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Tender, pillowy donut holes filled with silky strawberry cheesecake create the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. These baked beauties deliver all the satisfaction of traditional donuts while keeping the calorie count surprisingly low at just 52 calories each. The secret lies in the baking method, which creates an incredibly light texture without the need for deep frying.
After discovering this recipe during my weight loss journey, these donut holes became my favorite way to enjoy a treat while staying on track. My children now prefer these to store-bought donuts, especially when they're still slightly warm with the filling oozing out.
Building Your Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Creates tender, delicate donut holes with a light structure. Spoon flour gently into measuring cups and level with a knife for accuracy.
- Baking powder: Must be fresh for optimal rise. Its double-acting formula ensures beautiful puffing during mixing and baking.
- Baking soda: Reacts with Greek yogurt's acidity for extra lift and tenderness, contributing to the golden color.
- Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
- Granulated sugar: Dissolves seamlessly into the batter, providing delicate texture and balanced sweetness.
- Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and subtle tanginess while keeping fat content minimal.
- Whole milk: Ensures the perfect batter consistency, though lower-fat alternatives work well.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes richness; melting and cooling slightly ensures even distribution.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs incorporate smoothly.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes throughout.
Creating Your Masterpiece
- Mixing Magic:
- Whisk dry ingredients until fully combined, ensuring even distribution. In a separate bowl, blend wet ingredients until smooth and uniform. Gently fold dry into wet, preserving air bubbles for a light, fluffy texture.
- Temperature Perfection:
- Preheat oven to exactly 350°F with an oven thermometer to guarantee accuracy. Position rack in the center of the oven for the most even heat distribution.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Center:
- Beat softened cream cheese until silky smooth before adding powdered sugar and strawberry jam. Taste as you go to perfect the balance of sweetness and tang.
Crafting Perfect Centers
Insert a piping tip at a 45-degree angle for optimal filling distribution. Apply gentle, steady pressure while slowly withdrawing the tip, ensuring every bite contains a perfect burst of creamy strawberry cheesecake filling.
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Final Touches
Roll warm donut holes in powdered sugar immediately after baking to ensure perfect adhesion. For extra indulgence, repeat the rolling process just before serving.
Perfecting Your Presentation
Present these baked delights on a decorative platter with fresh strawberries and mint for a beautiful contrast. Serve with warm chocolate ganache or strawberry coulis for dipping. For a brunch-style approach, pair with a vanilla bean latte or berry smoothie.
Sweet Variations
Experiment by adding lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist, or swirl in raspberry jam for a mixed-berry version. For a chocolate indulgence, coat the finished donuts in melted dark chocolate before rolling in crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
Keeping Your Donuts Fresh
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore the fresh-from-the-oven texture.
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These Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes have become my signature contribution to family brunches and holiday gatherings. Watching the delight on everyone's faces as they bite into these pillowy treats makes all the careful preparation worthwhile. Whether served fresh from the oven or gently reheated, they never fail to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
- Yes, any type of milk works fine - regular, low-fat, or plant-based alternatives all give good results.
- → Do these need to be stored in the fridge?
- Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Make the donut holes up to a day ahead, but fill them just before serving for the best texture.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
- They should be lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- → What's the best way to freeze these?
- Freeze unfilled donut holes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.