Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! You can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess juice before using them in the filling. I have uses frozen ones a lot, and it's alright with me.

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yep, you can! Butrrmilk adds a tanginess and tenderness, but regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice mixed in works just fine. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before adding it to the recipe.

Why is chilling the dough necessary?

Okay so, the dough needs to be chilled to prevent the donuts from spreading too much while baking. Chilling helps the gluten relax and makes the dough easier to handle. Trust me, don't skip this step!

How should I store these donuts?

I think it's best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might dry out a bit. Also, you can freeze undecorated donuts for up to a month. I promise they are so delicious they will be gone in 1 or 2 days

What if I don't have a donut cutter?

If you don't have a donut cutter, use cookie cutters of different sizes to create the donut shape. A round cutter for the outside and a smaller one for the center hole does the trick! It's how I did it the first time and they came out amazing.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they're golden brown. They won't be quite the same, but they're still delicious!

These Cherry Pie Celebration Donuts are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion, or just treat yourself to something special. Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden-brown donut, filled with a luscious, homemade cherry pie filling, and topped with a sweet, glossy glaze. Does that sound delightful? Well, it definitely is! If I am being honest, I sometimes sneak these in for breakfast.

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of a homemade cherry pie with the fun and indulgence of a classic donut. The cherry pie filling is made from scratch, using fresh or frozen cherries, and is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. The donut dough is soft, tender, and slightly sweet, providing the perfect complement to the rich cherry filling. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen, making these donuts irresistible. What more could you want?

I know what you're thinking: homemade donuts sound intimidating! But trust me, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create these amazing Cherry Pie Celebration Donuts right in your own kitchen. So, lets ditch the store-bought donuts and embark on this baking adventure. You might make a mess, but at least you'll have amazing, homemade doughnuts when you are done!

Cherry Pie Celebration Donuts

Name: Cherry Pie Celebration Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Frying
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 tsp Baking Powder; 1/4 tsp Salt; 3/4 cup Buttermilk; 1/4 cup Melted Butter; 1 large Egg; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 2 cups Pitted Cherries; 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp Lemon Juice; 1/2 tsp Almond Extract; 1 tbsp Butter; 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 3-4 tbsp Milk

Indulge in Cherry Pie Celebration Donuts, a delightful treat combining fluffy baked donuts with a homemade cherry pie filling and sweet glaze. A perfect way to celebrate any occasion!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

📖 Instructions

**Make the Cherry Pie Filling:** In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted and chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the filling has thickened and the cherries are tender. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter. Allow the filling to cool completely. You can speed this up by spreading it out on a baking sheet or placing it in the refrigerator.
**Prepare the Donut Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial as it makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the donuts from spreading too much during baking.
**Shape and Bake the Donuts:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the chilled dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Be sure to keep the surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. The dough will be easier to handle if you work quickly and confidently.
Use a donut cutter (or cookie cutters) to cut out the donuts. Place the donuts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
**Make the Glaze:** While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add a drop or two of red food coloring if desired, to enhance the color.
Once the donuts are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Assemble the Donuts:** Use a small knife or skewer to poke a hole in the side of each donut. This will create a pocket for the cherry filling.
Spoon the cooled cherry pie filling into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the filling into the holes in the donuts until they are generously filled.
Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack to set.
**Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle the glazed donuts with chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. These finishing touches not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall flavor and texture.
Let the glaze set completely before serving. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Once the glaze is firm, the donuts are ready to be enjoyed!