Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

This strawberry cheesecake donut hole recipe transforms your kitchen into a gourmet donut shop with minimal effort. The pillowy donut holes combined with tangy cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance of flavors that elevate a classic treat to something truly special.

I first created these when looking for a way to use up some cream cheese in my fridge. What started as a kitchen experiment quickly became my most requested dessert at family gatherings.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides the perfect structure without becoming too dense
• Granulated sugar: gives just the right sweetness to complement the tangy frosting
• Baking powder: ensures your donut holes puff up beautifully during frying
• Milk: adds moisture for a tender crumb use whole milk for best results
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and flavor look for European style for extra creaminess
• Vanilla extract: enhances all other flavors choose pure not imitation for best results
• Cream cheese: creates the signature tanginess choose full fat for the creamiest frosting
• Powdered sugar: blends smoothly into frosting without graininess
• Fresh strawberries: optional but highly recommended for that authentic cheesecake flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Thoroughly whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents so your donut holes rise consistently. Take an extra minute here to really incorporate everything.

Create Wet Mixture:

Combine milk, melted butter and vanilla in a separate bowl. Make sure your butter has cooled slightly before mixing so it doesn't cook the milk. The mixture should look slightly curdled which is perfectly normal.

Form Batter:

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing which creates tough donut holes. Stop when you no longer see dry flour. The batter will be thick and somewhat sticky.

Heat Frying Oil:

Fill a heavy bottomed pot with 2 inches of neutral oil like vegetable or canola. Heat to exactly 350°F using a candy thermometer. Too cool and your donuts absorb oil, too hot and they brown before cooking inside.

Shape And Fry:

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop batter into hot oil. Work in batches of 4 to 5 holes to maintain oil temperature. Fry until deeply golden brown using a slotted spoon to flip halfway through cooking.

Drain And Cool:

Transfer fried donut holes to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before frosting so the cream cheese doesnt completely melt.

Prepare Frosting:

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth before adding powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until completely lump free and fluffy. The frosting should hold its shape but still be spreadable.

Frost And Garnish:

Dip the tops of slightly cooled donut holes into the frosting or spread with a knife. Top immediately with fresh strawberry slices or strawberry jam for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.

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My secret ingredient is adding just a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the frosting. It brightens the entire flavor profile and makes the strawberry flavor pop even more. I discovered this trick when making these for my daughters birthday and now I never skip this step.

Make Ahead Options

These donut holes can be prepared partially ahead of time to make entertaining easier. Make the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before frying for best results. The cream cheese frosting can also be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated. Just rewhip it briefly before using to restore the fluffy texture.

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Perfect Pairings

Serve these donut holes alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for breakfast, or turn them into an elegant dessert by arranging them on a platter with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For brunch, they complement savory dishes like quiche or frittata beautifully, creating a balanced sweet and savory spread that will impress your guests.

Flavor Variations

While strawberry is the classic pairing with cheesecake, you can easily adapt this recipe for different flavor profiles. Try blueberry by adding fresh blueberries to the frosting, or go for a chocolate version by folding mini chocolate chips into the batter before frying. For a citrus twist, add orange or lemon zest to both the batter and frosting for a bright, refreshing variation that works wonderfully in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure the donut holes are golden and fluffy?

Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry in small batches and flip for even cooking.

→ Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter version, bake them in a mini muffin pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

→ What can I use as an alternative to cream cheese frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

→ How long do these donut holes last?

Store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate with frosting separated.

→ Can I add fresh strawberries to the batter?

Yes, finely chopped fresh strawberries can be folded into the batter for extra flavor. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture.