Before diving into the delightful world of Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donuts, let’s chat about the perfect pairings for this treat. Trust me; it can make a world of a difference.
Coffee is a classic choice. A smooth cup of joe complements the sweet bursts of cherry. Opt for a medium roast; its subtle notes won’t overpower the donut.
Hot chocolate, especially in colder months, can elevate your experience. Imagine biting into the soft, cherry-infused cake while sipping warm cocoa. That’s pure bliss.
Feeling adventurous? Try pairing with sparkling water! The fizz cuts through the sweetness, creating a refreshing balance with each bite.
Lastly, if you want fruit on your plate, serve with fresh strawberries. Their tartness beautifully contrasts the sweet cherry notes.
Now, let’s take a slice into this delightful donut.
Every now and then, I stumble upon a food that grabs my attention, sparks joy, and sometimes even nostalgia. The Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut is one such treasure. While its bright color and inviting aroma catch the eye, the taste is what seals the deal. Picture yourself with a hot drink in hand, enjoying this soft, cherry-infused donut as you watch the world go by.
But what exactly makes this donut so unique? Join me on this sweet journey as we explore the wonders of the Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut.
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What is Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut?
So, what is this delightful cake donut? The Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut is a soft, cake-style donut that’s bursting with the flavor of maraschino cherries. It’s dense yet tender, with a luscious cherry glaze on top.
What stands out is its unique combination of sweetness and a hint of tartness, thanks to the cherries.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the sensation of biting into a slice of summer. The first taste you’ll experience is that rich sweetness from the donut itself, followed by the juicy explosion of cherry flavor.
The glaze adds a smooth finish, making each bite an absolute delight. It’s soft, fluffy, and satisfies any sweet tooth craving you may have.
Why This Recipe Works?
When it comes to recreating the Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut at home, several factors contribute to its success. Here are four solid reasons why this recipe will make you want to jump right in:
1. Deep Cherry Flavor:
Using maraschino cherries enhances the donut’s flavor profile. Their natural sweetness combined with the slight tartness forms a perfect balance, giving you that authentic taste you crave.
2. Moist and Tender Texture:
The combination of milk and butter creates a moist donut. This texture means that as you bite into it, you’ll feel the soft cake melt in your mouth. No one likes a dry donut, right?
3. Quick and Simple Preparation:
This recipe doesn’t require advanced baking skills. You can whip it up in under an hour! Perfect for those days when you’re caught between your love for donuts and your busy life.
4. Customizable Glaze:
The glaze can easily be modified. For instance, mix a little almond extract for more depth or swap out maraschino juice for something else. It allows your creativity to shine while still delivering deliciousness.
Ingredients for Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cherry Bourbon Glaze:
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (for those who appreciate a rich flavor)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for depth)
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, stemmed and chopped (grab extra cherries for garnish)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or cherry extract for more flavor)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bring this delicious donut to life? Let’s dive into the process!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a gentle mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, cherry juice, and extracts. Then, slowly combine your wet and dry ingredients.
Step 2: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into your dough mixture. This is where the magic happens! Each bite will be studded with sweet, juicy cherries.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep pot, heat about two inches of vegetable oil to around 350°F. You want it hot enough for frying but not so hot that it starts smoking. A deep-frying thermometer can be handy here.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown on each side. Keep an eye on them; they tend to puff up quickly!
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Once golden, remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before icing.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a separate bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with the cherry juice and bourbon until it reaches a smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cherry juice.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts cool down, dip or drizzle the glaze over each donut. Add cherry chunks on top for decoration if you have any left over.
Notes
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind while making your donuts:
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Simply mix until combined.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the oil temperature is consistent. Too hot can burn, too cold can cause sogginess.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cherries are, the brighter the flavor.
- Rest Between Frying: Let the oil return to temperature before adding another batch of donuts.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to adjust your glaze. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar.
How To Store The Leftovers?
If by some miracle you have leftovers, storing them is effortless. Simply place the donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just wrap them well and store them in a freezer bag. They’re good for about a month!
Sides for Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut
So, what can you serve alongside your delicious donut?
1. Fresh Berries:
A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries brings out the cherries’ flavors while adding some zing to your plate.
2. Ice Cream:
How about a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream? The creamy texture and cold temperature complement the warm, soft donut beautifully.
3. Whipped Cream:
Sprinkle some fresh whipped cream on top for a delightful treat. It gives an extra layer of sweetness that feels indulgent.
4. Yogurt Parfait:
Layer the donut pieces with Greek yogurt and fruit for a breakfast twist. It’s a fun take that combines textures and flavors.
Alternative Choices for the Ingredients
Don’t have everything on the list? No problem! Here are some swaps:
1. Cherry Extract Instead of Maraschino Juice:
If you’re running low on cherries, use cherry extract for that robust flavor without compromising quality.
2. Almond Milk for Whole Milk:
Make it dairy-free by swapping out whole milk for almond milk or oat milk.
3. Coconut Oil Instead of Butter:
For a dairy-free option, you can use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
4. Any Type of Cherry for Maraschino Cherries:
If maraschino isn’t available, feel free to use fresh or frozen cherries. Just chop and adjust sugar accordingly.
Dunkin Donuts Cherry Cake Donut Recipe
Equipment
- deep pot
Ingredients
For the Cherry Bourbon Glaze
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon bourbon for a rich flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional, to deepen the flavor
For the Doughnuts
- 1 cup maraschino cherries stems removed and chopped (I recommend getting 2 (14oz) jars, so you have extra cherries for garnish)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or use cherry extract for a more intense flavor – or both!
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting and rolling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Ready to bring this delicious donut to life? Let’s dive into the process!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a gentle mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, cherry juice, and extracts. Then, slowly combine your wet and dry ingredients.
Step 2: Fold in the Cherries
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into your dough mixture. This is where the magic happens! Each bite will be studded with sweet, juicy cherries.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a deep pot, heat about two inches of vegetable oil to around 350°F. You want it hot enough for frying but not so hot that it starts smoking. A deep-frying thermometer can be handy here.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
- Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown on each side. Keep an eye on them; they tend to puff up quickly!
Step 5: Drain and Cool
- Once golden, remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before icing.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- In a separate bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with the cherry juice and bourbon until it reaches a smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cherry juice.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
- Once the donuts cool down, dip or drizzle the glaze over each donut. Add cherry chunks on top for decoration if you have any left over.
Notes
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the oil temperature is consistent. Too hot can burn, too cold can cause sogginess.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cherries are, the brighter the flavor.
- Rest Between Frying: Let the oil return to temperature before adding another batch of donuts.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to adjust your glaze. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough the night before and keep it in the fridge. Fry them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.
2. What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
That’s okay! A heavy pot can work just as well. Just ensure it’s deep enough to avoid splashes.
3. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer baking, put the dough into a donut pan and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. They won’t have the same crispiness, but still delicious!
4. How can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. This way, everyone can enjoy them, no matter their dietary needs.
Conclusion
The Dunkin’ Donuts Cherry Cake Donut is not just a treat; it’s a celebration! The way those cherries pop with flavor and the glorious texture come together is something to hold dear. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, enjoying them for breakfast, or making them as a special treat, they’ll surely win hearts and taste buds alike.
Now, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and set your inner baker loose. Your friends and family will thank you (and maybe even request seconds). Happy baking!
