There’s just something magical about whipping up sweet treats in the kitchen, isn’t there? It’s like a little piece of happiness you can create with your own two hands! Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorites: strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes. Oh my gosh, they are such a delightful combination of fluffy, warm donut and creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling. I remember the first time I made these for a gathering—everyone couldn’t get enough! It’s the kind of dessert that turns a simple day into a special occasion. Trust me, when you take that first bite and the strawberry filling oozes out, you’ll be hooked! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with these little bites of joy!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes. Grab your measuring cups and let’s get started!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- Oil for frying (enough to fill the pan about 2 inches)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft for a smooth filling—it really makes a difference! Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part of making these delightful treats!
How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
Now that we’ve got our ingredients all set, let’s jump into making these incredible donut holes! It’s a fun and straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling divine in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
Mixing the Batter
Start by grabbing a big bowl. In it, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything well. This is super important because it helps the donut holes rise beautifully! Next, add in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally okay; we want that fluffy texture!
Preparing the Filling
In a separate bowl, take your softened cream cheese and mix it with the strawberry preserves. I usually use a fork or a spatula for this—it’s easy and gets everything nice and smooth! Trust me, this filling is the star of the show! If you have a piping bag, now’s the time to grab it. It makes filling the donut holes a breeze. Just stick the tip in the bag and fill it up with your dreamy mixture.
Frying the Donut Holes
Alright, it’s frying time! Heat up your oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because if the oil isn’t hot enough, your donut holes will soak up too much oil and become greasy. Once it’s hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to flip them over and keep an eye on that color! When they’re done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. You’ll want to be careful, though—the oil is hot, so watch your fingers!
Filling and Serving the Donut Holes
Once your donut holes have cooled enough to handle, it’s time to fill them up! Take your piping bag and carefully insert the tip into each donut hole. Squeeze gently to fill them with that luscious cream cheese and strawberry mixture. Oh, the joy of seeing that filling ooze out! Finally, dust them with powdered sugar for that sweet finishing touch. Wow, just look at those beauties! Serve them warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they take a bite. Enjoy every moment of this delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Here’s why you’ll adore making them:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just about 35 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute dessert craving.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fluffy donuts and creamy strawberry cheesecake filling is simply irresistible. It’s like a party in your mouth!
- Fun for Gatherings: These little bites are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or even just a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves or fillings! Each time can be a new adventure.
- Perfect for Sharing: They’re bite-sized, making them easy to share with friends and family. Who can resist grabbing just one more?
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love them! They’re fun to eat and even more fun to help make.
Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself dreaming up reasons to whip them up again and again!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes turn out perfectly? I’ve got some handy tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every time!
- Check the Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough—about 350°F (175°C) is ideal. You can test it by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go! If it’s too cool, your donuts will soak up oil and lose that lovely light texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, stop mixing as soon as you see everything is just combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes, and nobody wants that!
- Use a Piping Bag: Filling the donut holes can get a bit messy, so using a piping bag makes it way easier. It allows you to control the filling amount perfectly, so you get that delightful surprise with every bite!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to switch things up! Try different fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or even chocolate ganache for a fun twist. Each filling offers a new flavor experience!
- Keep an Eye on Frying Time: Frying can be a quick process, so stay close to the stove! Keep an eye on the color; you want that golden brown perfection. If they cook too long, they can dry out.
- Let Them Cool Before Filling: After frying, let the donut holes cool just enough to handle. If you fill them while they’re too hot, the filling might melt and get messy!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to create the most delightful donut holes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy frying!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with these strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes! Here are a few ideas that’ll keep your taste buds dancing:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Delight: Swap out the strawberry preserves for chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich and creamy filling. It’s like a donut version of a beloved classic!
- Peach or Apricot Filling: Use peach or apricot preserves for a fruity twist that’s bursting with flavor. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the cream cheese!
- Raspberry Cheesecake: Switch to raspberry preserves and add a dash of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, tangy kick that’s oh-so-delicious!
- Nutty Banana Cream: Mix mashed ripe bananas with the cream cheese for a decadent banana cream filling. A sprinkle of crushed nuts on top adds a delightful crunch!
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Add a bit of cinnamon to the batter and fill with a simple cinnamon cream cheese mixture. Then, roll the finished donut holes in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat.
- Matcha Green Tea: For a unique flavor, mix some matcha powder into the cream cheese filling. It adds a lovely green hue and a slightly earthy taste that’s absolutely delightful!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also let you explore different flavor profiles. Feel free to mix and match until you find your perfect combination! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made these amazing strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes, and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky)! Here’s how to store them properly to keep that delightful flavor and texture intact.
First, let them cool completely before storing. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting soggy. You can store them at room temperature for about 1-2 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week.
Now, if you want to reheat them, I’ve got a simple trick. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking sheet and warm them up for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore that lovely fluffy texture without making them greasy. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but I recommend the oven for the best results!
And there you have it! Enjoy your delicious donut holes whenever the craving strikes! Trust me, they’re just as good the next day—if they last that long!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in these delightful strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes? Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per donut hole. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
This little treat is a bit indulgent but totally worth it for a special occasion or when you need a sweet pick-me-up! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about making these scrumptious strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers:
Can I use other fruit preserves?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and use any fruit preserves you love. Raspberry, blueberry, or even peach preserves can all make delightful fillings. Each one will give a unique flavor twist to your donut holes!
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A great way to check the oil temperature is to drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, you’re good to go! A thermometer is also a handy tool to have on hand; aim for about 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
Can I make the donut holes ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the batter and filling ahead of time, but I recommend frying them just before you plan to serve. This way, they’ll be fresh, warm, and oh-so-delicious!
How do I store leftover donut holes?
Once they’ve cooled completely, store your leftover donut holes in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for about a week. Just reheat them in the oven for the best texture!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives that classic donut texture, you can experiment with baking! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the filled donut holes on a baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes. They might not be as fluffy, but it’s a healthier option!
Why are my donut holes greasy?
If your donut holes turn out greasy, it’s often because the oil wasn’t hot enough when frying. Make sure your oil reaches that perfect temperature before adding the batter to avoid that soggy situation!
Hopefully, these answers help clear up any uncertainties you might have! Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes: Pure Joy Unleashed
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious donut holes filled with strawberry cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- In another bowl, mix cream cheese and strawberry preserves until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
- Drop spoonfuls of donut batter into hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Once cooled, fill each donut hole with the cream cheese mixture.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying.
- Use a piping bag for easy filling.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes