Who doesn’t love a sweet and indulgent treat like doughnuts? The Black Forest Doughnut combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of a classic doughnut with the fruity, tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries. A tribute to the famous Black Forest Cake, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: chocolate and cherries, with a light, fluffy texture that makes them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a special treat. The doughnuts are baked to perfection in just 25 minutes, and the combination of cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and cherries will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these Black Forest Doughnuts are an irresistible option that will delight anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Decadent and Delicious
These doughnuts are packed with chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and chocolate chips, while the maraschino cherries add a touch of sweetness and tartness. It’s the perfect combination of flavors.
2. Quick and Easy
With just 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking, you can have fresh, homemade doughnuts ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
3. Baked, Not Fried
These Black Forest Doughnuts are baked, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts, without sacrificing taste or texture.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions
The rich flavors and beautiful look of these doughnuts make them ideal for celebrations, brunches, or as a sweet treat during the holidays.
5. Customizable
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. You can use fresh cherries, add whipped cream, or top with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an even more indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate chips
Variations
- Fresh Cherries: If you want to use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries, feel free to chop them up and fold them into the batter.
- Frosting: You can top your doughnuts with a layer of whipped cream or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Different Chocolate: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a variation in flavor.
- Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for an extra crunch.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan to ensure the doughnuts don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Spoon the Batter into the Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each well about 3/4 full.
Step 6: Bake the Doughnuts
Bake the doughnuts for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the doughnuts have cooled, serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Grease the Pan: Make sure to grease your doughnut pan well to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the doughnuts toward the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick to check if they’re fully cooked.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts.
How to Serve
These Black Forest Doughnuts are delicious on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk and make a fantastic dessert for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
These doughnuts freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat the doughnuts, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
1. Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a doughnut pan?
While a doughnut pan is ideal for shaping these treats, you can use a muffin pan if necessary. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as the doughnuts may need slightly more time to cook.
2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used. Just make sure to chop them finely, and remove any pits before adding them to the batter.
3. How do I know when the doughnuts are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a doughnut; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the doughnuts are done.
4. Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these doughnuts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for a few days.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser.
6. Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these doughnuts gluten-free.
7. Can I top these doughnuts with something else besides whipped cream?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate, caramel, or even a simple glaze on top of your doughnuts.
8. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor.
9. Can I add more chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent treat.
10. Can I freeze these doughnuts?
Yes, these doughnuts freeze well. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Black Forest Doughnuts are a delightful, indulgent treat that brings the beloved flavors of Black Forest cake into a fun, bite-sized version. The combination of chocolatey dough, juicy cherries, and melted chocolate chips makes these doughnuts a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can easily make a batch of these delicious doughnuts for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these doughnuts are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
PrintBlack Forest Doughnuts
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Description
Black Forest Doughnuts are a delicious treat combining the rich flavors of cocoa, cherries, and chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, these doughnuts are soft, sweet, and full of the iconic Black Forest flavors. A perfect snack or dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
- Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each well about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
- Allow the doughnuts to cool before removing them from the pan.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent treat, top the doughnuts with whipped cream and extra cherries.
- You can substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a more natural flavor.
- Be careful not to overfill the doughnut pan, as the batter will rise while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Black Forest doughnuts, cocoa, maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, baked doughnuts, dessert, sweet treats