Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Delight

This strawberry cheesecake filled donut recipe transforms ordinary fried dough into a bakery-worthy treat that delivers all the creamy richness of cheesecake with bursts of strawberry in every bite. The contrast between the fluffy donut and silky filling creates an irresistible dessert that disappears quickly whenever I make it.

I first created these donuts for my daughter's birthday brunch when she requested something unique instead of a traditional cake. The moment everyone bit into these cream cheese filled delights, they became an instant family tradition for special occasions.

Ingredients

• For the Donuts
• Active dry yeast: Activates the dough giving it that perfect rise and fluffy texture
• Warm milk: Provides the ideal environment for yeast development
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough
• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for a tender donut
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dough without making it too heavy
• Egg: Binds ingredients and creates a tender crumb
• For the Filling
• Cream cheese: Forms the tangy base of our filling, choose full-fat for best results
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess and dissolves completely
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling
• Strawberry jam: Brings bright fruity flavor; look for jam with real fruit pieces
• For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth finish that sets beautifully
• Milk: Thins the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency
• Vanilla extract: Adds subtle flavor to complement the filling

How To Make Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts

Activate the Yeast:

Combine warm milk with a teaspoon of the sugar and all the yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly which indicates your yeast is alive and ready to work. The milk should be warm but not hot about 110°F otherwise you risk killing the yeast.

Make the Dough:

Add flour, salt, remaining sugar, melted butter, and egg to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and mix everything together with your hands until it forms a cohesive dough. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky; add a tablespoon of flour if needed.

First Rise:

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. The ideal temperature is around 75°F. You can tell the dough is ready when you poke it with your finger and the indentation remains.

Shape the Donuts:

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to approximately 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter about 3 inches in diameter to cut circles. Place the cut donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Cover loosely and allow to rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Fry the Donuts:

Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F using a thermometer for accuracy. Carefully lower 2 to 3 donuts into the hot oil, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove donuts to paper towels for draining. Allow them to cool completely before filling.

Prepare the Filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes using an electric mixer. Gently fold in the strawberry jam, leaving some streaks for visual appeal and flavor bursts. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip.

Fill the Donuts:

Use a small knife to create an opening on the side of each cooled donut. Insert the piping tip and squeeze filling into the center until you feel slight resistance. You should see a bit of filling peeking out from the opening, which indicates the donut is properly filled.

Glaze the Donuts:

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. Use a fork or small whisk to drizzle the glaze over the filled donuts in a zigzag pattern. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Pin it

The strawberry cream cheese filling is truly what makes these donuts special. My grandmother always said cream cheese makes everything better, and these donuts prove her right. I remember watching her fold jam into cream cheese for her famous Danish pastries, and applying that same technique here brings back those warm kitchen memories every time.

Storage Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the cream cheese filling but does affect the texture of the donut slightly. Before serving refrigerated donuts, allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften the dough.

Make Ahead Options

While the finished donuts are best fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The dough can be prepared through the first rise, then covered and refrigerated overnight. Allow the chilled dough to come to room temperature before shaping and completing the second rise.

Pin it

Creative Variations

These donuts welcome creative adaptations based on seasonal fruits and personal preferences. Replace strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or peach preserves for different flavor profiles. For chocolate lovers, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and fill with chocolate ganache mixed with cream cheese. During fall, try apple butter mixed with the cream cheese filling and top with a cinnamon glaze for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these indulgent donuts as the centerpiece of a special brunch alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For an elegant dessert presentation, place donuts on a tiered stand and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves. These also make wonderful additions to holiday dessert tables or weekend family breakfasts when you want something extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake the donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes until golden. While the texture will differ slightly, they’re still delicious!

→ What can I use as a filling alternative?

You can swap the strawberry jam for any fruit jam of your choice or try a chocolate spread for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, enjoy within 24 hours.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, cutting, and frying.

→ Do I need a piping bag for the filling?

While a piping bag is the easiest option, you can also use a sandwich bag with a small hole cut in the corner as a substitute.