Indulge in Heavenly Cheesecake Donuts Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Bites

Rich and creamy cheesecake donuts dance between decadent dessert dreams and irresistible pastry perfection.

Pillowy soft dough cradles a smooth cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.

Sweet rings of golden goodness promise a delightful culinary adventure for every dessert enthusiast.

Crisp edges give way to silky centers that surprise and delight with each tender bite.

Bakers seeking a magical fusion of classic donut charm and luxurious cheesecake flavor will adore this recipe.

Subtle hints of vanilla and a delicate sugar dusting complete this mouthwatering treat.

You won’t be able to resist making these heavenly donuts again and again.

Why Cheesecake Donuts Are a Fun Treat

• Craft with Ease: These cheesecake donuts require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for beginners wanting to impress family and friends.
• Customize Your Delight: Swap ingredients like adding different extracts or toppings to create unique flavor combinations that match your mood or occasion.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The creamy cheesecake filling and sweet glaze make these donuts irresistible for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats that everyone will love.
• No-Stress Preparation: Simple step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen tools mean you can create bakery-quality donuts without complex techniques or expensive equipment.

Ingredients for Cheesecake Donuts

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.

• Milk: Contributes moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the donut batter.
• Melted Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the donuts.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy filling with a tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
• Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds a subtle brightness to the cheesecake filling.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a sweet, smooth glaze.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy texture and complements the cheesecake flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Cheesecake Donuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re completely combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

• Milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Softened cream cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.

Step 4: Blend the Batters

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Carefully spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are ready when they turn light golden and bounce back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 6: Craft the Cheesecake Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice (optional)

Whip until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Transfer to a piping bag with a small round tip.

Step 7: Stuff the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled, use the piping tip to create a small hole in the side of each donut. Gently pipe the cheesecake filling inside until each donut is slightly full.

Step 8: Glaze and Garnish

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Dip each donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off. For a finishing touch, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top to add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Cheesecake Donuts

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until just combined to keep donuts light and fluffy, avoiding tough textures.
• Perfect Filling Technique: Use a small round piping tip to create clean, precise holes when injecting cheesecake filling, ensuring even distribution.
• Temperature Control: Allow donuts to cool completely before filling to prevent cream cheese mixture from melting and losing its creamy consistency.
• Glaze Consistency Hack: Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually, aiming for a smooth, easily dippable texture that clings to donuts.
• Crumb Topping Trick: Crush graham crackers finely and sprinkle immediately after glazing for maximum adhesion and crunch.

Variation Ideas for Cheesecake Donuts

• Gluten-Free Cheesecake Donuts: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains a soft, tender texture.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Version: Swap dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use plant-based milk and egg replacer to create a completely dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Cheesecake Donuts: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.
• Berry Swirl Cheesecake Donuts: Incorporate raspberry or strawberry puree into the cheesecake filling for a fruity burst of flavor and vibrant color accent.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesecake Donuts

• Pair Perfect Beverage Refreshment: Creamy cold milk balances the rich, sweet cheesecake donuts with a smooth, cool contrast that cleanses the palate and complements the dessert's decadent texture.
• Enhance Flavor Companion: Freshly brewed black coffee brings out the subtle vanilla notes in the donuts, cutting through the sweetness and providing a robust counterpoint to the creamy filling.
• Citrus Zest Complement: Chilled lemon-infused iced tea offers a bright, tangy backdrop that highlights the donuts' creamy lemon undertones and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Festive Dessert Pairing: Sparkling moscato wine adds a light, sweet effervescence that dances alongside the cheesecake donuts, creating a celebratory and indulgent dessert experience.

Storage Tips for Cheesecake Donuts

• Store donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Place donuts on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture without drying them out.
• Warm donuts for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough and chewy.

FAQs for Cheesecake Donuts

• How do I know if my donuts are fully baked?

When donuts spring back lightly when touched and have a golden color around the edges, they’re done. Inserting a toothpick in the center should come out clean without wet batter.

• Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Substituting with whole wheat or gluten-free flour might change the texture and require additional adjustments to the recipe.

• What if I don't have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin as an alternative. The shape will be different, but the taste will remain similar. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full and adjust baking time slightly.

Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet and sinful Cheesecake Donuts bring New York bakery magic right into home kitchens with rich cream cheese filling and golden-fried perfection. Crisp exterior and creamy interior promise delightful indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Donuts:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• Graham cracker crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a donut pan with non-stick spray.
2. Create a dry mixture by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
3. In a separate container, blend milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
4. Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth batter texture.
5. Carefully distribute batter into donut pan cavities, filling approximately three-quarters full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and donuts demonstrate a springy resilience when lightly pressed.
6. Allow donuts to cool completely on a wire rack while preparing the cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional lemon juice until achieving a luxurious, creamy texture.
7. Using a piping bag with a small round tip, delicately puncture each cooled donut and inject cheesecake filling until slightly protruding.
8. Create a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Dunk each donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then garnish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Precision is key when measuring ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and rise of donuts.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for smoother, more consistent mixing.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense donuts – stop stirring as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Pipe filling slowly and carefully to prevent donuts from splitting or overfilling.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly donuts.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount by 25% for a less sweet version.
• Cooling donuts completely prevents soggy texture and helps filling set properly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 204 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg