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Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts

These playful donuts combine soft, warm dough with a creamy cheesecake center and a sweet strawberry filling, making them perfect for brunch or special occasions.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2.75 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast Use instant yeast if you have it.
  • 0.5 cup warm milk
  • 0.25 cup warm water
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • Neutral oil for frying enough for 2 to 3 inches in your pot Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Cheesecake Filling and Strawberry Sauce
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 0.33 cup powdered sugar Add more for a sweeter filling.
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup cold heavy cream Whip until thick.
  • 0.75 cup strawberry preserves or jam Use fresh strawberries for a chunkier filling.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice To brighten the strawberry flavor.
  • Extra for dusting or glaze powdered sugar

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. Stir warm milk, warm water, and a pinch of sugar with the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 8 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and springy. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
Prep the filling
  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip in heavy cream until thick and pipeable. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Warm the strawberry jam with lemon juice for a few seconds in the microwave or on the stove, then cool to room temperature.
Fry and fill
  1. After the first rise, pat the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut circles and let rise again for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil to about 350°F. Fry in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Make a tunnel from the side of each donut. Fill with cheesecake cream and then strawberry jam.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar or add a light glaze if you like.

Notes

Let ingredients come to room temperature for smooth mixing. Fry in small batches for even cooking.