If you have a sweet tooth that loves the combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries, then you are going to adore this Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts capture the essence of the classic Black Forest cake but in a fun, handheld form that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime a chocolate cherry craving strikes. Soft, tender dough infused with cocoa and studded with luscious cherries and chocolate chips makes every bite a delight. The best part? They’re simple to make and bake quickly, so you can enjoy that iconic flavor without a complicated process or hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward doughnut perfection. Each element here is carefully chosen to build the perfect texture, flavor, and color that make this Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe truly special.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your doughnuts, keeping them light yet sturdy.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate depth and the signature dark color we love.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning during baking.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures your doughnuts rise beautifully for a soft texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the doughnuts soft even after baking.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle, sweet aroma that complements the chocolate and cherries.
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries: The star of the show, providing juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips: Melts slightly for that ooey-gooey chocolate goodness.
How to Make Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease your doughnut pan generously or spray it with a non-stick coating so the doughnuts come out easily later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is where the chocolate base is developed along with the rising agents and sweetness that set the stage for perfect doughnuts.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth. These wet ingredients will bring moisture and help blend the chocolate flavor with the cherries beautifully.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and gently stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here—some lumps are okay! Overworking your batter can make the doughnuts tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now, gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips. This step is crucial for distributing the delicious fruit and melty chocolate throughout the doughnut batter so every bite feels indulgent.
Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Using a spoon, fill each mold of the doughnut pan about three-quarters full with the batter. This ensures they have room to rise without overflowing and that they bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your doughnuts for 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watching how quickly these brown and rise is one of the most exciting parts!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the doughnuts cool a few minutes in the pan so they set and won’t break apart. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding any toppings.
How to Serve Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe, consider a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar. They add an elegant final touch that enhances both the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts go beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also turn them into a decadent dessert treat. Fresh cherries on the side add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking two doughnuts with whipped cream and cherry jam in between for a mini Black Forest doughnut sandwich. Or, for parties, serve them on a platter with skewered cherries and chocolate curls for an impressive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover doughnuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist, perfect for snacking without losing their charm.
Freezing
You can freeze these doughnuts by wrapping each one individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to one month — just thaw overnight to enjoy like fresh.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy your doughnuts warm, pop them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or heat in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked feel and melted chocolate magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture that could affect the dough’s texture.
Are these doughnuts fried or baked?
This version of the Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe is baked, making them lighter and less greasy compared to traditional fried doughnuts.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can give the doughnuts a richer flavor; just use it in equal amounts for the oil and mix it with the wet ingredients.
How should I store doughnuts if I want to keep them fresh longer?
Keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature is best for a couple of days. For longer storage, freezing is ideal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With some adjustments such as using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make a delicious gluten-free version, but note the texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about the combination of chocolate, cherries, and doughnuts, and this Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe manages to bring all those irresistible flavors together in a way that’s easy and approachable. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these doughnuts are sure to become a favorite treat. So grab your ingredients, have fun baking, and enjoy every bite of your homemade Black Forest magic!
Print
Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Black Forest Doughnuts combine rich cocoa-flavored dough with juicy cherries and chocolate chips for a delightful treat. Baked to perfection, they offer a moist texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, inspired by the classic Black Forest cake flavors in a convenient doughnut form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan or lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the doughnuts tender.
- Add cherries and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips to evenly distribute through the batter.
- Fill doughnut pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan molds, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a doughnut comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional finishing: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep doughnuts light and fluffy.
- Use fresh or thawed cherries for best texture in the doughnuts.
- The recipe yields 12 standard-sized doughnuts.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
- These doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore softness.
