Irresistibly Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts Recipe to Try Today

Decadent and dreamy, these lemon cheesecake doughnuts blend tangy brightness with creamy indulgence.

Light-as-air pastry meets zesty citrus in a delightful fusion that dances across your taste buds.

Each golden-brown treat promises a burst of sunshine with its velvety cheesecake filling.

Homemade doughnuts often seem complicated, but this recipe simplifies the process with straightforward techniques.

Sweet and tart notes weave together, creating a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Rich cream cheese and bright lemon create a harmonious balance that elevates the humble doughnut.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible treats that are perfect for weekend brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, cover it and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before frying.

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Dissolve yeast in warm milk. If it becomes foamy and bubbly after 5-10 minutes, it’s good to use. If not, the yeast is likely dead and you’ll need fresh yeast.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, the milk is warm (not hot), and the environment is draft-free. A temperature around 80-90°F helps yeast activate and rise correctly.

Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts That Are Extra Tangy

• Simplify Dessert Making: No oven needed, just mix, layer, and chill for a stress-free sweet treat that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pudding, crisp graham crackers, and rich chocolate frosting create a nostalgic dessert that brings smiles to family and friends.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Enjoyment: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake a go-to option for busy home cooks craving a delightful dessert without complex techniques.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or casual gatherings, this no-bake cake adapts to any occasion with its universal appeal and crowd-pleasing flavors.

What Goes in Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Milk: A liquid that helps activate the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
• Yeast: A living organism that helps the dough rise and creates a soft, fluffy texture.
• Flour: The main structural component that gives the doughnuts their shape and consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the doughnut.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
• Butter: Provides flavor and helps create a tender texture.

• Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake filling that gives a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Icing Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang to the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense lemon flavor and aromatic notes.
• Lemon Curd: Enhances the lemon flavor and adds a silky texture.

• Granulated Sugar, Fresh Mint, Lemon Slice: Add a finishing touch of sweetness, freshness, and visual appeal to the doughnuts.

Baking Steps for Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts

Step 1: Kickstart the Dough

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Softened butter

Knead the mixture with passion until it transforms into a silky, elastic dough.

Let the dough rest and rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Shape Doughnut Delights

Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into small, adorable balls.

Place them on a lightly floured surface and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Sizzle and Golden Fry

Heat your oil in a deep pot or fryer until it reaches a perfect 350°F.

Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove and immediately roll them in granulated sugar while they’re still steaming hot.

Step 4: Whip Up Lemony Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Tangy lemon curd

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Stuff with Creamy Goodness

Once the doughnuts have cooled, grab a piping bag and generously fill each doughnut with the luscious cheesecake mixture.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Crown each filled doughnut with a delicate lemon slice and a playful sprig of fresh mint. These little garnishes will make your doughnuts look like edible works of art.

Devour and enjoy your spectacular lemon cheesecake doughnuts!

Tips for Fluffy Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, creating soft and fluffy doughnut texture.
• Maintain oil at 350-375°F for even golden-brown frying without absorbing excess grease or burning exterior.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and strain lemon zest for ultra-smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Let doughnuts cool completely before filling to prevent soggy texture and ensure clean, precise piping.
• Add extra lemon zest directly into dough for subtle citrus undertone throughout the entire doughnut.

New Fillings for Cheesecake Doughnut Recipes

• Gluten-Free Citrus Rings: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, using xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
• Dairy-Free Zesty Treats: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use plant-based milk for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining the bright lemon flavor.
• Orange Cream Doughnuts: Substitute lemon juice and zest with orange components, creating a different citrusy profile while keeping the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Vegan Lemon Pillows: Use aquafaba instead of eggs, plant-based butter, and cashew cream cheese alternative to craft a completely plant-based doughnut experience.

Sips to Enjoy With Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Pair Citrusy White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complement the lemon's bright zesty notes, cutting through the rich cheesecake filling and enhancing the dessert's tangy profile.
• Brew Herbal Tea Contrast: Chamomile or mint tea provide a soothing counterpoint to the doughnut's sweetness, creating a delicate flavor balance that refreshes the palate after each rich bite.
• Match Light Sparkling Dessert: Moscato d'Asti or prosecco offer gentle bubbles and subtle sweetness that dance perfectly with the lemon cheesecake doughnut's creamy texture and citrus undertones.

Best Storage for Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Store filled doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual doughnuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and taste.
• Gently warm doughnuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• Transfer frozen doughnuts to the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent lemon cheesecake doughnuts merge zesty citrus with creamy cheesecake in a delightful pastry experience. Sweet, tangy notes dance across your palate, promising pure culinary bliss that satisfies dessert cravings with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter

Dough Activation:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frying and Cooking:

• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon curd

Decoration:

• 2–3 lemon slices
• 2–3 fresh mint leaves

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by warming milk to 110°F, then mix with flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter to create a elastic dough.
2. Knead the dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and silky, then allow it to rest and rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until volume doubles.
3. Punch down the risen dough and carefully shape into uniform, small rounded portions using gentle hand movements.
4. Prepare a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil heated to 350°F, ensuring consistent temperature for even cooking.
5. Carefully lower dough balls into hot oil, frying until they transform into golden-brown, puffy delights, rotating occasionally for uniform coloration.
6. Immediately transfer fried doughnuts onto paper towels to absorb excess oil, then roll them while warm in granulated sugar for a delicate sweet coating.
7. Craft the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar, incorporating bright lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and rich lemon curd until achieving a smooth, luxurious texture.
8. Once doughnuts completely cool, utilize a piping bag with a narrow tip to inject the tangy cheesecake mixture into each pastry’s center.
9. Garnish each filled doughnut with a delicate lemon slice and vibrant mint sprig, creating an elegant and refreshing presentation.
10. Serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and enjoy the harmonious blend of citrusy and sweet flavors.

Notes

• Ensure yeast is fresh and active by proofing in warm milk before adding other ingredients to guarantee perfect dough rise.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and consistent dough texture, preventing lumpy or uneven doughnuts.
• Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without absorbing excess oil.
• Replace lemon with other citrus like orange or lime for flavor variations, making the recipe adaptable to different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg