Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it brings together two of my favorite desserts—donuts and cheesecake—in one bite-sized treat. The baked donuts are easy to make and not overly sweet, which balances beautifully with the creamy strawberry topping. Plus, they look gorgeous on a platter and are always a hit with family and friends. I can even make them ahead of time and store them for quick treats during the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Topping
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped or pureed
Optional: crushed graham crackers for garnish

Directions

Make the donuts:
I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, I mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. I combine the wet and dry ingredients just until smooth, then spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan wells about ¾ full. I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. After cooling in the pan for a few minutes, I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the cheesecake topping:
While the donuts cool, I beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then I fold in the chopped or pureed strawberries until well combined. The mixture should be creamy but thick enough to spread.

Assemble the donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, I spread or pipe the strawberry cheesecake mixture over each one. For an extra touch, I sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top to give that classic cheesecake crust flavor.

Serve:
I serve them right away or chill them briefly to let the topping firm up. Either way, they’re delicious and impressive.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 donuts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry glaze: I’ve made a thinner strawberry glaze instead of the cheesecake topping for a quicker version.

• Filled version: I’ve used a piping bag to fill the donuts with cheesecake filling and topped with strawberry glaze instead.

• Different fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, or even mango puree work great in place of strawberries.

• Chocolate dipped: A light dip in melted white or milk chocolate before adding the cheesecake topping makes them even more decadent.

• Mini donuts: I bake these in a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheesecake topping stays fresh and firm when chilled. I don’t recommend freezing once assembled, but the baked donuts (without topping) freeze well for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I fry the donuts instead of baking?

This recipe is designed for baked donuts, but I’ve adapted it with a thicker dough for frying before. For ease and a lighter result, I stick with baking.

What’s the best way to pipe the batter into the pan?

I use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off or a piping bag—it helps fill the donut wells evenly without mess.

Can I use store-bought strawberry sauce?

Yes, I’ve used store-bought strawberry sauce in a pinch and mixed it into the cream cheese with great results.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cheesecake topping, I refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. I add the cheesecake topping just before serving to keep them fresh and beautiful.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are everything I love in a dessert—soft, creamy, fruity, and just a little decadent. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m baking for a brunch, celebration, or just to treat myself, these donuts always deliver that sweet, satisfying bite I crave.