Dreamy Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

Lovable Heart Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

Sweet passion meets pure indulgence with these heart-shaped strawberry cheesecake donuts that melt in your mouth.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes the perfect canvas for a creamy, dreamy filling that captures romance in every bite.

Delicate strawberry notes dance through the rich cheesecake center, creating a dessert that feels like a love letter.

Unexpected and irresistible, these donuts blend classic bakery charm with modern whimsy.

Each heart-shaped treat promises a moment of pure bliss and culinary creativity.

You’ll find these donuts impossible to resist, transforming an ordinary day into something magical.

Prepare to fall in love with every single delectable bite.

Tools For Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

  • Heart-shaped donut pan: Essential for creating adorable heart-shaped donuts, or use a regular donut pan.
  • Large mixing bowls: Two separate bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.
  • Piping bag with small tip: Helps fill donuts neatly with strawberry cheesecake mixture.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows donuts to cool evenly and prevent sogginess.
  • Small knife: Optional tool for creating filling holes in donuts.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape bowls clean.

How To Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and give your heart-shaped donut pan a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these friends together until they’re well acquainted.

  • Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, dance together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whirl them until they’re perfectly blended.

  • Create Donut Batter

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the batter – think gentle stirring, not intense gym workout.

  • Bake the Donuts

Carefully spoon or pipe batter into your donut pan, filling each spot about three-quarters full. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and gorgeous.

  • Whip Up Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth. Fold in tiny strawberry pieces for bursts of fruity joy.

  • Fill and Glaze

Poke a small hole in each donut’s side and pipe in the strawberry cheesecake filling. Dunk donuts in a glossy glaze mixed with a touch of pink food coloring. Sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberries for extra pizzazz.

Tips To Nail Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

  • Baking Brilliance: Tips to elevate your strawberry cheesecake donuts to next-level deliciousness.
  • Pro Piping Technique: Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag with a thin tip for precise, mess-free filling that reaches every corner of the donut.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare donut batter and filling separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these donuts accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk for the glaze to accommodate dairy-free diets. For a lighter filling, substitute Greek yogurt or coconut cream to maintain creamy texture while reducing overall fat content.

Ways To Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

  • Sweet Romantic Plating: Arrange donuts on a delicate white porcelain plate with scattered fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
  • Decadent Dessert Date Night: Serve these heart-shaped treats alongside champagne or rosé wine, creating a perfect romantic dessert experience for couples celebrating a special occasion.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Display donuts on a beautiful tiered cake stand with fresh mint leaves and additional whole strawberries to create a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches or morning gatherings.
  • Interactive Dessert Station: Set up a DIY decorating area where guests can add their own sprinkles, drizzle extra glaze, or top with whipped cream, making the donuts a fun and engaging dessert experience.

Storage Guide For Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

  • Tasty Refrigeration Strategy: Store filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate strawberry flavor.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying to prevent soggy texture.
  • Filling Freshness Tip: Keep the strawberry cheesecake filling separate from donuts until serving time. Store filling in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum 2 days to prevent moisture from making donuts soft.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare donut batter and filling a day in advance. Store batter covered in the refrigerator and filling in a sealed container. Bake fresh the next day for optimal taste and texture, ensuring maximum flavor and softness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need For Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts

For Dry Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender, soft donut texture with perfect crumb structure.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden-brown caramelization.
  • Baking Powder: Provides crucial lift and airiness to the donuts.
  • Baking Soda: Helps balance acidity and promotes even browning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For Wet Binding Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes dough and adds subtle tangy richness.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structural stability.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth flavor and tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the donut base.
For Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy cheesecake-like filling with luxurious texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize filling.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural fruity burst and vibrant color.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Offers intense strawberry flavor and crunchy garnish.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
  • Food Coloring: Optional touch for festive, playful appearance.
  • Heart Sprinkles: Adds decorative, celebratory element to finished donuts.
Print
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Dreamy Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

Dreamy Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful heart-shaped strawberry cheesecake donuts combine creamy cheesecake filling with sweet strawberry glaze. These indulgent treats will charm dessert enthusiasts with their romantic presentation and irresistible flavor profile.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (75 g) fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups (150 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps milk or heavy cream
  • Pink or red food coloring (optional)
  • Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
  • Heart-shaped sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prep Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray heart-shaped donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Create Dry Mixture: Thoroughly blend flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Vigorously whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until completely integrated and smooth.
  4. Form Batter: Delicately incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, using minimal stirring to maintain a light, airy texture, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Fill Pan and Bake: Carefully pour batter into donut cavities, filling each about 3/4 full, then bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and a toothpick emerges clean.
  6. Cool and Prepare Filling: Remove donuts from pan after 5 minutes, transfer to wire rack, then whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth.
  7. Create Strawberry Filling: Gently fold finely chopped strawberries into cream cheese mixture, maintaining a delicate texture.
  8. Fill Donuts: Using a slim piping tip, create a small entry point and inject strawberry cheesecake filling evenly into each donut.
  9. Craft Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency, then add a touch of pink food coloring.
  10. Finish and Decorate: Dip each donut into glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately garnish with freeze-dried strawberry pieces or heart-shaped sprinkles.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to avoid dense, tough donuts, mixing just until ingredients combine for tender texture.
  • Precise Filling Technique: Fill donut pan cavities only 3/4 full to allow proper rising and prevent overflow during baking.
  • Temperature Control: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and more consistent mixing, especially with buttermilk and eggs.
  • Filling Distribution: Use a piping bag with a narrow tip and insert gently into donuts’ side, rotating slowly to ensure even strawberry cheesecake filling throughout.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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