Indulge in the perfect sweet treat with Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts. These golden, crispy donuts are filled with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and a dollop of strawberry jam, offering a delightful twist on the classic donut. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, these donuts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and are easy enough to make at home. With a warm, gooey center and a light dusting of powdered sugar, this is a dessert worth sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Oil for frying
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Assemble the Donuts:
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
- Flatten each biscuit dough round using your hands or a rolling pin to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Spoon a dollop of strawberry jam onto the center of each flattened biscuit round.
- Pipe the cream cheese mixture over the jam in a circular motion, covering the jam completely.
3. Form the Donuts:
- Fold the biscuit dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges firmly to seal the donut.
4. Fry the Donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the stuffed donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried donuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
5. Serve:
- Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, fruity, and crispy deliciousness of these stuffed donuts!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Jam Options: Swap the strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves for a different fruity twist.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Add a bit of lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a more complex flavor.
- Baked Version: If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffed donuts for about 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
10 FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- Can I make these donuts without frying? Yes, you can bake them instead. Simply follow the same assembly instructions and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Cream cheese gives the filling its characteristic smooth texture and flavor, but mascarpone or ricotta cheese could be substituted for a slightly different taste.
- What oil should I use for frying? Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to their neutral flavor and high smoking points.
- How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during frying? Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling. If needed, pinch the edges firmly to secure the filling inside.
- Can I freeze these donuts? Yes, these donuts can be frozen before frying. Simply freeze the stuffed donuts on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. Fry from frozen for an extra crispy result.
- What can I do if I don’t have a piping bag? You can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off or simply spoon the filling onto the jam before folding the dough over.
- Can I use store-bought jam? Yes, any store-bought strawberry jam or preserves will work perfectly for this recipe. You can also use homemade jam if preferred.
- How can I make the filling sweeter or less sweet? Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste. Add more sugar for a sweeter filling or reduce it for a lighter sweetness.
- Can I use frozen biscuit dough? Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough as long as it’s thawed completely before assembling the donuts.
- What is the best way to serve these donuts? These donuts are best served warm, straight from the fryer, with a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also serve them with extra strawberry jam or whipped cream on the side.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are the ultimate comfort food with a deliciously indulgent filling that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweet fruitiness of strawberries. Whether you’re looking for a new dessert to try or a fun breakfast treat, these stuffed donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings. Simple to make, quick to prepare, and bursting with flavor, these donuts are guaranteed to become a family favorite!