Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- My Favorite Fried Dough Treats
- The Perfect Party Dessert
- Tips for the Best Fried Pies
- Creating a Fun Dessert at Home
- Quick and Easy Dinner Inspiration
- Recipe: Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Pies
- Notes and Tips
Key Takeaways
This easy donut recipe fried transforms simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, cream cheese, and jam into an extraordinary dessert. It’s incredibly fun to make, yields perfect handheld pies with a crispy shell and a gooey, sweet center, and is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Follow the simple tips for sealing and frying, and you’ll master this impressive treat in no time. This is also fantastic as a sweet treat following one of our quick and easy dinner recipes for a complete, memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there, it’s Patricia from Patricia Universe! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s part fun project, part indulgent masterpiece, you’ve found it. This easy donut recipe fried is the ultimate way to satisfy a sweet craving. The magic lies in its simplicity and the incredible contrast of textures and flavors. There’s something truly special about a warm, crispy, golden-brown pocket that gives way to a luscious, creamy, and fruity filling. It’s a recipe that feels celebratory but is surprisingly straightforward, making it the perfect treat for everything from a cozy family night to a lively party.

My Favorite Fried Dough Treats
I have a serious soft spot for anything involving fried dough. From classic carnival funnel cakes to delicate beignets, the comfort they bring is unmatched. This particular fried dough creation holds a special place in my heart because it cleverly combines that beloved crispy exterior with the rich, familiar flavors of cheesecake. It’s a nostalgic nod to the fried pies you might find at a state fair, but with a sophisticated and creamy twist that elevates it to something truly special. It’s one of those quick recipes that delivers maximum “wow” factor with minimal fuss.

The Perfect Party Dessert
When it comes to entertaining, I always aim for dishes that are not only delicious but also interactive and visually impressive. These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake pies check every box. They are the ultimate easy dessert to serve a crowd. Guests love the individual portions, and the sight of these golden, sugar-dusted pies arranged on a platter is irresistible. They’re fantastic for game day gatherings, birthday parties, or as a sweet finale to a holiday meal. This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen to create a memorable and decadent party dessert.

Tips for the Best Fried Pies
To ensure your easy fried dessert turns out perfectly every time, a few simple tricks make all the difference. First, don’t overfill your dough circles—a tablespoon of cream cheese filling and a teaspoon of jam is the sweet spot to prevent messy leaks in the hot oil. Second, seal the edges very well, using a fork to crimp them tightly. This is the most important step for a successful pie. Finally, keep a close eye on your oil temperature. A steady 350°F (175°C) is key; if it’s too low, the pies soak up oil and become greasy, and if it’s too high, they brown too fast before the filling warms through. Mastering this simple fried recipe is all about these details.
Creating a Fun Dessert at Home
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it turns your kitchen into a mini dessert workshop. It’s a fantastic activity to do with older kids or friends—everyone can have a station to roll, fill, and crimp. The process of watching plain dough puffs transform into glorious, golden pies is incredibly satisfying. For an extra layer of fun, try using different flavors of jam! While strawberry is classic, raspberry, blueberry, or even a dollop of lemon curd would be incredible. It’s these little customizations that make a recipe your own and create lasting memories around food.
Quick and Easy Dinner Inspiration
On Patricia Universe, I believe in meals that are balanced, flavorful, and leave room for a little indulgence. This dessert pairs beautifully with so many of our favorite quick and easy recipes for dinner. Imagine serving these warm pies after a simple pasta easy recipe like a creamy Alfredo or a hearty easy recipe with ground beef like a sloppy joe skillet. The contrast between the savory main course and this sweet, rich finale makes the entire meal feel like a special occasion. It’s the perfect way to end a busy weeknight on a high note.
Notes and Tips
For the cleanest seal, you can lightly brush the edges of your dough circles with a beaten egg white or a little water before folding them over. While best served fresh and warm, you can reheat any leftovers in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to recrisp the exterior beautifully. If you don’t have a thermometer for the oil, test it by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle actively and begin to turn golden in about 60 seconds. And finally, always fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which causes the oil temperature to drop.


Easy Donut Recipe Fried: Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Pies
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry jam or preserves
For Assembly & Frying
- 1 package (16.3 oz / 8 count) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Place the strawberry jam in a separate small bowl for easy assembly.
Assemble the Pies
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each biscuit into a 5-inch circle.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of a dough circle.
- Top the cream cheese with 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges securely, ensuring no filling can leak out. Repeat with the remaining biscuits and filling.
Fry the Pies
- Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and puffed.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pies to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Coat & Serve
- In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon (if using).
- While the pies are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, creamy center!

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