1. Make the Donuts:
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter should be thick and sticky.
- Cook Donuts: Heat a donut pan over medium heat and lightly grease it. Spoon the batter into the donut molds, filling them about three-quarters full. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until lightly golden and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven.
- Cool: Remove the donuts from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack.
2. Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- Blend Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Fill Donuts: Once the donuts are cool, use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip to inject each donut with the strawberry cheesecake filling.
3. Make the Glaze:
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the top of each filled donut into the glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Add Strawberries: Top each donut with fresh strawberry slices.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Donuts:
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure the donuts remain light and fluffy.
- Consistency of Filling: Adjust the thickness of the strawberry cheesecake filling by adding more or less strawberry puree to achieve the desired consistency.
- Filling the Donuts: Be gentle when filling the donuts to avoid splitting the pastry.
Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat during tea time. Enjoy crafting these delightful pastries that are sure to impress anyone who tries them!