Hey, you ever smell something so good it stops you in your tracks? I did. One day, I walked into this little bakery, and bam—strawberry cheesecake donuts hit me like a sweet dream!

These donuts are, like, totally amazing. They’re soft and fluffy with a creamy cheesecake filling that just melts in your mouth. And the strawberry glaze? Oh man, it’s bright pink and tastes like summer in every bite.

I couldn’t stop eating them. Seriously, I ate three in one sitting! You’ll feel like you’re cheating on a diet, but it’s so worth it—trust me, you need these in your life.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest bakery or try making them at home today. Grab a strawberry cheesecake donut and thank me later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and fresh strawberries creates a beautiful balance of flavors, with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the freshness of ripe strawberries.
Fluffy and Light Donuts: With the help of a little yeast, these donuts turn out incredibly soft and pillowy, making them the perfect base for the cheesecake filling.
Fun to Make: Not only are these donuts incredibly satisfying to eat, but they’re also fun to make! Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is accessible.
Perfect for Special Occasions: These donuts are perfect for a brunch, birthday party, or a special treat. They’ll be the star of the show, and your guests will be raving about them long after they’re gone.
No Frying Needed: This recipe is baked in the oven, making it healthier and less messy than traditional fried donuts. You can enjoy all the flavor without worrying about deep frying.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started on making these strawberry cheesecake donuts, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the dry ingredients for the dough.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For mixing the dough and the cheesecake filling.
Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the right thickness.
Baking Sheets: For baking the donuts.
Donut Cutter: To create the perfect donut shape.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
Cooling Rack: To cool your donuts after baking.
Pastry Brush: To brush on the melted butter for a shiny, golden crust.
Small Mixing Bowls: For preparing the filling and topping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible donuts. Each ingredient works together to deliver the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation.

Dough Ingredients:

3/4 C Milk (heated to 115°F): Warm milk activates the yeast, helping the dough rise and become fluffy.
2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise and become light and airy.
1 tsp Granulated Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a subtle sweetness.
2 1/2 C All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your donut dough, providing the necessary structure.
1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness.
1/4 C Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
3 Tbsp Shortening: Keeps the donuts soft and moist.
1 Large Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Cheesecake Filling:

3 Tbsp Cream Cheese (softened): The creamy base of the filling that mimics a cheesecake texture.
1 C Strawberries (fresh or frozen): The fruit topping that will be pureed into the filling for sweetness and freshness.
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice: Enhances the flavor of the strawberries and adds brightness to the filling.
1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the lemon.

Topping:

1/2 C Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cheesecake element that adds texture and flavor.
1/2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the graham cracker crumbs to match the donuts’ sweetness.
1/2 Tbsp Butter (melted): Helps the graham cracker crumbs stick and adds a nice buttery finish.

Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

These donuts are incredibly versatile, so feel free to play around with the ingredients and make them your own:

Add Chocolate Chips: Stir some mini chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the filling for a chocolate-strawberry cheesecake combo.
Use Different Berries: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. A mix of berries would also work beautifully.
Glaze Instead of Topping: If you prefer a glaze, you can make a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla and drizzle it over the donuts for a sweeter finish.
Use Greek Yogurt: Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative that still mimics the flavors of cheesecake.
Add a Dash of Vanilla: If you want to enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to both the dough and the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

First, combine the warm milk (about 115°F) with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture, egg, and shortening. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.

4. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle.

5. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the strawberries release their juice and soften. Mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher until it forms a chunky sauce.

Let the strawberry mixture cool completely, then stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Set aside.

7. Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donut shapes. You can also use a round cookie cutter for the outer circle and a smaller one for the hole in the middle.

8. Bake the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown.

9. Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping

While the donuts bake, prepare the graham cracker topping. In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is well coated.

10. Assemble the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, slice them in half. Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling on the bottom half of each donut. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs to mimic the crust of a cheesecake.

11. Serve and Enjoy!

Top the donuts with the remaining graham cracker crumbs, drizzle with extra strawberry sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

These donuts are perfect for any occasion, and there are many ways to serve them:

Brunch or Breakfast: Serve these donuts alongside fresh coffee or a fruit salad for a delightful morning treat.
Dessert: These donuts make a fantastic dessert at any gathering. Serve them on a dessert platter with whipped cream or extra fresh berries on the side.
Special Occasion: They are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for something indulgent and sweet.

Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

Donuts: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cheesecake Filling: If you have any leftover cheesecake filling, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be used as a topping for other desserts or as a dip.

Nutrition Information (Per Donut)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Carbohydrates	34g
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g
Sodium	150mg

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best elements of both cheesecake and donuts. With a soft, fluffy dough, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving something sweet, these donuts are worth the effort. Enjoy baking these donuts and impress your friends and family with your delicious creation!