Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lemon Cheesecake Donuts Recipe

Lemon Cheesecake Donuts Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Zesty lemon cheesecake creme brulee donuts bring a delightful twist to your dessert game, combining creamy textures with tangy brightness. Grab your whisk and prepare to dazzle friends with this irresistible treat that blends classic flavors into one seriously delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Donuts and Filling:

  • 1 package Hawaiian rolls
  • 1 ½ cups cheesecake filling
  • ¼ cup lemon curd
  • 1 lemon

Topping and Caramelization:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup water

Preparation:

  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Warm your oven to precisely 350°F and gather your muffin tin. Slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally, creating two gentle halves that will form delicate donut shells.
  2. Brush every roll half thoroughly with 4 tablespoons melted butter, ensuring complete coverage. Press each buttered half carefully into muffin tin cups, molding them into rounded shapes.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, blend 1 ½ cups cheesecake filling with ¼ cup lemon curd and freshly grated lemon zest until your mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  4. Carefully spoon the lemon-cheesecake mixture into each prepared roll half, filling them generously but avoiding overflow.
  5. Create your caramel topping by combining 1 cup sugar and ⅓ cup water in a saucepan. Heat over medium flame, watching closely until the sugar dissolves and transforms into a golden caramel.
  6. Drizzle the hot caramel evenly across your filled donuts, creating a glossy, amber-toned surface. Use a kitchen torch to lightly brûlée the caramel until it develops a crisp, glassy finish.

Notes

  • Ensure Hawaiian rolls are fresh and soft for the best texture and easy shaping in the muffin tin.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends easily with lemon curd.
  • When caramelizing sugar, watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown color.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls or make your own almond flour-based rolls.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Donuts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 243 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 141 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 24 mg