The Best Cherry Donuts

This delightful recipe for cherry donuts has been a crowd-pleaser at every brunch I've hosted. The pillowy soft texture combined with sweet cherry jam creates an irresistible treat that disappears within minutes of serving. The plant-based ingredients ensure everyone can enjoy them without compromising on that classic donut experience.

I first made these cherry donuts for a Sunday morning gathering with friends who have different dietary preferences. The excitement on their faces when I brought out these golden beauties topped with cherry jam convinced me this recipe needed to be in my permanent collection.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for fluffy donuts
• Cane sugar: Adds just the right sweetness without being overwhelming
• Oat milk: Creates a tender crumb and light sweetness in the dough
• Dairy-free butter: Contributes to the moist texture while keeping these vegan-friendly
• Active dry yeast: Ensures a proper rise for that signature donut fluffiness
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth
• Black cherry artisan flavor: Concentrates the cherry essence throughout
• Cherry jam: Offers a sweet tangy topping that elevates the entire donut experience
• Fresh cherries: Serve as both garnish and flavor boost
• Vegan whipping cream: Creates a luxurious topping that balances the sweetness
• Lemon juice: Cuts through richness for a perfectly balanced bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Mix flour cane sugar and active dry yeast thoroughly in a mixing bowl creating a foundation for your dough. Getting this mixture uniform ensures even rising throughout the donut.

Add Wet Ingredients:

While your mixer runs on low with the dough hook gradually incorporate oat milk butter vanilla extract and black cherry flavor into the dry mixture. This slow addition helps develop gluten properly for the perfect chewy texture.

Knead The Dough:

Mix for 2 minutes on low then increase to medium-high for 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth elastic and springs back when touched. This extended kneading develops gluten structure crucial for that signature donut texture.

First Rise:

Shape dough into a ball place in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. The slow fermentation during this rise develops complex flavors within the dough.

Shape Donuts:

Divide dough into equal portions shape into balls and flatten slightly with your palm. Place on floured baking sheets with ample space between each piece to allow for expansion during the second rise.

Second Rise:

Cover shaped donuts with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and expanded. This second rise creates the light airy texture essential for perfect donuts.

Fry The Donuts:

Heat oil to 340-355°F and gently transfer dough balls to hot oil. Fry until golden brown approximately 2-3 minutes per side monitoring temperature throughout. The precise temperature ensures donuts cook evenly without absorbing excess oil.

Cool And Assemble:

Let fried donuts cool slightly on paper towels then cut in half spread with cherry jam add whipped cream and garnish with fresh cherries. The layering of components creates a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor in every bite.

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My favorite element of this recipe is the black cherry artisan flavor which transforms ordinary donuts into something truly special. When I first discovered how this ingredient intensifies the cherry flavor I remember my daughter declaring these better than any bakery donuts she had ever tried.

Oil Temperature Matters

Maintaining the proper oil temperature between 340-355°F is critical for perfect donuts. Too hot and you will end up with donuts that are dark outside but undercooked inside. Too cool and the donuts absorb excess oil becoming greasy and heavy. I recommend using a reliable thermometer and adjusting your heat source as needed throughout the frying process. The ideal donuts will have a golden brown exterior with a light fluffy interior that pulls apart in satisfying layers.

Creative Variations

The versatility of this donut recipe makes it perfect for customization. Try adding cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate cherry donuts that offer depth and richness. Lemon zest in the dough paired with a lemon-infused whipped cream creates a bright complement to the cherry flavor. For texture contrast consider topping with crushed candied nuts that add a delightful crunch. You could even transform these into jelly-filled donuts by injecting more cherry jam into the center after frying. The possibilities are endless allowing you to create signature variations for different occasions.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry donuts elevate any gathering from casual family breakfasts to elegant brunches. Serve them alongside savory options like vegan quiche or frittata for a balanced spread. For drinks consider pairing with frothy cappuccinos or mimosas depending on the occasion. Creating a dessert board with these donuts as the centerpiece surrounded by fresh fruit other pastries and various jams allows guests to customize their experience. For special occasions try serving warm donuts with dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these cherry donuts different?

These donuts are vegan-friendly, made with plant-based ingredients and a unique Berliner-style preparation without a hole in the center. They're light, fluffy, and topped with cherry jam and whipped cream for a delightful finish.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or air-fry them at 355°F (180°C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

→ What are the key flavors in these donuts?

The key flavors include the sweetness of cherry jam, the tangy hint of lemon in the whipped cream, and the subtle vanilla and cherry essence in the dough.

→ How do I store the donuts?

Ungarnished donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to 3 days. Garnished donuts should be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day and assembled just before serving for best freshness.

→ Can I customize these donuts?

Absolutely! You can experiment with variations such as adding cocoa for a chocolate twist, rolling them in cinnamon sugar, or filling them with alternative fruit jams to suit your preferences.