Indulge in the delightful world of homemade desserts with these Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts. Combining fluffy fried dough with a decadent cream cheese filling, this recipe marries the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of a donut and the creamy texture of cheesecake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these donuts are sure to captivate your taste buds with their berry-infused flavor and dusting of powdered sugar.
Picture the moments of delight as you bite into the soft, golden exterior of these donuts, revealing a luscious center filled with a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling swirled with vibrant berries. Whether you enjoy them warm right after cooking or chilled later, each bite offers something special. Plus, the simple preparation process makes it an ideal choice for a weekend baking project with family or friends.
Not only are they delicious, but Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts also allow you to showcase your culinary skills without requiring any advanced techniques. With just a few ingredients, you can create stunning, bakery-quality treats right in your kitchen. Ready to learn how to make these delightful donuts? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and mixed berries gives these donuts a rich and fruity taste that is irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With clear steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up a batch effortlessly.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, brunch, or a delicious dessert — they are perfect for any occasion!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap the berries or even the filling flavors to match your taste preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: Dusted with powdered sugar, these donuts look as good as they taste, making them ideal for gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools for making perfect Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean. Hang up your apron, and roll up your sleeves!
You will need a few key tools: a heavy-bottomed pot for frying, a whisk for mixing ingredients, a mixing bowl for your dough, and a rolling pin to flatten the dough. A cookie cutter will help you shape your donuts into perfect rounds, and a wire rack lined with paper towels is essential for draining excess oil.
Make sure to have a candy or frying thermometer on hand to monitor the oil temperature. Maintaining the right temperature (350°F) is vital for achieving the perfect crispy exterior without overcooking. Lastly, when it comes to filling the donuts, a piping bag will make the task cleaner and easier.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries), chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Extra powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by heating up the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Aim for a stable temperature of 350°F; this helps achieve that desired golden color without burning. As the oil heats, take a mixing bowl and whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy — indicating that the yeast is alive and well. Next, add in the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the mixture, kneading it together until a soft dough forms. This step is essential, as the kneading process develops the gluten, which will give your donuts that fluffy texture.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep the warmth in. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size — this should take about an hour. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, creating airy pockets in the dough for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or round object to cut the dough into rounds. After cutting, let these dough rounds rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial as it allows the donuts to become light and fluffy. Meanwhile, get your wire rack ready by lining it with paper towels for draining the fried donuts.
Step 4: Frying the Donuts
Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Flip them once to ensure even cooking, and fry until they are golden brown — this should take about 1–2 minutes per side. Once out of the oil, let them drain on the prepared wire rack. It’s essential to keep an eye on the oil’s temperature throughout the frying process; adjust the heat as needed.
Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While your donuts cool, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Finally, fold in the chopped mixed berries, adding bursts of flavor to your creamy filling.
Step 6: Fill the Donuts
Once cooled, take your piping bag and fill each donut with the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overfill them, or they risk bursting while frying. After filling, finish them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their sweetness.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding bits of cooked bacon or sausage to the cream cheese filling for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped spinach or herbs to create a savory version of these donuts for brunch.
- Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into your dough for added warmth and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- If you have leftover filling, it can be used as a spread for toast or pancakes.
- These donuts can be prepared a day in advance; just keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast pairing.
Tips
- When making the filling, ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
- Experiment with different berry combinations — blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries can all work beautifully.
- For added flair, consider chocolate drizzling on top instead of powdered sugar.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including rising time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per donut
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just refrigerate it after kneading, and let it come to room temperature before frying.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain a crisp texture.
Can I use other fillings besides cheesecake?
Absolutely! These donuts can be filled with a variety of sweet fillings like chocolate ganache, pastry cream, or fruit preserves.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also allow for creativity in the kitchen. Their fluffy texture, creamy filling, and the balance of sweetness is a true treat that you’ll love sharing with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite mix-ins or leave a comment sharing your variations. Give this recipe a try and bring a delicious delight to your table that everyone will appreciate!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade desserts with these Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts. Combining fluffy fried dough with a decadent cream cheese filling, this recipe marries the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of a donut and the creamy texture of cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries), chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Extra powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Begin by heating up the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Aim for a stable temperature of 350°F; this helps achieve that desired golden color without burning. As the oil heats, take a mixing bowl and whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy — indicating that the yeast is alive and well. Next, add in the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the mixture, kneading it together until a soft dough forms. This step is essential, as the kneading process develops the gluten, which will give your donuts that fluffy texture.
- After kneading, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep the warmth in. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size — this should take about an hour. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, creating airy pockets in the dough for that perfect chewy texture.
- Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or round object to cut the dough into rounds. After cutting, let these dough rounds rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial as it allows the donuts to become light and fluffy. Meanwhile, get your wire rack ready by lining it with paper towels for draining the fried donuts.
- Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Flip them once to ensure even cooking, and fry until they are golden brown — this should take about 1–2 minutes per side. Once out of the oil, let them drain on the prepared wire rack. It’s essential to keep an eye on the oil’s temperature throughout the frying process; adjust the heat as needed.
- While your donuts cool, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Finally, fold in the chopped mixed berries, adding bursts of flavor to your creamy filling.
- Once cooled, take your piping bag and fill each donut with the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overfill them, or they risk bursting while frying. After filling, finish them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their sweetness.
Notes
Make sure to use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g