Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts The Perfect Dessert

A Short Story About the Recipe

I have always loved cheesecake and donuts, so one day I thought – why not combine them? The idea came to me while I was preparing a batch of classic yeast donuts and had some leftover cream cheese filling from another recipe. Instead of saving it for later, I piped the creamy cheesecake filling into warm, pillowy donuts, and the result was pure dessert magic. The first bite was soft, sweet, and perfectly balanced with the creamy tang of cheesecake inside. Ever since then, these cheesecake stuffed donuts have become a family favorite and a signature treat in my kitchen. Every time I make them, the whole house fills with the warm aroma of freshly fried dough, and everyone gathers around to grab one as soon as they are ready.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cheesecake stuffed donuts are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They are soft, fluffy, and filled with a smooth, sweet cream cheese center that melts in your mouth. You will love this recipe because it feels like a bakery-style treat made at home, without complicated techniques. The contrast between the golden fried exterior and the creamy cheesecake filling makes every bite irresistible. They are a great way to impress guests, bring something special to a brunch table, or simply treat yourself to a homemade indulgence.

Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust the flavor of the filling by adding a touch of lemon zest for brightness, vanilla bean for richness, or even a swirl of strawberry jam for a fruity twist. You can also coat the donuts in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or glaze them with a simple vanilla glaze. This means you can make them suit different tastes and occasions without changing the basic recipe.

Affordable

Making cheesecake stuffed donuts at home is much more affordable than buying them from a bakery. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Flour, sugar, eggs, milk, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples are all you need to create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end café.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• For the Donuts:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

  • ½ cup warm milk

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • Oil for frying

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

• For Coating:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar (for rolling)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making cheesecake stuffed donuts might sound complicated, but it is surprisingly simple if you follow the steps carefully. The key to success is allowing the dough to rise until it is soft and airy, which gives the donuts their light and fluffy texture. The cheesecake filling is quick to mix and can be prepared while the dough is rising, making the process efficient. Once you have everything ready, frying the donuts takes only a few minutes, and filling them is easy with a piping bag.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the dough is rising, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Refrigerate until ready to use to keep the filling firm.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place them on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Heat the Oil
In a deep pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, as oil that is too hot will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 8: Fill the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a skewer to make a small hole in the side of each donut. Insert the piping bag tip into the hole and fill each donut with cheesecake filling until you feel resistance.

Step 9: Coat the Donuts
Roll the filled donuts in powdered sugar or granulated sugar while they are still slightly warm. This helps the coating stick well and gives them a beautiful finish.

Quick and Easy

This recipe might look long, but it comes together in just a few steps. The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for convenience. The filling only takes a few minutes to mix, so you can have everything ready before frying.

Customizable

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add lemon zest or a spoonful of jam to the filling for a fruity twist. Use cinnamon sugar for the coating for a warm, spiced flavor. You can also drizzle them with chocolate or a simple glaze to make them extra indulgent.

Popular With Many People

Cheesecake stuffed donuts are always a hit at gatherings, bake sales, and parties. They appeal to both donut lovers and cheesecake fans, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert. Their unique filling makes them stand out among other pastries and leaves guests asking for the recipe.

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FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them, but the texture will be slightly different. Place the shaped donuts on a lined baking tray, brush them with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes until golden. They will be lighter and less crisp than fried donuts.

How do I keep the donuts fresh?
These donuts are best eaten the same day they are made, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to restore their softness.

Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts without the filling. Once fried and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw, warm in the oven, and fill with fresh cheesecake filling.

Why did my donuts turn out dense?
Dense donuts usually mean the dough did not rise long enough, or the yeast was not active. Make sure your yeast is fresh, your milk is warm (not hot), and allow enough time for both rises.