Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe

Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe Everyone Will Enjoy

Cherry Doughnut Holes recipe deliver bite-sized joy that belongs at breakfast tables, afternoon snacks, and weekend gatherings.

Something about their portable size makes them feel more playful than full-sized pastries, and the sweet-tart flavor profile adds a refreshing contrast that keeps everyone coming back.

They work beautifully for casual mornings at home or as a crowd-pleasing dessert option when company arrives.

The balance of sweetness and fruity brightness creates a satisfying treat that feels special without being overly fussy.

If you love compact desserts that pack big flavor into every bite, this combination hits all the right notes.

The appeal lies in how effortlessly they fit into any occasion while still feeling like something fun and homemade.

Making a batch means having perfectly poppable treats that disappear faster than you’d expect.

What Makes Cherry Doughnut Holes So Snackable

  • Simple Prep: These cherry doughnut holes come together faster than running to the bakery, and you can mix everything in just two bowls without complicated steps.
  • Family Favorite: Kids absolutely adore popping these sweet bite-sized treats, making them perfect for weekend breakfasts or after-school snacks that everyone will enjoy.
  • Fresh Fruit Twist: Adding cherry pie filling gives these doughnut holes a burst of fruity flavor that feels more special than plain versions, bringing excitement to your usual baking routine.
  • Healthier Option: Baking instead of deep-frying means you get a lighter pastry that feels less greasy and more guilt-free, so your family can savor every delicious morsel.

What Goes Into Cherry Doughnut Holes

Main Ingredients:
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives your doughnut holes structure and a tender crumb.
  • 1 Cup Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden exterior on your baked treats.
  • 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder: Ensures your doughnut holes rise and become wonderfully light and fluffy.
  • 1/2 Cup Milk: Brings moisture and helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth batter.
  • 2 Large Eggs: Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender texture in your doughnut holes.
  • 1/4 Cup Melted Butter: Adds delicious flavor and helps keep the doughnut holes moist.
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, comforting background flavor to your doughnut holes.
  • 1 Cup Cherry Pie Filling: Delivers bursts of fruity flavor and beautiful color throughout the doughnut holes.
Finishing Touch:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, delicate coating that makes your doughnut holes look and taste extra special.

What Tools Are Needed for Cherry Doughnut Holes

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients smoothly without making a mess.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, milk, and butter into a silky mixture that ensures even distribution of ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting precise amounts of flour, sugar, and other ingredients to make your doughnut holes consistent.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides the perfect surface to drop your batter and create perfectly shaped doughnut holes.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding in cherry pie filling gently without overmixing the batter.
  • Cooling Rack: Helps your doughnut holes cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Ideal for dusting powdered sugar over your finished doughnut holes for a beautiful, light coating.

Simple Steps For Cherry Doughnut Holes

1

Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and set it aside for later.

2

Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in these dry ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

3

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk these ingredients until smooth:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your mixture looks creamy and well blended.

4

Create Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything comes together. Your batter should look soft and slightly lumpy.

5

Add Cherry Goodness

Carefully fold in 1 cup of cherry pie filling. Stir gently so the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6

Form Dough Balls

Use a spoon to drop small rounded portions of the batter onto your baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to expand.

7

Bake Doughnut Holes

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set.

8

Finish and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the doughnut holes cool for about 10 minutes. Dust them generously with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy these warm, soft cherry treats straight from the oven!

Smart Tips That Make Cherry Doughnut Holes Shine

  • Stir your batter gently to keep the texture light and tender, avoiding overmixing which can make doughnut holes tough.
  • Distribute cherry pieces evenly throughout the batter so every bite has a delicious fruity surprise.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to ensure your doughnut holes are uniform and bake at the same rate.
  • Wait until the doughnut holes are completely cool before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting and get a perfect coating.
  • Check your doughnut holes at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking, as every oven runs slightly different.

Cherry Doughnut Holes With Glaze Options

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Holes: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, keeping the same measurement to make these treats friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
  • Vegan Cherry Bites: Replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version that’s totally cruelty-free.
  • Chocolate Cherry Variation: Mix in cocoa powder with the dry ingredients and fold dark chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, decadent spin on the classic recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and select a reduced-sugar cherry pie filling to cut down on overall sweetness while keeping the flavor bright.

Sweet Snack Ways To Serve Cherry Doughnut Holes

  • Perfect Portion Size: Aim for 2-3 doughnut holes per person as a sweet treat that won’t overwhelm your dessert craving.
  • Serve Alongside: Pair these cherry bites with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance their sweetness.
  • Fresh Topping Tip: Sprinkle some extra fresh cherries around the plate for a burst of color and natural fruit flavor.
  • Breakfast or Dessert: These versatile doughnut holes work beautifully as a morning pastry or an after-dinner nibble that feels special.

Cherry Doughnut Holes Storage Care

  • Refrigerate leftover doughnut holes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, so your treats stay soft and fresh.
  • Freeze the baked doughnut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months when craving a quick cherry snack.
  • If storing overnight, keep the doughnut holes uncovered at room temperature to prevent them from getting soggy and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Dust with fresh powdered sugar just before serving to keep the coating crisp and prevent it from absorbing moisture from the doughnut holes.

Cherry Doughnut Holes Questions Answered

FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries work great! Chop them finely and reduce sugar slightly to maintain the right moisture balance in your doughnut holes.

FAQ

How do I know if the dough is mixed correctly?

The batter should look smooth with no dry flour streaks, but avoid overmixing – gentle folding keeps the texture light and fluffy.

FAQ

Are these doughnut holes healthy?

They’re a sweet treat, so enjoy in moderation. The recipe includes fresh ingredients and is baked, not deep-fried, which makes them slightly lighter.

FAQ

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Absolutely! Scoop the batter onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for later baking.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a baking sheet?

A cast-iron skillet or muffin tin works perfectly for shaping and baking these cherry doughnut holes.

FAQ

Do the doughnut holes taste like traditional fried doughnuts?

They’re softer and more cake-like, with a delightful cherry burst that makes them unique from classic fried versions.

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Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe

Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Whip up these cherry doughnut holes for a delightful treat that brings pure joy to your table. Packed with sweet cherry goodness and rolled in sugary perfection, these little bites will make your day brighter.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup melted butter

Seasonings and Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Warm your oven to precisely 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  2. Thoroughly blend 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk together ½ cup milk, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a separate container until completely smooth.
  4. Pour liquid ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Gently incorporate 1 cup cherry pie filling, creating a marbled appearance in your batter.
  6. Use a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 18 minutes, checking for a light golden color.
  8. Remove from oven and allow doughnut holes to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  9. Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving, ensuring an even coating.

Notes

  • Check the consistency of the batter to ensure it’s not too runny or thick, which can affect the texture of the doughnut holes.
  • Use a cookie scoop or small spoon to create uniform-sized doughnut holes for even baking.
  • Drain excess liquid from the cherry pie filling to prevent the batter from becoming too wet and affecting the final texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Donuts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 196 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 113 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg
Madison Wyman

Madison Wyman

Recipe Developer & Food Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Research and Adaptation, Food Writing and Cultural Storytelling, Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing, Dietary Adaptations (e.g., gluten-free, plant-based)

Education

Oregon Health & Science University

  • Degree: Master’s in Food Systems and Society
  • Focus: Sustainable food practices, cultural food traditions, and social impact of food.

Portland Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Foundational cooking skills, nutrition, and diverse culinary methods.

Madison’s passion for flavor and culture ignited amidst the rich Southern cooking traditions of her upbringing, where cherished family recipes told delicious tales.

Armed with a Master’s in Food Systems and Society from Oregon Health & Science University and a Culinary Arts Certificate from Portland Community College, Madison truly excels at transforming rich, intricate flavors into dishes that are both approachable and heartfelt.

For her, cooking is a vibrant blend of science, art, and heritage – a powerful way to connect us to our roots and each other. Her recipes invite you to delve deeper, uncovering the fascinating stories woven into every ingredient.

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