Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup of pureed fresh strawberries, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (if using). Mix until well combined and smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the donuts.
Step 2: Make the Donut Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
- Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead it gently a few times until smooth.
- Roll the Dough: Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donuts and donut holes. Re-roll any scraps as needed.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Prepare for Frying: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully add a few donuts at a time to the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
- Drain: Once golden, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Fill the Donuts
- Prepare the Filling: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, fill a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the chilled strawberry cheesecake filling. If using a plastic bag, cut off one corner to create a filling tip.
- Inject Filling: Poke a small hole in the side of each donut and gently squeeze the filling into the center until filled. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may ooze out.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts (Optional)
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the top of each filled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish: If desired, top the glazed donuts with sliced fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy: Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts fresh and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries in the filling.
- Donut Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fillings, like blueberry cheesecake or chocolate mousse.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the joy of homemade donuts with the creamy goodness of cheesecake and the fresh taste of strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will have your guests raving and coming back for more. Enjoy the baking process, and savor every bite of these delicious creations! Happy frying!