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
What Goes Into Cherry Doughnut Holes
Main Ingredients:Finishing Touch:What Tools Are Needed for Cherry Doughnut Holes
Simple Steps For Cherry Doughnut Holes
Prepare Oven
Heat the oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and set it aside for later.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in these dry ingredients:
Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk these ingredients until smooth:
Make sure your mixture looks creamy and well blended.
Create Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything comes together. Your batter should look soft and slightly lumpy.
Add Cherry Goodness
Carefully fold in 1 cup of cherry pie filling. Stir gently so the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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.
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.
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
Cherry Doughnut Holes With Glaze Options
Sweet Snack Ways To Serve Cherry Doughnut Holes
Cherry Doughnut Holes Storage Care
Cherry Doughnut Holes Questions Answered
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe
- 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
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
- Warm your oven to precisely 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- Thoroughly blend 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together ½ cup milk, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a separate container until completely smooth.
- Pour liquid ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Gently incorporate 1 cup cherry pie filling, creating a marbled appearance in your batter.
- Use a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 18 minutes, checking for a light golden color.
- Remove from oven and allow doughnut holes to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- 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
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
Portland Community College
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.