Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Heart Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors wrapped in a soft, fluffy donut. Their adorable heart shape makes them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion where you want to show some love. The luscious strawberry cheesecake filling adds a rich and fruity twist, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Fresh strawberries
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and melted butter. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donuts.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and finely chopped strawberries. Mix until creamy.
- Once the donuts are cool, cut a small slit and pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 heart-shaped donuts.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the tops of the filled donuts in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
- Berry Mix: Substitute or combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry cheesecake filling.
- Baked Version: Bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
Storage/Reheating
Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy filling’s texture.
FAQs
How do I prevent the donuts from becoming too greasy?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
You can use a round cutter or shape them by hand. The taste will be just as delightful.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How do I know when the donuts are cooked through?
The donuts should be golden brown on both sides. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
How can I make the filling less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar in the cheesecake filling to taste.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, adding a few drops of red or pink food coloring will enhance the festive look.
What’s the best way to fill the donuts?
Use a piping bag with a long nozzle to inject the filling smoothly into the center.
Conclusion
Heart Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful treat that blends the fluffy texture of donuts with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the fresh burst of strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these donuts are sure to impress with both their taste and their charming appearance.
Heart Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable heart-shaped strawberry cheesecake donuts are the perfect sweet treat for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. They combine the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the fruity freshness of strawberries, all packed into a soft, baked donut. Topped with a luscious strawberry glaze, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh strawberry puree
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a heart-shaped donut pan with non-stick spray. - Make the Donut Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries gently. - Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared heart-shaped donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. - Bake the Donuts:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more puree or sugar as needed. - Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the strawberry glaze. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- For a stronger cheesecake flavor, you can add an extra ounce of cream cheese to the batter.
- Make sure the donuts are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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