Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts: The Ultimate Sweet Treat Recipe
Introduction to Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts
Indulging in a warm, freshly made donut is a delightful experience that can brighten anyone’s day. When you add the sweetness of strawberries and the creamy richness of cream cheese, you get a treat that is simply irresistible! These Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts are not only delicious but also easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
A Personal Story Behind My Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of making donuts on special occasions. I remember the excitement in the kitchen, the sweet aroma filling the air, and the laughter shared over warm treats. One day, we decided to experiment by adding strawberries and cream cheese to our classic recipe, and the result was magical. It became a staple in our household, and now I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!
What Makes This Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its unique combination of flavors and textures. The cream cheese makes the donuts incredibly moist, while the chopped strawberries and strawberry jam provide a burst of fruity sweetness. Plus, frying them gives a lovely golden-brown exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pink interior. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these donuts are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert!
The Full Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup (100 g) chopped strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) pancake mix
- 1 cup (125 g) flour, plus extra for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft to avoid lumps.
- Add in the strawberry jam and chopped strawberries, mixing until everything is well combined. The mixture will become a lovely pink color!
- Stir in the pancake mix and flour until fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky, so don’t worry if it feels a little messy.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently press it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Make sure to dust your cutter with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350ºF (180ºC). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying.
- Carefully fry the donuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook them until they are browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them cool on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy and well blended.
- Dunk the tops of the cooled donuts in the frosting and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful finish.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry cream cheese donuts!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts
These donuts are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries into the batter. You can also experiment with flavored frostings, such as chocolate or lemon, to change things up!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and place the formed donuts on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
What is the best way to fry donuts?
Fry in small batches and maintain the oil temperature. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cold, and they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per Serving: 250
Servings: 10
Strawberry Cream Cheese Donuts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 0.5 cup chopped strawberries
- 1.5 cups pancake mix
- 1 cup flour plus extra for dusting
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, beat until combined.
- Stir in pancake mix and flour until fully incorporated; the dough will be sticky and pink.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, press out to 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness, and cut into circles.
- Heat oil in a large pot to 350ºF (180ºC).
- Fry donuts until browned on both sides, then cool on a rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Dunk the tops of the donuts in the frosting and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade donuts!