The Best Cherry Donuts

Cherry donut that has been bit into is topped with whipped cream and cherry jam served on a plate.

5 from 1 vote

This simple Cherry Donuts recipe uses plant-based ingredients creating pillowy soft round donuts. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy brunch, a festive gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Don't wait up - make these asap!

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Rising Time1 30

Total Time2

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Sweets

Cuisine: American, Dairy-Free, Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 352kcal

Author: Jacqui Wormington

Cost: 1$ per serving

Equipment

Ingredients

Donut Dough

250 grams all-purpose flour
45 grams organic cane sugar
½ tablespoon vanilla sugar
150 ml oat milk
40 grams vegan butter
½ package active dry yeast (4.5g)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ tablespoon Natural Black Cherry Artisan Flavor
1 liter oil for deep-frying

Garnish

160 g cherry jam
cherries for garnish
240 g dairy-free whipping cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon Natural Black Cherry Artisan Flavor (optional)

US Customary - Metric

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Instructions

Preparation

Before starting, put all ingredients out and let them come to room temperature. Then combine flour, sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Set asid

Donut Dough

Combine all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
With the mixer on low, add oat milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and black cherry flavor.
Mix for 2 minutes on low, then knead for 8 minutes on medium-high speed. The dough should be smooth and spring back.

1st and 2nd Rise

Shape it into a ball shape, place it in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise for 1 - 2 hours in a warm, non-drafty place (90-100°F). Until doubled in size.
Once dough has risen. Divide it into 4 or 6 even pieces. 4 Makes bigger donuts, 6 makes smaller serving sizes. Shape them into balls, by folding and rolling. To divide as evenly as possible we recommend weighing them.
Place on a floured sheet with parchment and flatten the balls slightly by pressing down on them with your palm. Leave space in between, so they can rise without growing together (minimum of 2 inches). Cover with plastic, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm, non-drafty place (90-100°F).

Fry Donuts

Use a wide non-stick skillet, or a stainless steel cooking pot. Heat oil to 340-355°F (which is 170-180℃). Transfer risen balls gently, yet quickly, using a ladle, to the hot pan. Fry donuts until golden brown, while keeping an eye on the temperature from time to time..
We recommend using a Termometer for this, such as the thermapen. However, if you don't have one you can hold a wooden toothpick into the oil. Once bubbles form around the wood, the oil should be hot enough.
Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue cooking in small batches until all donuts are baked. Let them cool down before handling further.

Assemble Donuts

Prepare whipping cream following package or recipe instructions. Then season with lemon juice and cherry flavor to taste.
Option 1: Cut donuts in half, spread with cherry jam, pipe whipped cream, drizzle with more jam, then garnish with a cherry.
Option 2: Fill donuts with jam using a piping bag or syringe, top with whipped cream, more cherry jam and a cherry.

Notes

You can find step-by-step instructions with pictures in the blog post above.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

You can also bake or air-fry these donuts. Make sure to read the detailed notes in the FAW section of the blog post above!

→ For a baked version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

→ For an air-fried version,bake at 355°F (180°C) and cook the donuts for about 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Storage:

How to Store Garnished Donuts: For donuts topped with jam and whipped cream, garnish just before serving for best freshness. Store garnished donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days): Cool ungarnished donuts completely, then store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic in a paper bag. Keep at room temperature overnight or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly before garnishing and serving.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months): Cool ungarnished donuts, wrap each in plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container labeled with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat in a toaster oven.

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