If you’ve ever wanted to combine the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic Black Forest cake with the fun, handheld joy of doughnuts, you’re in for an absolute treat. This Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe wraps luscious cocoa, juicy cherries, and melty chocolate chips into soft, tender doughnuts that bake up quickly and effortlessly. It’s a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and fruity brightness that you’ll find hard to resist, whether for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack that feels like a mini celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items to pull off this Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe—just a handful of common ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the flour that gives structure to the cocoa powder that brings that deep chocolate flavor, every component adds to crafting doughnuts that are moist, flavorful, and utterly tempting.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and perfect texture for tender doughnuts.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds rich, deep chocolate flavor for that signature Black Forest taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the doughnuts just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise light and fluffy in the oven.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the chocolatey notes.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and makes the doughnuts soft.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and tenderness, contributing to the perfect crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and gives structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out the warmth in the chocolate and complements the cherries.
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries: Offers bursts of juicy, tart flavor that cut through the richness.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate heaven in every bite.
How to Make Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your doughnut pan or spraying it with non-stick spray is essential so your doughnuts slide out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix combines the core flavors and ensures an even blend of leavening agents and chocolate throughout your doughnuts.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth liquid base that will moisten the dry ingredients to make tender doughnuts.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the doughnuts dense instead of fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Next, carefully fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips for those signature bursts of fruitiness and melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each cavity in your doughnut pan about three-quarters full. This helps them rise perfectly without spilling over.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your doughnuts for 10 to 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool in the pan a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To make these doughnuts look and taste even more special, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top or dusting lightly with powdered sugar. Fresh cherries on top add a lovely visual touch and boost the fruity charm.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts shine alongside a cup of rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving them as a dessert. A dollop of whipped cream can also bring extra indulgence and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking doughnuts into a tower for a dessert display or threading them on a skewer with fresh cherries for a fun party treat. You can also slice them in half and fill with a cherry jam or chocolate spread for an extra-special surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Black Forest doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the doughnuts in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat doughnuts in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and chocolatey melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the cherries well before folding them into the batter to avoid adding extra moisture.
Is there a way to make these doughnuts dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat, and swap vegetable oil with coconut or another neutral oil for a dairy-free option.
Do I need a doughnut pan, or can I bake these differently?
A doughnut pan gives you that classic doughnut shape, but you can bake the batter in a muffin tin or silicone molds for a similar result, adjusting baking time slightly as needed.
Can I add toppings besides chocolate drizzle?
Of course! Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a cherry glaze work wonderfully to personalize your Black Forest doughnuts.
How dense or cakey are these doughnuts?
They are delightfully soft and cakey without being heavy, offering a perfect balance of rich chocolate and tender crumb with juicy bursts of cherry.
Final Thoughts
This Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe is truly one of those magical combinations that lifts your spirits with every bite. The ease of preparation paired with the classic flavors of Black Forest makes it a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate and cherries. I promise once you bake these, they’ll become your go-to treat for sharing smiles and sweet moments with friends and family. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch that’s sure to impress!
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
Delight in these moist and tender Black Forest Doughnuts that combine rich cocoa flavor with juicy cherries and melty chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, these doughnuts offer a delicious homemade treat inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
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 and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan or lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Fill the Doughnut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each mold 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.
- Cool: Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, drizzle the cooled doughnuts with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
- Chopped fresh or frozen cherries can be used; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with melted coconut oil or any neutral oil.
- Use a non-stick spray or grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
