Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make these donut holes a breeze to prepare.
- Cheesecake Flavor: The creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberry taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for brunch, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re always a hit.
- No Frying Needed: These donut holes are baked, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or fresh strawberry puree
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon half the batter into the mini muffin tin.
- Add the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Place a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture and a little strawberry preserves in the center of each muffin cup.
- Top with More Batter: Cover the filling with the remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the donut holes cool slightly before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a strawberry glaze if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 donut holes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
- Lemon Strawberry: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to enhance the fruit flavor.
- Glazed Donut Holes: Dip in a simple vanilla glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Fried Version: If you prefer, you can deep-fry the donut holes instead of baking them.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.
FAQs
Can I make these without cream cheese?
Yes, but the cheesecake flavor comes from the cream cheese. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy taste.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Absolutely! Just mash fresh strawberries and mix them with a little sugar for a homemade filling.
Do I need a mini muffin tin?
While a mini muffin tin is best, you can also roll the dough into balls and bake them on a baking sheet.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 325°F for about 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.
What’s the best topping for these donut holes?
Powdered sugar, a strawberry glaze, or a cinnamon-sugar coating all work well.
Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, any milk alternative will work in this recipe.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to fully enclose the filling with batter before baking.
Can I use self-rising flour?
If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the donut holes immediately, but you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I add other flavors?
Yes! Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are an irresistible treat that combines the flavors of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake in a bite-sized delight. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, these donut holes are sure to become a favorite!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are soft, bite-sized treats that combine the rich flavor of cheesecake with sweet strawberries. Baked instead of fried, these donut holes are a lighter, delicious alternative, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. With a creamy cheesecake filling and a burst of strawberry goodness, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or fresh strawberry puree
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon half the batter into the mini muffin tin.
- Add the Filling: Mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add a small dollop of the mixture and strawberry preserves to each cup.
- Top with More Batter: Cover the filling with the remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a strawberry glaze if desired.
Notes
- Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
- Enhance the fruit flavor with lemon zest in the batter.
- Make them extra indulgent by dipping in a vanilla glaze.
- For a crispy alternative, try deep-frying instead of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
