Pillowy Soft Cherry Donuts

This homemade cherry donut recipe creates the most pillowy soft treats that will transform your brunch game forever. The combination of fluffy fried dough, sweet cherry jam, and creamy plant-based toppings creates a dessert experience your guests will rave about. These Berliner-style donuts without a hole in the middle are perfect for special occasions or whenever you need an impressive sweet treat.

I first made these cherry donuts for a summer brunch with friends, and the look on their faces when I brought out the freshly fried treats topped with vibrant cherry jam was priceless. Now they request them for every gathering, and I love how easily I can adapt the recipe based on seasonal fruits.

• All-purpose flour: provides the perfect structure for light, airy donuts
• Organic cane sugar: adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming
• Oat milk: gives a subtle sweetness while keeping the recipe dairy-free
• Vegan butter: creates that rich, tender texture traditional donuts are known for
• Active dry yeast: ensures proper rise for fluffy donuts
• Natural Black Cherry Artisan Flavor: intensifies the cherry taste throughout the dough
• Cherry jam: adds sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color to the finished donuts
• Fresh cherries: provide the perfect decorative garnish and burst of freshness
• Dairy-free whipping cream: creates a light, airy topping that balances the rich donuts
• Lemon juice: cuts through sweetness and brightens all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Mix flour, sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl until evenly distributed. This step creates the foundation for your donut dough, ensuring the yeast is properly incorporated throughout.

Create the Dough:

With your mixer running on low with the dough hook attached, gradually add room temperature oat milk, softened vegan butter, vanilla extract, and black cherry flavor to the dry ingredients. Mix for 2 minutes on low speed to incorporate, then increase to medium-high and knead for 8 full minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic, springing back when touched lightly with your finger.

First Rise:

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover completely with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm place around 90-100°F for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. This slow rise develops flavor and creates the airy texture perfect for donuts.

Shape and Second Rise:

Gently punch down the risen dough and divide into 4 pieces for larger donuts or 6 for smaller ones. For perfectly even donuts, weigh each piece. Fold edges toward center and roll into smooth balls, then flatten slightly with your palm. Place on floured baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each. Cover and let rise another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Fry the Donuts:

Heat oil in a wide pot to 340-355°F, using a thermometer for accuracy. Carefully transfer donuts to hot oil using a slotted spoon or shallow ladle. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown, adjusting heat as needed to maintain temperature. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Allow to cool slightly before handling.

Assemble and Garnish:

Cut cooled donuts horizontally. Spread a generous layer of cherry jam on bottom half. Whip dairy-free cream with lemon juice and optional cherry flavor until stiff peaks form. Pipe decorative swirls of cream onto the jam layer, then add top half of donut. Finish with additional whipped cream, a drizzle of cherry jam, and a fresh cherry on top.

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Cherry is my absolute favorite filling for these donuts because it reminds me of the pastries my grandmother would make for special occasions. She always said the tartness of cherries balances the sweetness of the dough perfectly, creating that magical combination that makes you close your eyes with each bite.

Perfect Oil Temperature

Maintaining the right oil temperature between 340-355°F is absolutely critical for donut success. Too hot and your donuts will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool and they will absorb excess oil, becoming heavy and greasy. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for best results. If you notice the oil getting too hot between batches, remove from heat briefly. Never overcrowd the pot as this rapidly drops the temperature. An easy test without a thermometer is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should bubble immediately and rise to the surface within seconds.

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Pro Tips

• Always bring ingredients to room temperature before beginning for optimal dough development
• Use a kitchen scale for perfectly even sized donuts every time
• Add a tiny pinch of salt to the whipped cream to enhance the cherry flavor
• Test your oil with a small piece of dough before committing to a full batch of donuts

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes cherry donuts unique?

Cherry donuts are Berliner-style treats filled with sweet cherry jam and topped with whipped cream, giving them a fruity and creamy flavor profile.

→ Can I make these cherry donuts vegan?

Yes, this recipe uses plant-based ingredients like oat milk and dairy-free butter, making these donuts completely vegan-friendly.

→ What oil is best for frying donuts?

Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or coconut oil, for optimal frying performance and flavor.

→ How can I store cherry donuts?

Ungarnished donuts can be stored at room temperature for up to a day or frozen for two months. Garnish right before serving for freshness.

→ Can I bake or air-fry these donuts instead?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or air-fry at 355°F for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

→ What are some topping variations for cherry donuts?

Try adding crushed nuts, drizzling with chocolate, or rolling in cinnamon sugar for exciting variations of flavors and textures.