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This homemade strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut hole recipe transforms ordinary biscuit dough into a delightful breakfast treat or dessert that combines the best of two worlds – warm, fluffy donuts and creamy cheesecake filling. The burst of strawberry flavor in every bite makes these irresistible for weekend brunches or special occasions.
I first made these for my daughter's birthday breakfast, and now they've become our Sunday morning tradition. The look on everyone's face when they bite into that creamy strawberry center makes the minimal effort completely worthwhile.
Ingredients
- For the Donut Holes: Refrigerated biscuit dough provides a quick shortcut that yields perfect texture every time
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point creates perfectly golden donut holes
- For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: Cream cheese forms the rich base – look for full-fat Philadelphia for best results
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly without the grittiness of granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract: Balances the tang of cream cheese with warm aromatic notes
- Strawberry jam: Adds concentrated flavor and beautiful color throughout the year
- Fresh strawberries: Provide texture and bright bursts of flavor – choose ripe berries with deep red color
- For the Glaze: Powdered sugar creates that classic smooth donut glaze texture
- Milk: Thins the glaze to perfect consistency – whole milk works best
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the simple sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Create your strawberry cheesecake mixture by beating room temperature cream cheese until completely smooth with no lumps. This usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing to prevent a sugar cloud. Incorporate vanilla and strawberry jam, mixing until the color is uniform throughout. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries by hand to maintain their texture. The filling should be firm enough to pipe but soft enough to squeeze through a piping tip.
- Make the Donut Holes:
- Separate each biscuit from the can and cut into quarters. Roll each piece between your palms to form balls about 1-inch in diameter. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to exactly 350°F using a candy thermometer for accuracy. Fry in small batches of 5-6 balls at a time to maintain oil temperature, turning frequently with a slotted spoon for even browning. The perfect donut hole should float and turn golden brown in 2-3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels arranged in multiple layers to absorb excess oil.
- Stuff the Donut Holes:
- Wait until donut holes are just cool enough to handle but still warm. Use a wooden skewer to create a deep pocket in each donut hole, moving it gently in a circular motion to create space without breaking through the sides. Fill your piping bag with the chilled strawberry cheesecake mixture and insert the tip deeply into each hole, applying gentle pressure until you feel slight resistance. The filling should stay contained within each donut hole.
- Glaze the Donut Holes:
- Whisk together glaze ingredients until completely smooth, adjusting milk quantity for desired consistency. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off slowly. Dip the top half of each filled donut hole into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off before placing on a wire rack set over parchment paper. Let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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The fresh strawberries are truly the secret ingredient here. I remember the first time I made these with berries from our garden, my husband declared them better than any bakery donut he had ever tasted. That moment of pride keeps me coming back to this recipe time and again.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can prepare the strawberry cheesecake filling up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. This not only saves time on the day of serving but actually improves the flavor as it allows the strawberry essence to fully permeate the cream cheese mixture. The filled donut holes can be assembled up to 2 hours before serving, though they're truly at their prime when enjoyed within 30 minutes of filling.
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Creative Variations
This recipe serves as a wonderful template for countless flavor combinations. Replace the strawberry with raspberry preserves and fresh raspberries for a more tangy profile. For a tropical twist, use mango puree and diced fresh mango in the filling. During fall months, apple butter with tiny chunks of sautéed cinnamon apples creates a seasonal favorite. The donut base remains the same, making this a versatile recipe you can adapt year-round based on what fruits are in season or what your family prefers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful treats on a decorative platter dusted with powdered sugar and surrounded by fresh strawberry halves for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with coffee or milk for breakfast, or with champagne for a decadent brunch offering. For a dessert course, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a drizzle of chocolate sauce across the plate. The contrast of warm donut holes with cold ice cream creates a memorable ending to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use homemade dough for a more traditional taste, but it may require more prep time and effort compared to using refrigerated biscuit dough.
- → How do I ensure the filling doesn’t spill out?
Chill the filling before piping it into the donut holes. This helps the consistency stay thick and manageable, preventing spills or leaks.
- → What type of oil is best for frying the donut holes?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You could also use canola or peanut oil if preferred.
- → Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donut holes and filling in advance. Store the fried donut holes in an airtight container and the filling in the refrigerator. Assemble them before serving.
- → What substitutions can I make for the filling?
You can use mascarpone instead of cream cheese or substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a different flavor.
- → How long do the donut holes stay fresh?
The donut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.