Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water or milk.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is thick and creamy. Gently fold in the strawberry jam or puree.
- Chill: Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts
- Shape the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut rounds. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more rounds.
- Second Rise: Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Fill and Finish the Donuts
- Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a skewer or chopstick to poke a hole in the side of each donut, creating a pocket. Pipe the chilled cheesecake filling into each donut, being careful not to overfill.
- Coat the Donuts: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each filled donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the soft, fluffy texture of freshly fried donuts. Perfect for a special occasion or just because, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy making and devouring these delicious donuts!