Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donuts: A Decadent Treat for Every Occasion

If you’ve ever wished you could combine the best of donuts and cheesecake into one indulgent treat, your wish has come true. These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donuts are soft, fluffy, and baked to golden perfection, filled with creamy peanut butter cheesecake, and finished with a sweet glaze and optional chopped peanuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special treat during gatherings, these donuts are a show-stopping delight.

With a little preparation and patience, these donuts transform from simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy dessert you can enjoy at home. Here’s everything you need to know to make them perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love These Donuts

• Decadent filling: Each donut is filled with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake center that is rich, smooth, and slightly tangy.
• Soft and fluffy texture: Baking rather than frying ensures a light and airy interior with just enough golden crust.
• Customizable toppings: Glaze, chopped peanuts, and peanut butter drizzle add flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
• Perfect for any occasion: These donuts are a hit for holiday celebrations, weekend brunches, or simply treating yourself.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Melted peanut butter for drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures your dough rises properly and develops a light, airy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry mix. Knead the dough by hand for about 8 minutes or 5 minutes with a stand mixer until it is smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/3-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut donuts and holes. Arrange the cut donuts on a baking sheet and allow them to rest for 20 minutes to rise again slightly.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the donuts for 10–12 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. Let them cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

Beat together softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If necessary, thin slightly with heavy cream or milk to achieve a pipe-able consistency.

Step 6: Fill the Donuts

Once the donuts are cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with the peanut butter cheesecake mixture from the side or bottom.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 8: Add Toppings

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and drizzle with melted peanut butter if desired. Allow the glaze and filling to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother textures.
2. Do Not Skip Rising: Allowing the dough to rise properly results in light, fluffy donuts rather than dense, heavy ones.
3. Pipe Carefully: Use a small tip on your piping bag to prevent overfilling the donuts, which can cause leakage.
4. Serve Fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made for maximum freshness.

Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter: Mix cocoa powder into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Nut-Free: Omit peanuts and peanut butter and use almond or cashew butter instead.
• Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or filling for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Mini Donuts: Make smaller versions for bite-sized treats, adjusting baking time to 6–8 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for a soft, melty experience.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or chocolate milk.
• Arrange on a platter for brunch, holiday gatherings, or dessert tables.
• Add fresh fruit on the side for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 3 days but may lose some softness; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Donuts can be frozen unglazed and unfrosted for up to 1 month. Thaw and then fill and glaze before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Donut)

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Why These Donuts Stand Out

The magic of these donuts comes from the creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, which complements the soft, golden baked dough. The glaze adds sweetness and a shiny finish, while chopped peanuts or a peanut butter drizzle create a texture contrast. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for making at home without complicated frying methods.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donuts are a celebration of flavor, texture, and indulgence. With a creamy filling, soft dough, and customizable toppings, they are versatile enough for casual brunches, festive gatherings, or a luxurious dessert. Baking them at home allows you to enjoy fresh, warm donuts whenever the craving strikes.

From start to finish, these donuts are a fun project with a delicious payoff that’s sure to impress family and friends. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a staple recipe in your dessert rotation.

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