If you’re in the mood for a decadent treat that brings pure joy in every bite, these Black Forest Doughnuts are just what you need. Imagine all the irresistible flavors of the classic Black Forest cake — rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and billowy whipped cream — transformed into soft, baked doughnuts. They’re a swoon-worthy combination of chocolatey comfort with bursts of fruity cherry, all topped with silky ganache and that signature cloud of whipped cream. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find every excuse to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking up a batch of these indulgent doughnuts is delightfully simple, thanks to a mix of pantry staples and a few special touches that deliver big flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building tender crumb, enriching chocolatey depth, or delivering that signature cherry surprise.
- All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy base for your doughnuts, giving them the perfect structure and softness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep, velvety chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the doughnuts and keeps the crumb moist.
- Baking powder: Lends lightness and that irresistible rise to each doughnut.
- Baking soda: Works alongside buttermilk to create an extra-tender, airy texture.
- Salt: Just a dash heightens all the chocolatey, cherry flavors.
- Buttermilk: Its gentle tang softens and moistens the crumb, making every bite irresistible.
- Large egg: Holds everything together and adds richness to the doughnuts.
- Melted butter: Adds an indulgent flavor and buttery texture to the doughnuts.
- Vanilla extract: Balances the bold flavors with gentle warmth and sweetness.
- Cherry pie filling (plus extra for topping): The heart of the Black Forest experience, providing juicy sweetness and lovely pops of color.
- Chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips: Melty bites of chocolate throughout leaves every mouthful extra special.
- Heavy cream: Essential for preparing the silky ganache topping.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache): Takes the doughnuts over the top with a glossy, rich finish.
- Whipped cream for topping: A final flourish, echoing the layers of a true Black Forest cake.
How to Make Black Forest Doughnuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing your doughnut pan. This initial step guarantees that the doughnuts won’t stick, so you can easily pop them out and show off those perfect rings. It’s a little detail that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Making sure these ingredients are well mixed sets the stage for evenly flavored, perfectly textured doughnuts.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and creamy. This mixture adds richness and moisture, so your Black Forest Doughnuts come out tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the doughnuts tough, so a few lumps are more than okay. Next, carefully fold in the cherry pie filling and chocolate chips, distributing those delicious little surprises evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This leaves just enough room for the doughnuts to puff up beautifully while baking. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
While your doughnuts cool, it’s ganache time! Gently heat the heavy cream until just steaming — don’t let it boil. Pour it over your chopped chocolate, wait two minutes so the chocolate can melt, then stir until silky and smooth. This will become the glossy, chocolatey crown for your Black Forest Doughnuts.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Dip each cooled doughnut into the ganache, letting any excess drip off. Finish with a little cloud of whipped cream and a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top, recreating that irresistible Black Forest look and taste. Every bite bursts with chocolate and cherry!
How to Serve Black Forest Doughnuts
Garnishes
A generous dollop of whipped cream and a glossy spoonful of cherry pie filling take these Black Forest Doughnuts from delightful to dazzling. For added flair, sprinkle with grated chocolate or stick a dark cherry on top, just like the classic dessert!
Side Dishes
Pair a doughnut with a creamy latte, a cup of dark roast coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for peak comfort food vibes. For celebrations, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Line up your finished doughnuts on a pretty cake stand, each one crowned with its cherry and whipped cream, or stack them tall for a show-stopping centerpiece. For bite-sized fun, make mini versions and serve them at brunch, parties, or bridal showers. Black Forest Doughnuts always draw a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Black Forest Doughnuts left (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the whipped cream fresh, add it just before serving. They’ll stay soft, rich, and just as tempting as day one.
Freezing
You can freeze these doughnuts (without toppings) for a sweet treat anytime! Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, and freeze in an airtight bag for up to two months. Simply thaw, then finish with ganache, whipped cream, and cherries when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked taste, warm unglazed doughnuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for a couple of minutes. Once warm and pillowy, finish with all the toppings for the full Black Forest Doughnuts experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh pitted cherries work beautifully and add a slightly tart, less-sweet note. Just chop them and fold into the batter as you would the pie filling.
Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
Yes — simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free blend made for baking. Results may be a touch denser, but they’ll still be utterly delicious.
Do I need a doughnut pan to make this recipe?
A doughnut pan helps achieve that picture-perfect ring shape, but if you don’t have one, use a muffin tin instead. The final treat will taste just as decadent, even if it’s not a true doughnut shape.
How can I make these doughnuts less sweet?
Try using fresh cherries in place of pie filling and opt for a darker chocolate in the batter and ganache. You can also slightly reduce the sugar, but don’t skip it entirely, or you’ll lose some moisture and structure.
Can Black Forest Doughnuts be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! Bake the doughnuts up to a day in advance and store them tightly covered. Add the ganache and toppings right before serving for best results. They’re great for prepping ahead and assembling when you’re ready to wow your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun and impressive as it is soul-satisfyingly delicious, you owe it to yourself to bake up a batch of these Black Forest Doughnuts. Grab your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and treat yourself to chocolate-cherry bliss — one dreamy doughnut at a time!
Print
Black Forest Doughnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic Black Forest cake in doughnut form with these decadent baked treats. Moist chocolate doughnuts filled with cherry pie filling, topped with a luscious ganache, and finished with whipped cream, these Black Forest Doughnuts are a delightful twist on a beloved dessert.
Ingredients
Doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
Ganache and Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine and Bake: Stir wet ingredients into dry, fold in cherry filling and chocolate chips. Spoon batter into pan, bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Make Ganache: Heat heavy cream, pour over chocolate, let sit, then stir until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Dip cooled doughnuts in ganache, top with whipped cream and cherry filling.
Notes
- You can use fresh pitted cherries instead of pie filling for a less sweet option.
- Doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
