The Perfect Blend of  Creamy  Cheesecake and Fresh Strawberry Flavor

If you love the tangy sweetness of  strawberries and the creamy richness of cheesecake, these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are about to become your new favorite treat! These baked donuts combine a soft, fluffy strawberry batter with a swirl of cheesecake filling and a luscious strawberry glaze. Perfect for brunches, parties, or just a sweet morning indulgence, these donuts are a delightful twist on the classic dessert.

This detailed article will cover ingredients, preparation, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, preparation time, how to make the recipe, storage, serving ideas, and calorie information—everything you need for this bakery-quality delight at home.

Introduction

Baked donuts are the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, offering all the joy of a fried donut without the excess oil. The addition of freeze-dried strawberry powder infuses the batter and glaze with vibrant color and natural fruit flavor.

Meanwhile, the cheesecake swirl adds that irresistible creamy tang that melts beautifully into each bite. When topped with a glossy strawberry glaze, the result is a treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Whether you serve them for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s brunch, or an afternoon snack, these donuts promise to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Preparation Time

Ingredients

Strawberry Donut Batter

• 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream

• ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¼ cup (20 g) freeze-dried strawberry powder*

To make strawberry powder: blend freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until finely ground.

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Cheesecake Swirl

• 4 oz (113 g, ½ block) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon sour cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Glaze

• 1¼ cups (150 g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 10-cavity donut pan (or mini muffin tin for donut holes) generously with nonstick spray or butter.

3. Set aside while preparing your batter.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Donut Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and strawberry powder.

2. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.

2. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or small resealable bag (snip one corner when ready to pipe).

Step 4: Assemble the Donuts

1. Spoon the strawberry batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full.

   • Tip: Use a piping bag or large ziplock bag for cleaner filling.

2. Snip the corner of your cheesecake mixture bag and pipe a small swirl (about 1 teaspoon) into the center of each donut.

3. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake into the batter—just once or twice for a marbled look.

4. For donut holes, fill mini muffin cups halfway, add ½ tsp cheesecake filling, and swirl lightly.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 10–12 minutes (or 9–10 for mini donuts) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

2. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar,  strawberry powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of  milk.

2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk, ½ teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is thick yet pourable.

Step 7: Glaze the Donuts

1. Once  donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.

2. Place back on the wire rack and allow to set for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Baking Tips for Perfect Donuts

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures the batter mixes evenly and produces a tender crumb.

2. Do not overmix: Overmixing creates dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.

3. Don’t overbake: The donuts should be just set; they’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool.

4. Swirl lightly: Overmixing the cheesecake into the batter can make it disappear instead of giving a marbled look.

5. Let cool before glazing: Otherwise, the glaze will melt right off.

How to Make Strawberry Powder

Freeze-dried strawberries are key to the recipe’s natural flavor and color. Simply:

1. Place 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or food processor.

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2. Blend until finely ground.

3. Sift out any larger pieces for a smoother texture.

This powder can be used in batters, frosting, or even milkshakes!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.

• Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the donuts a day in advance and glaze just before serving for the freshest look.

Serving Ideas

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are delicious as they are, but here are some fun ways to elevate them:

• Drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant finish.

• Top with fresh strawberry slices or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra color.

• Pair with a latte, cappuccino, or a glass of milk for a perfect breakfast treat.

• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top for dessert-style donuts.

Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter.

2. Lemon Cheesecake Donuts: Replace the strawberry powder with lemon zest and a bit of juice.

3. No-Cheesecake Version: Skip the swirl for a classic strawberry donut.

4. Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

5. Fried Version: You can fry spoonfuls of the batter for a crispier texture (though the recipe is designed for baking).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two beloved desserts — strawberry donuts and cheesecake.

• No deep-frying — less mess, lighter texture.

• Beautiful pink color from natural strawberry powder.

• Soft, moist, and packed with real fruit flavor.

• Perfect for parties, brunches, and Valentine’s Day spreads.

Nutritional Information (Per Donut)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are the perfect fusion of fruit, cream, and cake — fluffy yet rich, sweet yet balanced. The creamy cheesecake swirl makes every bite extra special, while the strawberry glaze adds a glossy, irresistible finish.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend baking project or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Serve them with love, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “another one, please!”