Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are the perfect sweet treat for special occasions, combining the fluffy texture of baked donuts with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the fruity sweetness of strawberries. These donuts are baked in a heart-shaped mold, filled or topped with a luscious cheesecake glaze, and finished with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or fresh strawberry slices. They’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat, making them a festive and indulgent dessert.
The first time I made these, I was aiming for a dessert that felt romantic and fun, and they were an instant hit! The tangy cheesecake glaze pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries, while the tender, lightly sweetened donuts provide the perfect base. What I love most about Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts is how versatile they are—you can keep the flavors classic, add a touch of chocolate drizzle, or even sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra pop of sweetness. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a little extra love!
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- Dessert lovers
- Sweet celebrations
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Heart Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts will become your go-to dessert:
- Perfect Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the donut pairs beautifully with the tangy strawberry cheesecake filling.
- Fun and Creative Shape: The heart shape adds a personal touch that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Fluffy Donuts: Soft, airy donuts that are light yet satisfyingly sweet.
- Creamy Filling: The cheesecake filling is rich, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
- Easy to Make Ahead: These donuts can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy the fun without the rush.
- Versatile Topping Options: Coat with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or top with extra strawberries.
- Great for Gifting: These donuts make a sweet and thoughtful gift for loved ones.
- Perfect for Sharing: These individual-sized donuts are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Homemade and Fresh: Enjoy the comfort of homemade donuts with the decadence of cheesecake.
- Visual Appeal: Their heart-shaped design and vibrant pink filling make them a beautiful dessert to serve.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 38g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
The Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Chocolate drizzle
- Powdered sugar
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Strawberries: These provide a natural, bright flavor to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and smoothness to the cheesecake filling.
- Whipped Cream: Lightens up the filling and gives it a fluffy texture.
- Donut Dough: The perfect balance of fluff and sweetness to complement the creamy filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Donut Dough:
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Shape Donuts: Roll the dough out on a floured surface and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the donut shapes.
- Fry Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the donuts in batches for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- Make Strawberry Puree: Puree fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream until the filling is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Donuts:
- Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, carefully cut a slit in the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag with the strawberry cheesecake filling and pipe the filling into the center of each donut.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Donuts: Drizzle the glaze over the top of each filled donut.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top with fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Heart Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts:
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day: Serve as a special treat for your loved one.
- As a Breakfast or Brunch Item: Serve alongside fresh coffee or tea for a sweet morning treat.
- With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of milk and donuts is always a crowd-pleaser.
- As a Dessert Platter: Arrange on a dessert tray for an elegant touch at your next gathering.
- For Afternoon Tea: Serve these smaller donuts with a cup of tea for a charming tea-time treat.
- As a Gift: Pack them up and present as a homemade gift for friends or family.
- With Fresh Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- On Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any event that needs a sweet touch.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up.
- For Sharing: These small, heart-shaped donuts are perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Additional Tips
- Cool Before Filling: Let the donuts cool completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
- Piping Tip: Use a piping bag with a wide round tip to easily fill the donuts.
- Storage: Store donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F to ensure even frying.
- Make Ahead Filling: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Swap the strawberry puree for melted chocolate for a decadent chocolate cheesecake filling.
- Blueberry Cheesecake Donuts: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a berry twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped cream substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic flavor.
- Lemon Cheesecake Donuts: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy punch.
- Gluten-Free Donuts: Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free donut option.
Special Equipment
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter: For shaping the donuts into hearts.
- Piping Bag: For filling the donuts with the cheesecake filling.
- Deep Fryer or Pan: For frying the donuts to golden perfection.
- Whisk: For preparing the glaze and mixing ingredients.
- Blender or Food Processor: To puree the strawberries.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the donuts after frying.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for the cheesecake filling—just thaw and puree them. - How long can these donuts be stored?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the donuts at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes if you prefer a healthier option. - Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use. - How can I prevent the glaze from dripping off the donuts?
Make sure the donuts are slightly cooled before glazing, so the glaze will set properly. - Can I use store-bought donut dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Just shape and fry as instructed. - Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts (unfilled) for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill before serving. - What other fruit can I use for the filling?
You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even mango puree as alternatives to strawberries. - Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the donuts are delicious even without the glaze. - How do I ensure my donuts are perfectly golden?
Fry at a steady temperature of 350°F and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful and romantic treat that combines the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries, all in the form of soft, fluffy donuts. These donuts are shaped like hearts, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to share a little love.
The donuts are baked or fried until golden, then filled with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a hint of vanilla. A sweet glaze or dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off, adding a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
These donuts are as beautiful as they are delicious, and they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. I can’t wait to see how your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!