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These fluffy cherry donuts always steal the show at my breakfast get-togethers. The incredibly soft dough paired with tangy cherry jam makes an addictive treat that folks gobble up right away. Made with all plant-based stuff, everyone gets to enjoy that authentic donut goodness without missing out.
I whipped up these cherry treats one weekend when I had friends over with all sorts of food preferences. When I brought out the golden rounds topped with bright cherry jam, their excited faces told me this one needed to stay in my go-to recipe collection.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Gives these donuts their perfect bouncy structure
- Cane sugar: Brings sweetness that won't knock you over
- Oat milk: Makes the inside soft and adds a hint of sweetness
- Dairy-free butter: Keeps everything moist while staying plant-friendly
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind that airy, puffy donut texture
- Vanilla extract: Adds cozy background flavor to everything
- Black cherry artisan flavor: Packs cherry goodness into every bite
- Cherry jam: The sweet-tart topping that makes these donuts pop
- Fresh cherries: Both pretty and tasty as the finishing touch
- Vegan whipping cream: Adds a fancy touch that cuts the sweetness
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness to balance each mouthful
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Stir together flour, cane sugar and yeast in a bowl until well mixed. This even mixture will help your donuts rise properly throughout.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- With your mixer running low using the dough hook, pour in oat milk, butter, vanilla and cherry flavor bit by bit. This slow approach helps build the right chewy texture.
- Knead The Dough:
- Mix on low for 2 minutes, then bump up to medium-high for 8 minutes until you get a smooth, stretchy dough that bounces back when poked. This long kneading creates that classic donut feel.
- First Rise:
- Roll the dough into a ball, put it in an oiled bowl, cover it up and let it sit somewhere warm for 1-2 hours until it's twice as big. This waiting period builds amazing flavor.
- Shape Donuts:
- Cut dough into even chunks, roll them into balls and gently flatten each with your hand. Put them on floured trays leaving room between each one for growing.
- Second Rise:
- Cover your shaped donuts with plastic and wait 30-45 minutes until they look plump and puffy. This second wait creates that light, airy donut interior.
- Fry The Donuts:
- Warm oil to 340-355°F and carefully drop dough balls in. Cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side, checking oil temp often. The right temperature keeps them from getting greasy.
- Cool And Assemble:
- Let your freshly fried donuts cool a bit on paper towels, slice them open, spread with cherry jam, add a dollop of whipped cream and top with fresh cherries. All these layers make each bite amazing.
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The black cherry artisan flavor really makes these stand out from regular donuts. I still remember when I first tried it, my kid told me these were way better than anything from the fancy donut shops downtown.
Getting The Right Oil Heat
Keeping your oil between 340-355°F is super important. If it gets too hot, you'll end up with donuts that look burned outside but stay doughy inside. Too cool and they'll soak up oil and taste greasy. I always keep a thermometer handy and adjust my stove as needed while cooking. When done right, your donuts will have that perfect golden outside and pull apart in soft, fluffy layers.
Mix It Up Your Way
You can easily switch things up with this basic donut formula. Try adding some cocoa powder to make chocolate cherry donuts with amazing richness. Throw in some lemon zest and top with lemony whipped cream for a zingy twist. Want some crunch? Sprinkle crushed candied nuts on top. You can even stuff extra jam inside after frying for surprise-filled donuts. There's tons of ways to make these your own for whatever occasion you've got coming up.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry donuts work for everything from lazy Sunday mornings to fancy weekend brunches. They taste great next to savory stuff like veggie quiche or breakfast casseroles. Pair them with foamy coffee drinks or morning cocktails depending on your vibe. I love setting up a donut bar with these as the star, surrounded by fruit, other sweet treats, and different jams so everyone can fix theirs how they want. For special times, try serving warm donuts with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a treat that'll wow your guests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why are these cherry donuts special?
They're entirely plant-based, created with a Berliner-style method that skips the center hole. Soft and fluffy, they're finished with a layer of cherry jam and whipped cream for an incredible taste.
- → Can I cook these without frying?
You sure can! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or try air-frying at 355°F (180°C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- → What flavors stand out here?
You’ll pick up the sweet, tangy pop of cherry jam, a touch of lemon in the whipped cream, and a gentle kiss of vanilla and cherry in the soft dough.
- → How should I keep these donuts?
If they’re not topped, you can store them in a sealed container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Once they’re decorated, keep them chilled and eat within a day for the best experience.
- → Can I make these with my own twist?
Totally! Experiment with ideas like stirring in cocoa, sprinkling cinnamon sugar, or stuffing them with other jams or custards to match your taste.