Craving the sweet, indulgent flavors of strawberry cheesecake but want to stay within your low-carb or ketogenic diet? Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are here to satisfy your cravings without the carb overload. These bite-sized treats combine a moist almond flour donut base, a creamy sugar-free cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry glaze for a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, these donut holes are as satisfying as they are easy to make.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making these keto-friendly creations, discuss their nutritional benefits, and provide tips for customization to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the world of guilt-free baking!
Why Choose Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes?
Traditional donuts and cheesecakes often rely on refined sugar, high-carb flours, and sugary toppings, making them incompatible with a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. By using almond flour, sugar substitutes, and fresh strawberries, you can enjoy all the rich, fruity goodness while staying within your dietary goals. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Benefits of Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes:
- Low in Carbs: Uses almond flour and sugar substitutes instead of wheat flour and refined sugar.
- High in Healthy Fats: Packed with fats from almond flour, cream cheese, and eggs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Captures the essence of strawberry cheesecake in a portable, bite-sized form.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your sweetness or flavor preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute treats.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes , let’s break down the key components:
1. Donut Base
The foundation provides structure and texture:
- Almond Flour: Adds richness and keeps the donut holes gluten-free and low-carb.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: Adds richness and enhances texture.
- Sugar Substitute: Erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia replaces traditional sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Baking Powder: Provides lift without compromising density.
2. Cheesecake Filling
This adds indulgence and creaminess:
- Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base.
- Powdered Erythritol: Sweetens the filling without adding carbs.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Optional: Add finely chopped strawberries for extra fruitiness.
3. Strawberry Glaze
This adds flair and extra indulgence:
- Fresh Strawberries: Pureed and sweetened for a vibrant, fruity finish.
- Powdered Erythritol: Balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Optional: A splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to creating Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes that will leave you craving more.
Servings: 12-15 donut holes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the donut base:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp finely chopped strawberries
- For the strawberry glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with silicone liners.
- Prepare the Donut Base:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered erythritol, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Form the Donut Holes:
- Divide the dough evenly among the mini muffin cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form a cup shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Optional: Stir in finely chopped strawberries for extra fruitiness.
- Assemble the Donut Holes:
- Spoon or pipe a small amount of cheesecake filling into each baked donut hole cup.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the filling.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, heat the pureed strawberries and powdered erythritol over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Optional: Stir in lemon juice for brightness.
- Let the glaze cool slightly before using.
- Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the strawberry glaze over the chilled donut holes.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy the sweet, fruity goodness!
Nutritional Information
Per donut hole (based on 15 servings):
- Calories: ~80-100
- Total Carbs: ~4g (Net Carbs: ~2g)
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~7g
- Fiber: ~2g
This makes Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes a satisfying, low-carb treat that fits perfectly within a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality almond flour and fresh strawberries ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Prevent Sticking: Grease the muffin tin well or use silicone liners for easy removal.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cheesecake filling and glaze before assembling and adjust the sweetener to your preference.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your liking:
- Swap Fruits: Use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for variety.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a dash of almond extract or cinnamon for extra depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a plant-based option.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes are the ultimate solution for enjoying a sweet, fruity treat without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. With their moist donut base, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant strawberry glaze, these donut holes satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, this recipe delivers big flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, feeding your family, or simply craving a comforting treat, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. Plus, its adaptability ensures that everyone—regardless of dietary preferences—can enjoy a serving.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your creativity, and get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Trust us—once you try these Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes, you’ll never miss the carb-heavy originals!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes: A Keto & Low-Carb Friendly Delight
- Total Time: 27 mins
Description
Sweet, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor — these bite-sized donut holes combine the best of cheesecake and fresh berries in a low-carb treat that’s perfect for snacking or gifting!
Ingredients
For the Base (Almond Flour Dough):
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
¼ tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
2 tbsp heavy cream or full-fat canned coconut cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional: ¼ tsp cinnamon for extra warmth
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
4 oz cream cheese , softened
2 tbsp full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp powdered sweetener (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp mashed fresh strawberries (or unsweetened strawberry puree)
¼ tsp lemon zest or juice (to balance sweetness)
Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):
¼ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp almond milk or water
Optional Toppings:
Crushed strawberries
Whipped cream
Powdered sweetener dusting
Sprinkle of poppy seeds or crushed nuts
FOR KETO VERSION:
Use unsweetened almond flour dough and ensure your strawberries are low-sugar or use a keto strawberry jam . For vegan option, use nut-based cream cheese and flax egg .
Instructions
Make the Dough:
In a bowl, mix almond flour , powdered sweetener , baking soda , and salt .
Add melted oil , heavy cream , and vanilla . Stir until a thick dough forms.
Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up (optional but recommended).
Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add Greek yogurt , powdered sweetener , mashed strawberries , lemon zest , and salt . Mix well until thick and combined.
Chill slightly before using as filling.
Assemble:
Scoop small balls of dough and flatten into rounds.
Press a small indentation into each round and fill with a dollop of strawberry cheesecake mixture .
Fold over and roll into donut hole shapes .
Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Optional Chocolate Drizzle:
Melt dark chocolate chips , coconut oil , and almond milk together until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled donut holes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 donut holes
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 6g