These strawberry cheesecake filled donuts combine the soft, fluffy texture of baked donuts with a rich, creamy cheesecake center and a sweet glaze on top. Fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor, making each bite both indulgent and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donuts are baked instead of fried, making them lighter while still delivering a satisfying texture. The combination of tangy cream cheese filling and sweet strawberries creates a balanced flavor that isn’t overly heavy. They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even special occasions, and they look just as impressive as they taste. The recipe is also straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts soft.
Fold in the diced strawberries carefully so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the donuts turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
While the donuts cool, prepare the cheesecake filling by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Once the donuts are cool, use a small knife or piping tip to create a hole in each donut. Pipe the cheesecake filling into the center.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency if needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the filled donuts and allow it to set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 donuts.
Prep time is 25 minutes, baking time is 15 to 18 minutes, and total time is approximately 40 to 43 minutes. Each donut contains about 300 calories.
Variations
You can swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist. For a chocolate version, add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze. If you prefer a citrus flavor, add lemon zest to the batter and filling. For a richer filling, mix in a bit of whipped cream with the cream cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days due to the cream cheese filling. Before serving, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes for the best texture. If you prefer them slightly warm, heat them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating as it can melt the filling too much.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead, though the shape will be different.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cheesecake filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone can be used as a substitute for a slightly milder flavor.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the donuts will still taste great without it or you can dust them with powdered sugar instead.
How do I pipe the filling easily?
Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.
Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts, so mix until just combined.
Can I freeze these donuts?
It’s best to freeze them without filling. Add the filling after thawing for best results.
Conclusion
Strawberry cheesecake filled donuts are a delightful treat that combines fruity freshness with creamy richness in every bite. With simple ingredients and an easy method, they’re perfect for making at home whenever you want something special. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a celebration, these donuts are sure to impress.
Soft, fluffy baked donuts filled with a creamy cheesecake center and bursts of fresh strawberry flavor, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. These donuts are a lighter yet indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
Fold in diced strawberries carefully.
Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before filling.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
Create a small hole in each donut and pipe in the cheesecake filling.
Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over donuts.
Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep donuts soft and fluffy.
Use fresh or well-drained strawberries to prevent excess moisture.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Let donuts sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freeze unfilled donuts and add filling after thawing.
