Description
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are a delightful fusion of fruity sweetness and creamy decadence. These soft, baked donuts combine the luscious flavor of strawberries with the richness of cheesecake, creating a perfectly balanced treat. Shaped like hearts, they make an ideal dessert for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to spread a little love. With their light texture and smooth glaze, these donuts are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a subtle tang, giving these donuts a cheesecake-like flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Provide a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making these donuts taste as good as they look.
- Melted Butter: Keeps the donuts soft and moist while enhancing their flavor.
- Strawberry Glaze: Made with real strawberries, this glaze adds a sweet and tangy finishing touch.
Instructions
Prepare the Donut Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a heart-shaped donut pan or use a silicone mold for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Sugar and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and airy.
- Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Shape and Bake the Donuts:
- Fill the Donut Molds: Spoon the batter into the prepared heart-shaped donut molds, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- Blend the Strawberries: Puree fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Mix the Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack until the glaze sets.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g