Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe

Fluffy Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe: Sweet Joy in Bites

Sweet strawberry cheesecake donut holes bring pure magic to dessert tables everywhere.

Creamy and decadent, these bite-sized treats combine classic bakery favorites into one irresistible package.

Delicate pastry shells cradle a luscious filling that melts instantly on your tongue.

Each morsel promises a burst of fruity richness balanced with smooth cream cheese essence.

Homemade versions beat store-bought options by miles, delivering authentic flavors and personal love in every single bite.

Weekend baking projects never looked so delightful or tasted so incredible.

Come discover how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.

What Makes These Donut Holes a Must-Try

  • Craft Quick Sweet Treats: Perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These donut holes guarantee smiles from kids and adults, making them ideal for gatherings, parties, or casual weekend treats.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap strawberry jam for other fruit preserves or experiment with different filling flavors to match personal preferences and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Master Impressive Technique: Learn professional pastry skills like filling donuts and achieving perfect golden-brown frying, boosting cooking confidence with each batch.

Full Ingredient List for Donut Holes

For the Dough:
  • Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the donut holes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and creates a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donut holes.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a classic sweet flavor.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
For the Filling and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy filling with a creamy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese filling.
  • Strawberry Jam: Adds a fruity, sweet element to the donut holes.
For Frying and Preparation:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the donut holes to achieve a golden brown exterior.
  • Flour (for dusting): Prevents the dough from sticking while shaping.

Directions for Frying Cheesecake Donut Holes Right

Step 1: Create Fluffy Dough Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until perfectly blended. In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.

Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Center

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky and luxurious.

The mixture should be velvety smooth with no lumps. Set aside while preparing for frying.

Step 3: Fry Golden Delicious Holes

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350F. Dust hands with flour and roll dough into adorable bite-sized balls.

Carefully lower dough balls into hot oil, frying in small batches. Watch them transform into golden-brown treasures, turning every minute for even coloring.

Remove when perfectly crispy and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Fill with Decadent Surprise

Use a pastry bag with a small tip to inject each donut hole with the dreamy cheesecake filling.

Gently warm strawberry jam and drizzle generously over the filled treats, creating a gorgeous crimson swirl.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Plate these heavenly bites while still warm.

Watch friends and family swoon over these irresistible strawberry cheesecake donut holes that blend crispy exterior with creamy, fruity interior.

Cheesecake Donut Holes Tips You’ll Want to Know

  • Keep the oil consistently at 350F to ensure even, golden-brown donut holes without burning or undercooking.
  • Lightly flour your hands when rolling dough balls to stop sticking and create smooth, uniform shapes.
  • Use a thin pastry tip to inject cream cheese filling gently, ensuring even distribution without tearing the donut holes.
  • Warm strawberry jam slightly to achieve a smooth, easy-to-pour consistency for an even, glossy coating.
  • Let donut holes drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain a crispy exterior.

New Spins on These Donut Holes

  • Berry Bliss Donut Holes: Replace strawberry jam with mixed berry compote for a vibrant, multi-berry flavor explosion.
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Donut Holes: Fold cocoa powder into the dough and mix melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese filling for rich chocolate lovers.
  • Tropical Paradise Donut Holes: Swap strawberry jam with passion fruit or mango puree, and add shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling for a Caribbean-inspired treat.
  • Lemon Cheesecake Donut Holes: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough and mix lemon juice into the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy version.

Treats to Pair With Cheesecake Donut Holes

  • Pair Perfectly with Sweet Beverages: Match these delightful strawberry cheesecake donut holes with creamy lattes or frothy cappuccinos that complement their rich, sweet profile.
  • Enhance with Dessert Wines: Select a chilled moscato or sweet riesling to highlight the strawberry's fruity notes and balance the donut holes' creamy texture.
  • Create a Fruity Cocktail Companion: Mix a light strawberry bellini or prosecco-based cocktail that echoes the dessert's berry essence and provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Elevate with Cold Milk Options: Serve alongside classic whole milk, almond milk, or a vanilla-infused milk to create a classic dessert-and-drink combination that enhances the donut holes' sweetness.

Smart Storage for Cheesecake Donut Holes Leftovers

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual donut holes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for 2-4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 300F. Arrange donut holes on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This helps restore their original texture and warmth.

Briefly heat donut holes for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough or soggy quickly.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a digital or candy thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface within seconds.

  • Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375F for about 10-12 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They won’t be as crispy as fried donut holes but will still taste delicious.

  • What if my cream cheese filling is too thick or thin?

If it’s too thick, add a little milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. The consistency should be smooth and easily pipeable but not runny.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet summer strawberries dance with creamy cheesecake in these irresistible strawberry cheesecake donut holes, creating bite-sized bliss. Pillowy pastry embraces tangy cream cheese and fresh berry essence, offering pure indulgence in each delightful morsel you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Frying Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Craft a light, airy dough by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Create a smooth liquid mixture by combining milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate container.
  3. Merge wet and dry ingredients, gently stirring until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
  4. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  5. Warm vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even frying.
  6. Shape dough into uniform 1-inch spheres using lightly floured palms to prevent sticking.
  7. Carefully lower dough balls into hot oil, frying in small batches for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
  8. Transfer fried donut holes onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain completely.
  9. Equip a pastry bag with a slender nozzle and delicately inject each donut hole with the prepared cream cheese filling.
  10. Gently heat strawberry jam to enhance spreadability, then artfully drizzle over filled donut holes.
  11. Present these decadent treats warm, inviting guests to savor the harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors.

Notes

  • Select high-quality cream cheese for a rich, smooth filling that complements the delicate donut texture.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to prevent soggy or burnt donut holes, using a digital thermometer for precision.
  • Chill the cream cheese mixture briefly before filling to help it hold shape and prevent leaking during injection.
  • Consider gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid ratios accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 129 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 126 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 24 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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