- Prepare the Doughnuts: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out doughnut shapes (about 2–3 inches in diameter). Use a smaller cutter to remove the center of each doughnut (if you want traditional doughnuts), or leave them whole for stuffed doughnuts.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning them to ensure they cook evenly, for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Let them cool slightly before filling and glazing.
- Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and mashed strawberries until smooth and combined.
- Fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is light and fluffy. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off for easy filling.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree (or milk), and vanilla extract. Add more puree or milk until you reach your desired consistency—thicker for a more substantial glaze or thinner for a light coating.
- Assemble the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use the piping bag to fill each doughnut with the strawberry cheesecake filling. If you used a cutter with a hole in the center, pipe the filling into the center of the doughnuts. If you made whole doughnuts, just pipe the filling directly into the center and close them up.
- Dunk each filled doughnut into the strawberry glaze, coating them evenly. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these doughnuts fresh and warm for the best taste and texture. Pair with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a perfect treat!
- For a more festive presentation, dust the doughnuts with a bit of powdered sugar or top with extra mashed strawberries or sprinkles.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you have any extra filling or glaze, store it separately in the fridge and use it within a few days to top future doughnuts or other treats.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the doughnuts (without the glaze) for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
Tips
- If you prefer a lighter, fluffier doughnut, you can use a donut pan and bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying them.
- Feel free to substitute the strawberry filling with another fruit or flavor if you prefer. Raspberry or blueberry cheesecake fillings would also be amazing!
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use store-bought strawberry puree or frozen strawberries that have been thawed and mashed.
Conclusion
These **Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Doughnuts** are an irresistible combination of fluffy, warm doughnuts and creamy, tangy cheesecake filling with a refreshing strawberry flavor. The strawberry glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these doughnuts an indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, a special celebration, or simply as a weekend treat, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
FAQ
Can I make the doughnut dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry the doughnuts, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting it.
Can I make the filling without cream cheese?
For a lighter filling, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. The cream cheese provides a rich and tangy base for the filling.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these doughnuts! Use a donut pan, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The texture will be slightly different from fried doughnuts, but they will still be delicious!
