Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 24
There’s something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake that instantly transports me back to summer afternoons at my grandmother’s kitchen. She would always say that the best desserts are the ones that make you smile with the first bite. These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes do exactly that – they’re my modern twist on classic flavors, lightened up so you can enjoy them without any guilt.
What started as an experiment to satisfy my sweet tooth while maintaining a healthier lifestyle has become one of my most requested treats. Friends and family are always amazed when I tell them these fluffy, cream-filled bites are actually a lighter version of traditional donuts.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
These delightful donut holes offer the perfect balance of indulgence and health consciousness. First, they’re baked rather than fried, which significantly reduces the oil content while maintaining that soft, pillowy texture we all crave. Additionally, the use of almond milk and reduced-fat cream cheese keeps the calorie count surprisingly low at just 59 calories per donut hole.
The strawberry cheesecake filling creates a beautiful marbled effect that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Furthermore, the recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out the strawberry jam for other fruit preserves to create different flavor combinations. Most importantly, these treats are perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or whenever you need a quick sweet fix.
Essential Ingredients
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 cup self-raising flour (or plain all-purpose flour)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (white, raw, or coconut sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (only if using plain flour)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola or melted coconut oil)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat/skim milk)
- ¼ cup sugar (for coating)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- ⅓ cup reduced-fat cream cheese (block or spreadable)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (or jelly/topping)
Serving Suggestions:
These donut holes pair beautifully with fresh strawberries, a cup of coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For special occasions, consider serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Equipment
Begin by preheating your oven to 176°C (350°F). Next, spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with cooking oil spray, then wipe away any excess with a paper towel. Alternatively, you can use a cake pop tray or cake pop maker for perfectly round donut holes.
Making the Donut Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients until well combined. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, then add the oil, egg, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Whisk the batter thoroughly until it becomes smooth and completely lump-free.
Baking the Donut Holes
Carefully spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of batter into each muffin hole, filling them to about ¾ full. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the donut holes turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before handling.
While the donut holes are still warm, gently roll each one in the remaining sugar until evenly coated. This step ensures the sugar adheres properly and creates that classic donut exterior.
Creating the Cheesecake Filling
While the donuts are baking, prepare the strawberry cheesecake filling. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar, beating until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Gradually add the strawberry jam, mixing slowly to create an attractive marble or swirl effect throughout the filling.
Pro Tip: If using jam with larger fruit pieces, remove them before mixing to prevent clogging your piping nozzle.
Filling the Donut Holes
Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag fitted with a narrow nozzle. Carefully insert the nozzle into each donut hole and fill with the strawberry cheesecake mixture until they puff up slightly and expand. Be careful not to overfill, as this will cause the donuts to overflow.
Creative Serving Ideas
These versatile treats can be served in numerous ways depending on the occasion. For breakfast or brunch, arrange them on a tiered serving tray alongside fresh berries and mint leaves. During afternoon tea, they make an elegant addition to a dessert spread.
For children’s parties, consider setting up a DIY topping station with different colored sugars, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips. Adults might enjoy them as a sophisticated dessert course with a drizzle of berry coulis or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Chocolate Lovers’ Version
Replace the strawberry jam with Nutella or chocolate spread for rich, decadent chocolate cheesecake donut holes. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate-flavored donuts.
Lemon Blueberry Twist
Substitute lemon curd for the strawberry jam and add fresh blueberries to the batter. This combination creates a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Tropical Paradise
Use coconut cream cheese and mango jam for a tropical variation. Furthermore, you can add shredded coconut to the sugar coating for extra texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
These donut holes are perfect for meal prep and entertaining. You can prepare the unfilled donut holes up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, simply prepare the filling and pipe it into the donuts.
For longer storage, the unfilled donut holes can be frozen for up to three months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.
The cheesecake filling can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture and appearance, it’s recommended to fill the donuts no more than 2-3 hours before serving.
Important Notes
Storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of these treats. Store filled donut holes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness. The cream cheese filling makes refrigeration necessary to prevent spoilage.
Temperature matters when serving – these donut holes are delicious both at room temperature and slightly chilled. However, if you prefer them warm, briefly microwave unfilled donut holes for 10-15 seconds before adding the filling.
Quality ingredients make a significant difference in the final product. Using fresh, high-quality strawberry jam and good cream cheese will elevate the overall taste and texture of your donut holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk? A: Absolutely! Regular milk works perfectly in this recipe. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including whole milk, 2%, or skim milk. The almond milk is simply used to keep the recipe lighter and dairy-free friendly.
Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag for the filling? A: No problem! You can use a small spoon to carefully fill each donut hole, or transfer the filling to a plastic bag and cut a small corner to create a makeshift piping bag. While it may not be as precise, it will still work beautifully.
Q: Can I make these without the filling? A: Certainly! The donut holes are delicious on their own. You can simply roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or leave them plain. They make excellent bite-sized treats without any filling.
Q: How do I know when the donut holes are properly baked? A: The donut holes are done when they turn golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Additionally, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? A: Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just make sure you have enough muffin tins or bake them in batches. The baking time remains the same, so watch them carefully to prevent overbaking.
Q: Are these suitable for people with dietary restrictions? A: These donut holes can be easily adapted for various dietary needs. For gluten-free diets, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free options, use dairy-free cream cheese and ensure your milk choice is plant-based.
Nutrition Information (per donut hole):
- Calories: 59kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 87mg
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 5g
These nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.