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Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Donut

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These caramel pecan cheesecake donuts are a rich and indulgent treat, featuring fluffy yeast donuts filled with creamy cheesecake, topped with luscious caramel sauce and toasted pecans. A decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or sweet cravings.

Ingredients

  • For the Yeast Donuts:
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup warm water (110°F)
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or more, for desired consistency)
  • For the Caramel Topping:
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, salt, and egg. Stir in activated yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms. Add softened butter and knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Roll dough out to ½ inch thick and cut into rounds. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  6. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
  7. For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Pipe cheesecake filling into each cooled donut using a piping bag with a filling tip.
  9. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with toasted pecans.

Notes

  • Donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Use store-bought plain donuts as a shortcut.
  • For a twist, use salted caramel or add cinnamon to the filling.
  • Freeze unfrosted, unfilled donuts and fill later for better texture.
  • Toast pecans at 350°F for 6–8 minutes to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/caramel-pecan-cheesecake-donut/