Treat yourself to the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity with these Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts with Crunch. These delightful donuts are baked, making them a slightly lighter option than fried donuts, but just as delicious. A soft, fluffy donut base is topped with a rich, tangy cheesecake glaze, a sprinkle of graham cracker crunch, and fresh strawberries, capturing the essence of a classic strawberry cheesecake in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. The Perfect Combination of Flavors

These donuts bring together the best of strawberry, cheesecake, and graham cracker crunch, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and unique.

2. Baked, Not Fried

Unlike traditional donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter option without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor or texture.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

In just a few simple steps, you can have fresh, homemade strawberry cheesecake donuts ready to serve, perfect for busy mornings or weekend treats.

4. Customizable Toppings

Feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking—add more strawberries, use a different berry, or add extra graham cracker crumbs for that crunch.

5. Perfect for a Crowd

These donuts are a great way to impress guests at brunch or a family gathering. With their irresistible flavor and easy-to-eat size, they’re sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Egg
Vanilla extract
Chopped strawberries
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Graham cracker crumbs

Variations

Berry Bliss: Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to create a different fruity flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cream cheese topping before adding the graham cracker crunch.
Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese glaze for a citrusy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based milk and egg replacer to make these donuts dairy and egg-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Step 2: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the donuts cool, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

Once the donuts have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese glaze on top of each donut. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the glaze, pressing gently to help them stick. Add extra chopped strawberries on top for an added burst of fruit.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the donuts set for a few minutes before serving, allowing the glaze to firm up slightly. Serve these strawberry cheesecake donuts fresh and enjoy every bite of their sweet, tangy, and crunchy goodness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated to avoid dense donuts.
Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries, and chop them into small pieces for even distribution throughout the donuts.
Check Donuts Early: Since oven temperatures vary, check the donuts a minute or two before the recommended bake time to ensure they don’t overbake.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just add the cream cheese glaze and toppings right before serving.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts with Crunch are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a light and refreshing complement. These donuts can also be served as part of a larger spread at a gathering or party, making them a great crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep their flavor for a short time.

Freezing

To freeze, place the donuts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze and toppings.

Reheating

If you prefer your donuts warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before adding the glaze and crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make donut holes, but the shape will be different. Just make sure to adjust the baking time.

2. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.

3. How can I make these donuts dairy-free?

To make the donuts dairy-free, use a dairy-free milk substitute (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended, but frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.

5. Can I make the cream cheese glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

6. How long do the donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed within 2 days, but they can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

7. Can I add other toppings besides graham cracker crumbs?

Absolutely! You can add other toppings like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra flavor.

8. Can I make these donuts without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg replacer or substitute with mashed bananas or applesauce for an egg-free version.

9. Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, these donuts freeze well. Simply freeze them without the glaze and toppings, and add them when you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I use whipped cream instead of the glaze?

You can use whipped cream as a topping, but the cream cheese glaze provides a richer, cheesecake-like flavor that’s integral to this recipe.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts with Crunch are a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of strawberry cheesecake with the fun, comforting texture of a donut. Baked rather than fried, these donuts are light yet indulgent and are perfect for any occasion. With a creamy glaze, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy graham cracker topping, they’re sure to become a favorite in your breakfast or dessert rotation.