Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cherry Doughnut Holes! They’re like little bites of happiness, bursting with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy doughnut, with the rich cherry filling just oozing out—yum! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. They disappeared faster than I could plate them! Everyone was raving about how they were the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. And the best part? They’re so easy to whip up at home, even on a busy morning. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for your doughnut holes, giving them that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden color when frying.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent that will make these doughnut holes rise beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for extra fluffiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang, making your doughnut holes incredibly tender.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla for that warm, inviting flavor you can’t resist!
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: This is the star of the show—sweet, luscious cherries that will surprise you with every bite.
- Oil for frying: You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge your doughnut holes for even frying, so plan for about 2-3 cups depending on your pot.
How to Prepare Cherry Doughnut Holes
Making these Cherry Doughnut Holes is a breeze, and I promise you’ll have them ready in no time! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy these delightful treats without any hiccups.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by mixing the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Give it a good stir until everything’s well combined.
- Next, add in the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Now, gently fold in the cherry pie filling. You want to keep those beautiful cherry pieces intact for bursts of flavor!
- Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). This is super important—if the oil isn’t hot enough, your doughnut holes will soak up too much oil and become greasy!
- Once the oil is ready, drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pot; fry in batches to allow them room to puff up!
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden brown on all sides.
- Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels for a minute to get rid of excess oil.
- Serve them warm and dust with powdered sugar if you like—a little sweet finishing touch!
Tips for Success
To nail these doughnut holes, keep a close eye on your oil temperature—it should be steady at 350°F for perfect frying. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly and stay raw inside. Also, your batter should be thick but not too stiff; it should drop easily from a spoon. If it’s too runny, add a bit more flour. And remember, these are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so gather your friends and family to share the joy right away!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in these Cherry Doughnut Holes, it’s always nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per doughnut hole:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. But honestly, who’s counting when they’re this delicious? Enjoy your treat without guilt, and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be chopped and folded into the batter for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to pit them first!
How should I store leftover doughnut holes? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back some of that warmth.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? I wouldn’t recommend it, as the baking soda and powder start working as soon as they’re mixed with the wet ingredients. It’s best to whip up the batter just before frying!
What oil is best for frying doughnut holes? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil. Avoid olive oil, as it can impart a strong flavor and has a lower smoke point.
Can I bake these instead of frying? While frying gives that classic doughnut hole texture, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Just know they won’t have the same crispy exterior!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have these delightful Cherry Doughnut Holes ready in just about 35 minutes—perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Flavorful Taste: The sweet and tart cherries combined with the fluffy dough make every bite a burst of deliciousness.
- Homemade Joy: There’s something so satisfying about making these from scratch—they’re a great way to impress friends and family!
- Customizable: You can easily swap in different pie fillings or even add spices to the batter for a unique twist.
- Fun for Everyone: These doughnut holes are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a fantastic option for gatherings or celebrations.
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: Their small size makes them the ideal snack for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Cherry Doughnut Holes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them beyond that, you can freeze them! Just pop them into a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay good for about a month. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.
For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will help bring back that warm, fluffy goodness. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that lovely crispness. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Print
Cherry Doughnut Holes: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry doughnut holes, perfect for a sweet treat.
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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Fold in cherry pie filling gently.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a more natural flavor.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for proper frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut hole
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cherry Doughnut Holes, Doughnut Recipe, Cherry Dessert