Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cherry doughnut holes! They’re like little bites of joy that bring back so many sweet memories for me. I remember the first time I tried them at a local fair, the warm, sugary goodness melting in my mouth—it was love at first bite! What makes this recipe really special is how simple it is to whip up these delightful treats right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of frying magic, you can create these fluffy, cherry-filled wonders that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds, trust me!). So, let’s get started on making your own batch of cherry doughnut holes that are sure to impress!
Ingredients List
- 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
How to Prepare Cherry Doughnut Holes
Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get those dry ingredients together! In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is well mixed. This is where the magic begins, and the smell of the flour and sugar is just delightful!
Step 2 – Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring in the wet ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Grab a whisk or a spatula and mix until everything is just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; we want to keep it fluffy and airy. The vanilla will add such a lovely fragrance that you’ll want to dive right in!
Step 3 – Fold in Cherry Filling
Next, let’s fold in the star of the show—1 cup of cherry pie filling! Gently fold the cherries into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix it; we want to keep those beautiful cherry pieces intact. Just a few folds until the cherries are evenly distributed will do. You’ll see those vibrant red cherries peeking through, and it’s so tempting already!
Step 4 – Prepare Oil for Frying
Now for the frying! In a deep fryer or a pot, heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). This is super important—if the oil isn’t hot enough, your doughnut holes won’t fry up nicely, and they could end up greasy. I always like to use a thermometer to check, but you can also drop a tiny bit of batter in; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go!
Step 5 – Fry Doughnut Holes
Once the oil is ready, drop small spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. I usually aim for about a tablespoon-sized scoop. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning them gently until they’re golden brown all around. Oh, the aroma is absolutely heavenly at this point!
Step 6 – Drain and Serve
When they’re perfectly golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnut holes and let them drain on paper towels. This helps to soak up any excess oil. If you’re feeling a little extra, dust them with powdered sugar while they’re still warm—it makes for a heavenly treat! Serve them up warm, and watch them disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick to whip up—perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests!
- Super easy recipe that even beginner cooks can nail on the first try.
- Warm, fluffy doughnut holes filled with sweet cherry goodness—what’s not to love?
- Customizable! You can switch up the filling or add spices for a twist.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or just indulging yourself—trust me, they’ll be your new favorite treat!
- They make your kitchen smell amazing while they fry up—seriously, it’s like a warm hug in the air!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cherry doughnut holes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail this recipe:
- Use Fresh Cherries: If you can get your hands on fresh cherries, definitely go for it! They add a vibrant flavor that really elevates these doughnut holes. Just pit and chop them into smaller pieces before folding them in.
- Check Your Oil Temperature: This is key! If your oil isn’t hot enough, the doughnut holes will soak up excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to keep it around 350°F (175°C), or do the drop test with a spoonful of batter. It should sizzle and rise to the top quickly!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the batter, less is more! Overmixing can lead to tough doughnut holes. Mix just until everything is combined; a few lumps are totally fine!
- Fry in Batches: Give your doughnut holes plenty of space in the oil. Fry them in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that lovely golden color without overcrowding the pot.
- Dust with Sugar While Warm: If you’re going for that sugary finish, make sure to dust them with powdered sugar while they’re still warm. It helps the sugar stick and adds an irresistible sweetness!
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be the star of your kitchen with these cherry doughnut holes! Happy frying!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into these delicious cherry doughnut holes, it’s good to know what you’re getting into! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients or brands you use, so these values are just typical estimates:
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut hole
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
So, enjoy these delightful treats in moderation, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’re too good to keep to yourself!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruit fillings instead of cherry?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is a classic, you can easily swap it out for other fruits like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed!
What’s the best way to store leftover cherry doughnut holes?
To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I bake these doughnut holes instead of frying?
While frying gives them that delightful crispy texture, you can bake them if you prefer! Just scoop the batter into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. They won’t have the same classic doughnut hole texture but will still be delicious!
Why did my doughnut holes turn out greasy?
If your doughnut holes are greasy, it’s likely that the oil wasn’t hot enough when you dropped them in. Make sure to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. Also, draining them on paper towels helps remove any excess oil!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before frying. Just give it a gentle stir before using. But I recommend frying them fresh for the best taste and texture!
Cherry Doughnut Holes: 5 Irresistible Sweet Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnut holes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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