These 52-calorie strawberry cheesecake donut holes needed to come forth and enter the world to make it up to you with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching.
No, it’s not like I’m putting on 20 pounds simply by staring at them. uh-uh. Thank me later; they’re secure, low in calories and fat, suitable for weight watchers, etc.
You’re all undoubtedly wondering, “What’s wrong with Karina?” because she’s been posting so many savory dishes recently.
What became of dessert? What happened to Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes, or more particularly, cookies and donuts? What is happening here?
Donuts with a sweet, sweet strawberry and creamy cheesecake filling are soft, pillowy, and fluffy.
The challenge is genuine when half of the world’s population, including myself, is dieting.
We are hanging on to those New Year’s resolutions like it’s our last breath because THIS IS THE YEAR WE WILL FINALLY COMMIT A MILLION — OK, maybe like 80% — AND STAY WITH IT. Right? * Ahem.
February is our month to start over if we only gave it our best effort in January. You’re on my level if you’re laughing. I understand. I am this. offering you goodies like these to help you stick to your resolutions.
The issue arises whenever I begin eating in any way that is “different” (I’m not going to say clean, low carb, or low fat). My kids will complain about the recipes (I prefer to think of it as “finding the balance between food and sanity”).
Do not make another black bean brownie, please. We pledge to uphold our word. OK, young ones. Settle down.
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes (Pinterest)What accounts for the doughnut holes?
Making these was necessary for the sanity of our family as well as for you and me. It’s almost like a “less calorie version” of those Nutella Churro Donut Holes, but these are incredibly simple to prepare.
These can be made in two different methods. utilizing either a cake pop pan OR a 24-hole mini muffin tin.
If you have a cake pop maker, you could also use it, but you would only get about 18 to 19 cake pops because they are bigger than mini muffins.
One thing to remember if you decide to make these is that you don’t have to brush them with melted butter before coating them in sugar.
When I did so, the sugar eventually clumped together and began to separate from the donuts. fewer calories to be concerned about HURRAYYY!
Simply bake them, instantly coat them in your preferred sugar, fill them with creamy cheesecake filling combined with strawberry jam (or American jelly), or even top them with strawberries if you’d prefer, and savor them guilt-free! I either use a small frosting tube from a cheap $2 shop or a $1 store, but a small disposable piping bag with a narrow tip also works with them.
If you don’t feel comfortable handling an entire tray (I understand), these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes can also be frozen.
Thaw them out when you’re ready to eat them. Use the microwave to warm up however many you require.
These Strawberry Cheesecake Crepes OR Strawberry Jelly Donut Pancakes are also great options if you’re looking for something similar to spoil that special someone on Valentine’s Day.
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes (Pinterest)INGREDIENTS
Donut Holes:
- 1 cup self-raising flour (or plain/all-purpose flour/s)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (white, raw, or coconut sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- (1/2 teaspoon baking soda if using plain or all-purpose flour/s)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola or melted coconut oil)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat/skim milk)
- 1/4 cup sugar (or mild-tasting sweetener) for coating
Filling:
- 1/3 cup (70g | 2 12 oz) reduced-fat cream cheese (block or spreadable)
- 2 tablespoons powdered (icing) sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or jelly (or topping if you prefer)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Set the oven to 176 C or 350 F. Apply cooking oil spray to a 24-count mini muffin tray, remove excess with paper towels, and set the pan aside. Use a cake pop maker or a cake pop tray as an alternative.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients in a big bowl. The oil, egg, vanilla, and milk are placed in the center after creating a well. The batter must be thoroughly smooth and lump-free.
- Fill each muffin hole with the batter, about 2 teaspoons at a time, until it is 3/4 full. A toothpick put into the center of a donut should come out clean after baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are brown. Give them 5 minutes to cool. Gently roll each donut hole into the sugar while they are still warm to ensure a uniform coating.
- Make the cheesecake filling while the donuts are baking. The sugar and cream cheese should be combined in a small bowl. Beat until blended and smooth. Incorporate the strawberry jam, jelly, or topping slowly to create an almost marbling or swirling appearance (if using jam, make sure any bigger fruit pieces are removed before using, or they will get jammed in the nozzle).
- Each donut should be filled with strawberry cheesecake until it puffs up and expands using a narrow nozzle and a piping bag filled with cheesecake filling (not too much or the donuts will overflow).