Delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts – Baked, Creamy & Bursting with Berry Bliss
These soft, fluffy donuts are packed with fresh strawberries, filled with tangy cheesecake, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you need a little joy.
Introduction: A Donut That Tastes Like Dessert and Breakfast in One
There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and cheesecake. Add that to a warm, tender donut and you’ve got a treat that’s impossible to resist. These Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are baked—not fried—making them a little lighter but just as indulgent. With a fluffy strawberry-studded base, a creamy cheesecake center, and a glossy vanilla glaze, they’re a showstopper for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself on a weekend morning, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these donuts so special:
For the Donut Batter:
- All-purpose flour (2 cups)
Provides structure and a soft crumb. - Granulated sugar (½ cup)
Sweetens the batter and helps with browning. - Baking powder (2 tsp)
Gives the donuts lift and fluffiness. - Salt (½ tsp)
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor. - Milk (½ cup)
Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture. - Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted)
Adds richness and flavor. - Eggs (2 large)
Bind the batter and add structure. - Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Adds warmth and depth. - Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced)
Juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
Smooth, tangy, and rich. - Powdered sugar (¼ cup)
Sweetens the filling without making it gritty. - Lemon juice (1 tsp)
Brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
Creates a smooth, sweet glaze. - Milk (2–3 tbsp)
Adjusts the consistency. - Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Adds flavor and aroma.
Optional: Add a few drops of pink food coloring or top with freeze-dried strawberries for extra flair.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Donut pan
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
- Whisk together 2 cups flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
- Combine ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Fold
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Gently fold in 1 cup diced strawberries.
Step 5: Fill the Pan & Bake
Spoon or pipe batter into prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until:
- Tops are golden
- Toothpick inserted comes out clean
Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl:
- Beat 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Step 7: Fill the Donuts
Once donuts are completely cooled:
- Use a small knife or piping tip to cut a hole in the side or bottom of each donut.
Pipe in cheesecake filling until just full.
Tip: Don’t overfill or the donuts may split.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
In a bowl:
- Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle over filled donuts.
Let glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Weekend brunch
- Baby showers or bridal teas
- Dessert platters
- Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day
Pair with:
- Fresh berries or fruit salad
- Iced coffee or strawberry lemonade
- A dollop of whipped cream
Presentation Tip: Serve on a cake stand with fresh mint and sliced strawberries for a bakery-style look.
Variations to Try
Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:
Chocolate Strawberry
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter and drizzle with chocolate ganache.
Lemon Berry
Add lemon zest to the batter and filling for a citrusy twist.
Vegan Version
Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and dairy-free cream cheese.
Cupcake Style
Bake in muffin tins and core the center for filling.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Bake donuts and prepare filling a day ahead. Fill and glaze before serving.
- Refrigerate: Store filled donuts in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
Tip: Let refrigerated donuts come to room temp before serving for best texture.
Nutrition Notes (Per Donut, ~1 of 12)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~15g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fiber: ~1g
These donuts are:
- Soft and fruity
- Creamy and sweet
- Perfectly portioned
- Great for sharing
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and creativity. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress and satisfy.