If you have a soft spot for rich chocolate paired with juicy cherries, you are absolutely going to adore the Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe. These delightful treats capture the essence of the classic Black Forest cake in a portable, doughnut form that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or an irresistible dessert. Each bite offers a tender, moist chocolate doughnut studded with bursts of tart cherries and melty chocolate chips, bringing together layers of flavor and textures that feel both indulgent and homemade. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking one for yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Black Forest doughnuts, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and tender doughnut. Each ingredient plays an essential role—whether it’s the cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, the cherries adding a fresh fruity brightness, or the egg and oil lending moisture and structure.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the doughnuts, providing structure and a light crumb.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Gives the doughnuts their irresistible chocolate color and rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the doughnuts perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture for a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the doughnuts moist and soft.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and enriches the batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries: Brings freshness and a tart contrast to the chocolate.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips: Little pockets of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
How to Make Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease your doughnut pan generously or give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your doughnuts will come out looking perfect without any sticking messes.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these together helps distribute each ingredient evenly so every doughnut bakes with consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your doughnuts, creating that soft, tender crumb you want.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the doughnuts tough, so stir until no large flour patches remain but don’t obsess over a perfectly smooth batter.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part—fold your chopped cherries and chocolate chips right into the batter. This is where the magic happens, offering little bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared doughnut pan. Aim to fill each cavity about three-quarters full so the doughnuts have room to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of a doughnut comes out clean. The scent of warm chocolate filling your kitchen is an unmistakable sign you’re on the right track.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow your doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cool, feel free to drizzle with melted chocolate or lightly dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
How to Serve Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a glossy drizzle of melted dark chocolate takes these doughnuts to the next taste level. For a festive touch, top with a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings to echo the classic Black Forest charm.
Side Dishes
Serve your Black Forest doughnuts alongside a cup of strong coffee or rich espresso to complement their chocolatey goodness. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruits or whipped cream for variety and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
These doughnuts look stunning on a tiered dessert stand, ideal for parties or casual gatherings. You could even assemble mini doughnut sandwiches with whipped cream filling and additional cherries for an impressive treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them tasting fresh, store them away from heat and direct sunlight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these doughnuts freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen doughnuts, let them thaw at room temperature. Warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture, which could affect the doughnut’s texture.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
A natural unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal here for a rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is also a good option if you prefer a slightly smoother taste.
Can I substitute oil with butter?
You can swap vegetable oil with melted butter, but keep in mind it will slightly change the texture, making the doughnuts a bit denser and adding a butterier flavor.
Is it necessary to use a doughnut pan?
While a doughnut pan gives perfect shape and size, you can bake this batter in muffin tins as an alternative for mini cakes with the same delicious flavors.
How do I make the doughnuts extra moist?
Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Adding the oil and milk as instructed helps keep these doughnuts deliciously tender and moist.
Final Thoughts
Making the Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe is such a joyful baking experience — and the results are seriously fantastic. You get that wonderful richness from the chocolate and bright, fruity cherries all wrapped up in soft, fluffy doughnuts that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to put a smile on your face and maybe even become your new go-to dessert. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for some seriously delicious doughnuts!
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 offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, blending rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and melty chocolate chips in a soft, baked doughnut. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or an indulgent snack, they’re easy to make and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes.
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, ensuring an even distribution.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the doughnuts tender.
- Add cherries and chocolate chips: Gently fold the chopped cherries and chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Fill doughnut pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan molds, filling each about three-quarters full for proper rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the doughnuts comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional finishing touches: Drizzle melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar atop the cooled doughnuts for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the doughnuts light and fluffy.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Cherries can be fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned; just ensure they are well drained.
- Feel free to customize toppings with sprinkles, nuts, or glaze.
- Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
