Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

Save this recipe on:

From the very first bite, I knew these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts were something special. It started with a craving for something fruity yet creamy, indulgent yet playful. I’d been experimenting with ways to merge the joy of a donut with the richness of a classic cheesecake, and once I layered in fresh strawberries, everything came together like magic.

I remember the aroma as these donuts baked in my kitchen—a sweet blend of vanilla, butter, and strawberries that felt like a warm hug. Once cooled and filled with silky cream cheese filling, then topped with strawberry glaze and a touch of crushed graham cracker, they looked like they belonged in a boutique bakery. But even better, they tasted homemade in the best possible way.

What I love most about these donuts is how they manage to be both decadent and fresh. Each bite balances the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with the vibrant punch of strawberries. They’re beautiful to serve, easy to make, and perfect for a brunch, dessert table, or just because you deserve a treat.

If you love indulgent treats like my Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes or fruity delights such as Strawberry Flaky Puff Dreams, you’ll fall hard for these donuts too.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts offer the best of two dessert worlds: the classic donut and the creamy dream of cheesecake. They’re baked, not fried, so you can skip the mess and still get that tender, fluffy texture. With real strawberries in the glaze and filling, they burst with flavor, while the cheesecake core adds richness that feels luxurious but not heavy.

What truly sets them apart is their versatility. You can dress them up for special occasions or enjoy them on a lazy Sunday morning. They make a delightful surprise for guests and an even better indulgence when you want to treat yourself. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour gives the donut its soft, cakey base. It holds everything together while keeping a tender texture.

Baking powder is essential for that gentle rise and fluffiness in every bite.

Salt might seem minor, but it enhances the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

Granulated sugar brings the sweetness that a donut simply must have.

Eggs act as a binder and give structure and richness to the donut base.

Milk helps create a smooth batter and adds moisture.

Butter adds that irresistible buttery depth, key for the rich donut taste.

Vanilla extract lends a soft, fragrant background that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake and strawberry flavors.

Cream cheese is the star of the filling, offering that classic tang and creamy texture.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling and creates a silky glaze.

Fresh strawberries bring brightness and fruity punch to the glaze.

Graham crackers crushed over the top give the perfect cheesecake-inspired finish.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

Preheat your oven and grease your donut pan. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, whisk sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine both mixtures until smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Donuts

Pour the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake until lightly golden and springy to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

Use a knife to make a small hole in each donut, then pipe in the cheesecake mixture generously.

Step 5: Create the Strawberry Glaze

Puree fresh strawberries and mix with powdered sugar until smooth. Dip each filled donut into the glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top while the glaze is still wet. Serve immediately or chill slightly to set the glaze before serving.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can have fun with these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts by customizing them to your taste or what you have on hand. For a citrus twist, add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling or glaze. If you prefer a firmer filling, use mascarpone in place of cream cheese.

Want to make them gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. You could even switch the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries to change the fruit profile without compromising flavor.

If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies make a delicious substitute.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These donuts are lovely on their own, but they shine even brighter with a few thoughtful pairings. I love serving them with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of iced vanilla latte. For something lighter, pair them with fresh fruit or a strawberry smoothie.

They’re also fantastic for brunch spreads, dessert tables, or special occasions like baby showers and birthdays. You could even make mini versions for party platters—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the filling is cream cheese-based, refrigeration is essential. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.

To reheat, avoid microwaving as it may melt the filling and glaze. Instead, enjoy them cold or let them naturally warm up for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them unfilled. Fill and glaze them just before serving for the best texture.

Do Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, it’s important to keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness and food safety.

Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts?

You can freeze the unfilled donuts. Once thawed, add the cheesecake filling and glaze fresh for best results.

How can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin and create a hole in the center after baking, though they will be more like donut-muffins in shape.

What’s the best way to fill Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts?

Use a piping bag with a small round tip. Make a small hole in the side or bottom of each donut and squeeze the filling in until you feel a slight resistance.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re into desserts that blend creamy and fruity, you won’t want to miss my Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries. They’re the perfect no-bake treat for warm days, offering a similar flavor profile with a twist.

Another favorite is the Ooey Gooey Bars, which lean more into the decadent side but are just as easy to make and share.

And for another berry-themed delight, check out the Strawberry Flaky Puff Dreams. They share that same balance of fruitiness and creaminess in a flaky pastry form.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts made your mouth water, don’t forget to save them for later! Pin this recipe to your favorite dessert board on Pinterest so it’s just a click away whenever you crave it.

Share it with your baking-loving friends, post your own delicious results on Instagram, and tag me so I can see your creations. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want the world to taste them too!

Save this recipe on: