmth and spice.

Having everything prepped and measured makes the process so much easier — and trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Let’s move on to bringing these incredible donut holes to life.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have warm, golden donut holes with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling in no time.

1. Make the Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This dry mix ensures the donuts rise beautifully and have a balanced flavor.
In a separate bowl, beat the whole milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a thick, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing — you want light, tender donut holes.

2. Heat the Oil:

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer helps ensure the right temperature for even frying.
If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil — it should sizzle and turn golden in about 60 seconds.

3. Fry the Donut Holes:

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches if needed.
Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the donut holes are golden brown and crisp.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, letting any excess oil drain off.

4. Coat the Donuts:

While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. This step gives them that irresistible sweet and crunchy exterior.

5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed without crushing them.

6. Fill the Donut Holes:

Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a small tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works, too.
Use a skewer or small knife to make a tiny hole in each donut. Carefully pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center until you feel slight resistance.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Arrange your stuffed donut holes on a serving platter and enjoy them fresh. The contrast of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough and cool, creamy filling is absolute perfection.

Pro Tips and Variations

Let’s take these donut holes to the next level! Here are some helpful tips and creative variations that can elevate your baking game or cater to specific tastes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Donut Holes:

Temperature Control: Frying at the right temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the donut holes will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect balance.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing creates dense donuts. Stir the dough just until it comes together for that light, fluffy texture we all love in a donut hole.
Drain Well: After frying, let the donut holes rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This ensures they stay crispy and not greasy.
Pipe with Care: When filling the donut holes with cheesecake filling, be gentle! Use a light hand so the delicate dough doesn’t tear. Also, make sure not to overstuff them — a little filling goes a long way.

Creative Variations:

Change Up the Fruit: While strawberries are the star in this recipe, you can easily swap them out for other fruits. Try fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different twist.
Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle your stuffed donut holes with a glaze. A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze, or a chocolate drizzle, would be a delicious addition.
Make Them Mini: If you’re short on time or want to serve these as bite-sized treats, try making mini donut holes. Simply reduce the frying time to about 1-2 minutes per batch.
Add a Crunch: Want a little extra texture? Roll your donut holes in crushed graham crackers before the cinnamon-sugar coating to give them a cheesecake crust-inspired finish.

These tips and variations are designed to make your donut holes even more customizable, so feel free to get creative! Whether you stick with the classic strawberry cheesecake filling or try out new flavor combinations, you’re sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made these irresistible strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes, you might be wondering how to serve them to really wow your friends and family. Here are a few serving ideas that will make your donut holes even more delightful:

1. Perfect for Brunch or Breakfast:
These donut holes make a sweet addition to any brunch spread. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a fresh smoothie for the perfect morning treat. They’re ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion like Mother’s Day or a birthday brunch.

2. Serve as a Dessert at Your Next Party:
Looking for a fun and bite-sized dessert to serve at your next get-together? These stuffed donut holes are perfect! Their creamy cheesecake filling makes them a hit at any gathering. You can even set up a mini dessert bar with different fruit fillings and toppings for guests to customize their own.

3. Add a Side of Fresh Fruit:
Balance out the sweetness of the donut holes with some fresh fruit on the side. A simple fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas would complement the cheesecake filling beautifully.

4. Drizzle with Extra Toppings:
For an extra special touch, drizzle your donut holes with a glaze or sauce. A honey or vanilla glaze, or even some melted chocolate, would give them that decadent finish. You could also sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for added sweetness and visual appeal.

5. Great for Gifting or Sharing:
Pack them in a cute box or basket and share them with friends, family, or coworkers. These donut holes make for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift, especially during the holidays or for a special occasion.

These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes are versatile enough to fit any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or indulging in a sweet treat at home. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

And there you have it — a perfectly sweet and indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes bring together the best of both worlds: soft, golden donut dough with a creamy, fruity cheesecake filling. They’re easy to make, completely customizable, and, most importantly, absolutely delicious!

Whether you’re looking for a fun treat for a special occasion or just want something to brighten up your day, these donut holes are the perfect choice. The warm, cinnamon-sugar coating pairs so well with the cool, fresh cheesecake filling, creating an irresistible bite every time. Plus, you can always experiment with different fillings or toppings to make them your own.

If you love sweet, indulgent desserts like these, you might also enjoy a classic cherry cobbler that’s both comforting and delicious. Or, for a fun and easy treat, try making some peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars — perfect for any occasion! And if you’re feeling under the weather, a soothing cup of cinnamon sore throat tea can provide the ultimate comfort.

So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not try making these indulgent strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes? You’ll be amazed at how simple they are to prepare — and how quickly they disappear. Enjoy, and happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping, as frozen strawberries can release more water, which might affect the texture of the filling. You may also want to chop them smaller to ensure a smooth filling.

2. Can I bake the donut holes instead of frying them?
While frying gives these donut holes that signature crispy exterior, you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the dough in a mini muffin tin. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. They won’t have quite the same texture as fried donut holes, but they’ll still be delicious!

3. How do I store these donut holes?
Store your stuffed donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days. If you’re saving them for later, reheating them in a warm oven will help restore their softness.

4. Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To make them ahead, prepare and fry the donut holes, then allow them to cool completely before storing them. Fill them with the cheesecake mixture on the day you plan to serve them to keep the filling fresh and the dough from becoming soggy.

5. Can I use a different type of filling?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of strawberry cheesecake filling, you can swap it out with other flavors. Try a chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or even a caramel filling for a new twist. Just be sure the filling is thick enough not to leak out when piping it into the donut holes.

6. Why did my donut holes turn out greasy?
If your donut holes are greasy, the oil may have been too cold during frying. The dough will absorb more oil if the oil isn’t hot enough. To fix this, ensure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying, and try not to overcrowd the pan when frying the donut holes.

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes You’ll Crave!

Table of Contents

Key Benefits