Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect bite-sized treat, these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes will soon become your new obsession. Imagine fluffy, golden donut holes that are tender and light on the outside, giving way to a luscious, creamy cheesecake center swirled with vibrant strawberry jam. They bring together the nostalgic delight of donuts and the rich, dreamy flavor of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a handheld delight that’s hard to resist. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these little wonders are pure happiness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes, you only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Each component plays a star role, from the tender flour base to the creamy cheesecake filling and that sweet strawberry swirl that adds brightness and color.

• 1 cup self-raising flour: This gives your donut holes the perfect rise and fluffy texture without extra fuss.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the cheesecake filling.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the flour to ensure a light, airy bite.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Only needed if using plain flour, this helps with the rise and gives a tender crumb.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture without overwhelming the delicate flavor—can swap with canola or melted coconut oil.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything and gives structure while keeping it soft.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic depth to every bite.
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter light while making it dairy-friendly—but you can use regular milk if you prefer.
• ¼ cup sugar for coating: Gives the warm donut holes a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
• 1/3 cup reduced fat cream cheese: The heart of the filling—smooth, creamy, and tangy.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without graininess.
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam: Adds that lovely strawberry punch and swirled color to your cheesecake filling.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 176C (350F). Spray a 24-count mini muffin pan lightly with cooking oil spray, then wipe away any excess with a paper towel to prevent sogginess. This step is key because it ensures your donut holes pop out easily with that golden crust perfectly intact. If you have a cake pop tray or cake pop maker, these work great as alternatives.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda (if you’re using plain flour). Make a well in the center and add the oil, egg, vanilla, and almond milk. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and lump free — a smooth batter is the secret to those perfectly tender donut holes every time.

Step 3: Bake the Donut Holes

Spoon about 2 teaspoons of batter into each muffin hole, filling each to about three-quarters full so they have room to rise without spilling over. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden color and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before moving on.

Step 4: Coat the Donut Holes with Sugar

While they’re still warm, gently roll each donut hole in the sugar coating. This step adds a thin, sweet layer of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. This coating also makes them look irresistible and adds a bit of sparkle to presentation.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

While your donut holes bake, whip up the filling. Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the strawberry jam, creating a gorgeous swirl effect without fully mixing it in. A tip here: strain out any large fruit pieces so they don’t clog your piping bag later on.

Step 6: Fill Your Donut Holes

Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a narrow nozzle. Carefully poke each donut hole and fill with the cheesecake mixture until they puff up slightly but don’t overflow—this is the moment they really come to life with that dreamy strawberry cheesecake surprise inside.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, dust the tops with a little powdered sugar or sprinkle some freeze-dried strawberry bits for a pop of intense color and flavor. Fresh mint leaves also add a bright, herbal contrast to the sweetness if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

Serve these delightful donut holes alongside a cup of rich coffee or a light herbal tea. They also pair wonderfully with a simple berry compote or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or serve in cute cupcake liners for a party or brunch. You can also thread a few onto decorative skewers for an adorable and easy-to-eat presentation perfect for gatherings and kids’ parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is best but be aware this might firm up the cream cheese filling a bit.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze beautifully if you want to enjoy them later. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, and you can fill them before freezing or after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, warm them gently in a microwave for around 15-20 seconds or heat in a low oven until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can dry them out or melt the filling messily.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes! Just swap to plain (all-purpose) flour and add 1 teaspoon baking powder plus ½ teaspoon baking soda to mimic self-raising flour and get that perfect rise.

Is it possible to make these donut holes vegan?

With some adjustments, yes. Use a flax egg or other egg substitute, a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and plant-based milk. Keep in mind texture will shift slightly but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I stuff the donut holes with other fillings instead of strawberry cheesecake?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with fillings like lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even a peanut butter cream. The basic donut recipe is like a blank canvas for your favorite sweets.

How do I prevent the filling from overflowing during baking?

It’s important to fill the donut holes after baking and cooling slightly—piping the filling before baking will cause overflow. When piping, fill just until the donut starts to puff gently, not more.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, the recipe scales up or down easily. Just keep the ratios the same and use baking pans suited for the batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the oven to maintain even baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly delightful about these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes that brings smiles and sweet cravings all at once. They are simple enough to whip up any day but impressive enough to share with friends and family. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—once you taste that creamy, fruity center encased in soft, golden dough, you’ll understand why these little bites are destined to become a new favorite.

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