These delightful “donuts” are a delicious combination of creamy cheesecake filling, tangy lemon curd, and buttery, crunchy sweetness. Perfect for anyone craving a unique dessert with a zesty twist, they are easy to prepare and will impress with their rich, decadent flavor and crisp outer layer.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls, such as King’s® Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, separated
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups cheesecake filling, such as Philadelphia® Cheesecake No Bake Filling
- 1/4 cup lemon curd
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush each roll with melted butter and place them in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the cheesecake filling, lemon curd, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Stir well.
- Add the mixture to a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag, making a small cut in one corner.
- Use a paring knife to make a small cut into the side of each roll, creating an opening large enough to pipe the filling inside. Fill each roll with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling and return them to the baking dish.
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, without stirring, until the sugar turns lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set a rack over it. Carefully dip the top of each roll into the sugar mixture, then place it right-side-up on the rack.
- Grate the remaining lemon zest over the rolls. Let them stand for 10 to 15 minutes until the sugar hardens and cools. If the sugar mixture thickens too much, return it to low heat and stir until it melts again.
Nutritional Information:
Nutritional details are not provided in the recipe, so it’s advisable to check with the brand ingredients used for more precise values. However, these donuts will contain substantial amounts of sugar and fats due to the butter, cheesecake filling, and sugar glaze. Enjoy in moderation!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 277
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 4g
The Ingredients: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Tangy, and Buttery
At the heart of this recipe are Hawaiian rolls, known for their soft, pillowy texture and light sweetness. These rolls form the perfect base for the dessert, providing a delicate bite that complements the richer components of the filling and glaze. Their sweetness is subtly enhanced with the addition of butter, which is brushed on the rolls before baking to give them a delicious golden crust, evoking the crispness of a fried donut.
The creamy, dreamy filling is made from cheesecake filling, which can be easily found in stores, such as Philadelphia® No-Bake Cheesecake Filling. This filling is rich and indulgent, yet not too heavy, offering the perfect base for the lemon curd that brings a delightful tanginess to the dessert. The lemon curd, with its tart citrus notes, contrasts beautifully with the smooth sweetness of the cheesecake filling, giving the “donuts” a bright, fresh twist that makes them so irresistible. A hint of lemon zest further elevates the citrus flavor, infusing every bite with a refreshing zing.
To finish off the treat, the sugar glaze is made by simmering sugar and water together to create a glossy, caramelized finish that adds sweetness and crunch to the outside of the rolls. The glaze is carefully drizzled over the top of the filled rolls, creating a final, crispy layer that beautifully contrasts with the soft, creamy interior.
Transforming Hawaiian Rolls into Decadent “Donuts”
What makes these Zesty Lemon Cheesecake “Donuts” so unique is the way the humble Hawaiian rolls are transformed into something extraordinary. Hawaiian rolls are known for their soft, slightly sweet flavor, which serves as an excellent vessel for the rich cheesecake filling and tangy lemon curd. By brushing them with melted butter and toasting them in the oven, the rolls take on a golden, slightly crispy texture that mimics the crunch of a fried donut.
The process of filling each roll with the cheesecake mixture is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. As the rolls bake and crisp up on the outside, the soft, airy interior remains perfect for holding the creamy cheesecake filling. The filling, made with smooth, store-bought cheesecake filling and lemon curd, is piped into each roll using a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off. This method ensures that each roll is filled evenly and generously, giving every bite a delicious burst of creamy goodness.
The Sugar Glaze: A Sweet, Crispy Finish
The final touch on these cheesecake-filled “donuts” is the sugar glaze. By simmering sugar and water together and allowing it to turn into a golden brown syrup, you create a glossy glaze that coats the top of each roll. The glaze hardens slightly once it cools, adding a satisfying crunch and sweetness to each bite.
This glaze serves several purposes. First, it adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake filling. Second, it helps to hold the rolls together and gives them a lovely, shiny appearance. Lastly, the sugary crunch of the glaze contrasts perfectly with the soft, pillowy interior, making each bite a delightful experience of flavors and textures.
Customizing the Recipe: Variations to Suit Your Taste
One of the wonderful aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While the combination of lemon curd and cheesecake filling creates a wonderful balance of tangy and creamy flavors, there are many ways you can customize the filling to suit your taste preferences.
For example, if you prefer a more classic cheesecake flavor without the tang of lemon, you could replace the lemon curd with a fruit preserve or jam of your choice. Raspberry or strawberry jam would pair beautifully with the rich cheesecake filling, offering a sweet and slightly tart contrast.
For those who enjoy a more decadent twist, you could add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the rolls after the sugar glaze has set. The richness of the chocolate would complement the creamy cheesecake filling and provide a delightful contrast to the tartness of the lemon.
Alternatively, you could experiment with different citrus fruits to replace the lemon. A lime curd or orange marmalade would provide a similar balance of sweetness and tanginess, but with a unique flavor profile that could suit different occasions.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Any Occasion
These Zesty Lemon Cheesecake “Donuts” are perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, as a dessert at a family dinner, or at a summer gathering, they’re sure to impress with their gorgeous presentation and delicious flavor.
They also make a fun addition to holiday celebrations or special events like Easter or Mother’s Day. Because they’re easy to prepare in advance and require just a few simple ingredients, they’re an excellent choice for those looking for a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t require hours of preparation.
Conclusion: A Unique and Irresistible Treat
These Zesty Lemon Cheesecake “Donuts” are a perfect example of how simple ingredients and a little creativity can come together to create an unforgettable dessert. With their crispy, buttery exterior, creamy cheesecake filling, tangy lemon curd, and sweet, crunchy glaze, these rolls offer an indulgent yet refreshing treat that will delight both kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re craving something sweet to end a meal or looking for a unique dessert to wow your guests, these cheesecake “donuts” are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Easy to prepare yet impressively decadent, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.