If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s bursting with fruity yumminess and irresistible bite-sized delight, you’re going to love this Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe. These little golden balls of joy combine the soft, tender crumb of a classic doughnut with juicy bursts of cherry pie filling, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fluffy goodness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe is a fast, fun, and utterly delicious way to satisfy your dessert dreams.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and luckily, this Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe calls for simple pantry staples and a single star ingredient that makes all the difference. Each component plays its part, whether it’s creating the perfect texture, adding just the right sweetness, or delivering that classic cherry flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough but not too much, balancing the cherry tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds fluffiness and lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a light texture and helps the dough brown beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the doughnut holes.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Gives moisture and a slight tang that complements the cherries.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: The star ingredient packed with juicy cherries and syrupy sweetness.
- Oil for frying: Essential for that crisp, golden exterior.
How to Make Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This creates the foundation of your doughnut holes, ensuring they rise just right and have the perfect balance of sweetness and structure. Make sure to whisk these together well for even distribution.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture, richness, and a touch of warmth that’ll perfume the doughnut holes and keep them soft. Mix just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to tougher bites.
Step 3: Gently Fold in Cherry Pie Filling
This step is pure magic for the Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe. Carefully fold in your cherry pie filling, making sure to keep the chunks whole as much as possible. These juicy pockets of cherry will burst wonderfully when fried, blending tart fruitiness with sweet dough.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Prepare your frying station by heating oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to a steady 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for cooking the doughnut holes evenly with a golden brown crust without greasy mess.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnut Holes
Drop spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil. Give them room to puff and cook without sticking together. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they achieve a captivating golden crispness on the outside and tender, cherry-infused centers on the inside.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Warm
Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnut holes and drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Serving them warm is best—the cherries are juicy, and the doughnut holes are at their softest and most flavorful. If you like, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch.
How to Serve Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze to add a creamy sweetness that complements the cherries perfectly. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can also elevate the appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
These doughnut holes pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk for a comforting snack. For brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance out the indulgence with some light freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful and serve these doughnut holes in a festive bowl lined with parchment paper or stack them in a cone-shaped holder for an on-the-go treat. For parties, arrange them on a tiered tray with colorful skewers and small bowls of cherry sauce or chocolate for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe treats, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will help maintain their softness and prevent sogginess while still preserving that delightful cherry burst in every bite.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled doughnut holes on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen doughnut holes can be stored for up to one month, ready to delight you anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover doughnut holes in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will crisp up the outside again while warming the inside without drying them out, giving you freshly fried vibes on demand.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they don’t have the syrupy sweetness of pie filling, so you might want to add a bit of sugar or cherry preserves to maintain that juicy burst the recipe relies on.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake doughnut holes for a lighter version. Place spoonfuls on a greased or lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden. They won’t be as crispy but still deliciously tender.
What oil is best for frying these doughnut holes?
Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils ensure even frying without imparting extra flavors.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare and fry the doughnut holes immediately after mixing, as the baking soda and powder start reacting once combined. If you must prepare early, refrigerate the batter for no longer than an hour.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
A deep-frying thermometer is the most accurate tool. Alternatively, drop a small bit of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly without burning, the oil is ready.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say that making this Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe is pure joy from start to finish. The way the cherries sweetly pop inside tender, golden doughnut holes feels like a little celebration with every bite. Whether it’s an everyday treat or a special occasion delight, these cherry doughnut holes are guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even requests for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Cherry Doughnut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Doughnut Holes, a perfect bite-sized treat bursting with sweet cherry pie filling. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re fried to golden perfection and make a joyful, indulgent snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute all leavening agents evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk, crack in the large egg, and add the vanilla extract. Stir everything together just until the batter is combined and smooth, avoiding overmixing to keep the dough light.
- Fold in Cherry Pie Filling: Gently fold the cherry pie filling into the batter, being careful not to break up the cherries too much, so you keep pockets of sweet fruit inside each doughnut hole.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for even frying.
- Fry Doughnut Holes: Drop small spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil, giving them space to puff and cook evenly without sticking together.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the doughnut holes for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnut holes from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cherry doughnut holes warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results and to avoid greasy doughnuts.
- Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even cooking and prevent the temperature from dropping.
- If cherry pie filling is too chunky, gently chop to better incorporate into the batter.
- These doughnut holes are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated briefly in a toaster oven but may lose some crispness.
