Creamy & Dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are soft, fluffy baked treats filled with a smooth cheesecake center and finished with a luscious strawberry glaze. Topped with fresh strawberry slices and optional white chocolate shavings, these elegant donuts bring together the best of berry sweetness and creamy indulgence in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked donuts are a decadent twist on a classic, offering the rich taste of strawberry cheesecake in handheld form. They’re oven-baked, not fried—making them lighter yet still satisfying. The contrast between the soft donut, the creamy filling, and the fruity glaze makes this an irresistible dessert or brunch centerpiece. Easy to make and beautifully presentable, they’re perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or weekend baking fun.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- salt
- milk
- large eggs
- unsalted butter, melted
- vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- cream cheese, softened
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- powdered sugar
- strawberry puree (or strawberry jam mixed with water)
- milk
For Topping:
- fresh strawberries, sliced
- white chocolate shavings (optional)
Directions
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly and set aside.
Make the Donut Batter:
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Do not overmix.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
5. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Fill the Donut Pan:
6. Spoon half of the donut batter into the prepared molds.
7. Add a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling in the center of each donut mold.
8. Cover with the remaining donut batter, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
Bake:
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back lightly when touched.
10. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
11. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree (or jam and water), and milk until a smooth glaze forms.
Glaze & Decorate:
12. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze.
13. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries and white chocolate shavings, if desired.
14. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 donuts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Lemon-Strawberry: Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy zing.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the glazed donuts for extra indulgence.
- Berry Mix: Top with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant look.
- Stuffed Variation: Use a piping bag to fill the donuts with cheesecake filling after baking for a hidden surprise.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Glazed donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought strawberry jam for the glaze?
Yes, mix the jam with a little water or milk to reach the desired consistency for glazing.
Can I fry the donuts instead of baking?
This recipe is specifically developed for baking. Frying would require a different batter to ensure proper texture.
How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?
They should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed with a fingertip.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the donuts a day ahead and glaze them just before serving for best results.
Is it okay to skip the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely. You can make plain strawberry glazed donuts by omitting the filling or replace it with fruit jam for a fruity core.
How can I pipe the cheesecake filling into the donuts post-baking?
Use a piping bag fitted with a long nozzle to insert the filling after the donuts have cooled.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
Yes, thaw and puree the strawberries, then strain if needed for a smoother glaze.
What type of donut pan should I use?
A standard non-stick metal or silicone donut pan works best. Ensure it’s greased well for easy release.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches to yield 16 donuts.
Can I freeze these donuts?
It’s best to freeze them unglazed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw and glaze before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy & Dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a stunning and flavorful twist on traditional baked donuts. With a creamy center, vibrant glaze, and fresh toppings, they offer a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly easy to create at home. Whether for brunch, birthdays, or a sweet afternoon indulgence, these donuts are sure to impress and delight.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a decadent twist on classic baked donuts—light and fluffy with a creamy cheesecake center, dipped in a luscious strawberry glaze, and topped with fresh strawberries and white chocolate. A perfect treat for brunch, dessert, or your next sweet craving!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (or strawberry jam mixed with water)
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. -
Make Donut Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix. -
Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon half of the batter into the donut molds. Add a small dollop of cheesecake filling (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla mixed) in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter. -
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. -
Make the Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk until smooth and pourable. -
Glaze & Decorate:
Dip cooled donuts into the glaze. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and white chocolate shavings if desired. -
Serve:
Allow glaze to set for a few minutes. Serve fresh and enjoy every creamy, berry-filled bite!
Notes
- Use a piping bag for easy filling and even batter layering.
- Store in the fridge and enjoy within 2 days for best texture.
- Strawberry glaze can be replaced with raspberry or lemon for a fun twist!
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