Introduction
Imagine biting into a fluffy donut only to find it filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake center. These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are the ultimate indulgence, combining the best of donuts and cheesecake into one delicious treat. This detailed recipe will guide you through making these delectable donuts from scratch, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour: 3 1/2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Instant yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Whole milk: 1 cup, warm (110°F/45°C)
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: For frying
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Strawberry jam: 1/2 cup
- Fresh strawberries: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Strawberry glaze (optional): 1/2 cup (mix 1/4 cup strawberry jam with 1 tablespoon milk)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Donut Dough
- Prepare the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Strawberries:
- Gently fold in the strawberry jam and finely chopped fresh strawberries until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts
- Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough. Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut out more circles.
- Second Rise:
- Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- Fry the Donuts:
- Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 4: Fill and Finish the Donuts
- Fill the Donuts:
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a small knife to make a hole in the side of each donut.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the strawberry cheesecake filling.
- Insert the tip into the hole of each donut and gently squeeze to fill with the cheesecake mixture.
- Top the Donuts:
- Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar. For an extra touch, you can drizzle with strawberry glaze by mixing the strawberry jam and milk until smooth and drizzling over the donuts.
Tips for Success
- Temperature Control: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast, and maintain the oil temperature while frying.
- Don’t Overfill: Be gentle when filling the donuts to avoid bursting.
- Even Frying: Fry donuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.
Variations
- Different Fillings: Try different cheesecake flavors by mixing in other fruit jams or chocolate spread.
- Glazed Donuts: Dip the tops of the donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a classic finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh: Serve these donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are an indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds—fluffy donuts and creamy cheesecake. This detailed recipe will guide you through making these delicious donuts from scratch, ensuring a delightful dessert that will impress family and friends. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in every bite.