1. Prepare the Donut Dough
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the remaining sugar, salt, butter, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use the dough hook attachment of a stand mixer.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- Cook Strawberries: In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the strawberries release their juices and start to break down. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the cream cheese until well combined. Refrigerate the filling while you prepare the donuts.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut Donuts: Use a donut cutter or a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can cut out the centers of the donuts using a smaller round cutter.
- Let Rise: Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
- Heat Oil: In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
4. Fill and Glaze the Donuts
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill Donuts: Once the donuts are cooled, use a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a hole cut in the corner to fill each donut with the strawberry cheesecake mixture. Insert the tip into the side or the center of each donut and pipe in the filling.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Return the glazed donuts to the cooling rack to let the glaze set.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts
- Don’t Overheat Oil: Maintain the oil temperature to avoid burning the donuts. Too hot oil can cause the donuts to brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Cool Before Filling: Ensure the donuts are completely cooled before filling to prevent the filling from melting or leaking out.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated if needed.
Variations
- Different Fillings: Experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry, or even chocolate ganache for a different twist.
- Baked Version: If you prefer a baked version, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
These Delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Donuts are sure to be a hit with their combination of soft, fluffy donuts and creamy, fruity filling. Enjoy them fresh for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!