Contents

Indulge in Homemade Bliss: Royal Anne Cherries and Cream Filled Baked Donuts

Prepare to be enchanted by these exquisite baked donuts, a true masterpiece of texture and flavor. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: a perfectly sugary-crisp exterior giving way to an irresistibly light and fluffy interior. But the real magic lies within – a luscious, creamy filling bursting with the sweet-tart essence of premium Royal Anne cherries. These aren’t just donuts; they’re a celebration of homemade goodness, designed to elevate any occasion, especially those cherished moments with loved ones. Discover the joy of baking and sharing these incredible treats that promise to be a highlight of any gathering.

As special occasions approach, like Mother’s Day, anniversaries, or simply a weekend brunch that calls for something extraordinary, these Royal Anne Cherries and Cream Filled Baked Donuts emerge as the ultimate gesture of love and appreciation. Imagine presenting your beloved mother, or any cherished individual, with a platter of these beautifully crafted treats. It’s more than just a breakfast item; it’s a heartfelt culinary embrace, a tangible expression of care and devotion that says “I love you” in the most delicious way possible. These aren’t just any donuts; they are truly fit for royalty – for the queen (or king) of your heart – promising a memorable start to any celebratory day. Their elegant presentation and delightful taste make them a perfect centerpiece for any festive table.

Every element of these donuts is meticulously designed to create an unparalleled taste experience. The baking process lends them a remarkably crisp exterior, gently caramelized by sugar, which forms a delicate shell. This delightful crunch gives way to an interior that is astonishingly light, airy, and fluffy, almost melting in your mouth. The contrast in textures is a culinary delight, ensuring each bite is both surprising and satisfying. But it’s the filling that truly elevates these treats to a gourmet level. A velvety, rich cream, infused with the vibrant taste of Royal Anne cherries, creates a sublime contrast to the donut’s texture. This exquisite combination of crisp, fluffy, sweet, and subtly tart notes makes each donut not just a dessert, but a moment of pure culinary bliss, a testament to thoughtful baking.

Have you ever had the pleasure of tasting Royal Anne cherries? If not, you’re in for a truly delightful discovery. These cherries are not just beautiful with their blushing red and yellow hues; they possess a flavor profile that is utterly captivating. What makes Royal Anne cherries so special is their exquisite balance: they offer a pronounced sweetness that is never cloying, perfectly tempered by a delicate, refreshing tartness. This harmonious blend makes them incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory applications, though they truly shine in desserts like these donuts, where their nuanced flavor can truly be appreciated.

The secret to enjoying the peak flavor of Royal Anne cherries year-round lies with trusted brands like Oregon Fruit Products. They meticulously harvest these precious fruits at the absolute height of their ripeness, then can them to lock in their natural goodness. This commitment to quality ensures that every can delivers consistently plump, juicy, and flavor-packed cherries, ready to transform your baking projects. While indulging in them straight from the can is a treat in itself – a testament to their inherent deliciousness – their true potential is unleashed when incorporated into culinary creations. Crafting this donut cream filling, infused with both the vibrant juice and tender bits of chopped Royal Anne cherries, was a moment of pure inspiration, resulting in a filling so divine, it’s become an instant favorite and a highlight of this recipe. The vibrant color and rich taste of these cherries elevate the entire donut experience, making it unforgettable.

Beyond the delectable taste, the creation of these donuts often becomes a cherished family activity. My daughter, Brookie, and I have spent countless sweet and memorable mornings together, meticulously testing and tasting this very recipe. There’s an undeniable magic in sharing the kitchen, the comforting scent of rising dough, and the joyful anticipation of a delicious outcome. The passion for baking, particularly for crafting homemade donuts, is a legacy I joyfully see blossoming in her. Witnessing her excitement and the sheer happiness that radiates from her as we collaborate on these culinary projects, sharing both the process and the exquisite results, truly warms my heart. These aren’t just recipes; they are opportunities to forge lasting memories and traditions that will be treasured for years to come, weaving a tapestry of love and shared moments.

For any serious home baker, or indeed anyone who loves creating culinary delights, a reliable stand mixer is an indispensable tool. If you were to ask me about my absolute favorite baking appliance, my KitchenAid stand mixer would be my unequivocal answer. Over the years, as recipe creation has evolved from a passion into both a hobby and a fulfilling profession, my collection has grown to include various sizes, often all in use simultaneously during intense baking sessions. The addition of the Mini Series Stand Mixer to my kitchen has been particularly revolutionary. Its compact yet powerful design makes it perfectly suited for smaller-batch recipes, an absolute dream for whipping up delicate frostings, creamy fillings – like our Royal Anne cherry creation – and light batters with effortless precision. It’s also become a beloved fixture for my daughter, Brookie, who quickly adopted it as her own. Her sheer delight and eagerness to use the mini mixer when we bake together add an extra layer of sweetness to our kitchen adventures, making every baking session an adorable memory in the making and a testament to the joy of hands-on creativity.

In celebration of past Mother’s Day festivities and our wonderful community, we had the pleasure of collaborating with our esteemed partners at Oregon Fruit Products for a special giveaway. A fortunate reader received a KitchenAid Artisan Mini Series Stand Mixer, a compact powerhouse perfect for all baking endeavors, along with a year’s supply of delicious Oregon Fruit products. This collaboration truly emphasized our shared passion for quality ingredients and the joy of homemade creations, perfectly aligning with the spirit of these delightful Royal Anne Cherry donuts and encouraging more home bakers to explore their culinary talents with top-notch tools and ingredients. Congratulations once again to the lucky winner!

While the excitement of past giveaways is a sweet memory, the true prize is this incredible baked donut recipe itself. Every baker, regardless of experience level, wins when they embark on this culinary journey. I’m thrilled to guide you through the straightforward yet immensely rewarding process of crafting these delectable treats. You’ll discover that the dough is surprisingly simple to bring together, yielding a wonderfully pliable consistency that rises with impressive grace and beauty, laying the perfect foundation for our fluffy donuts. This recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, transforming simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Once the initial rise is complete, the dough is gently rolled and cut into uniform circles. This step is crucial for achieving that classic donut shape and ensuring even baking, contributing to the overall appeal of the final product. Following the shaping, these nascent donuts are given a second, equally important rise. This dual-rise process is the secret to their optimal texture, allowing the yeast to further develop, resulting in an exceptionally fluffy, airy, and tender crumb that sets these baked donuts apart from their fried counterparts. It’s this careful attention to the rising process that creates their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Before they enter the oven, each donut receives a generous brushing of melted butter – a simple yet vital step that contributes significantly to their rich flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown finish. They are then baked at 375°F for a mere 10 minutes, just enough time to cook through and begin to set. But the true magic for that signature crisp exterior happens next: a quick turn under the broiler, after another brush of butter, for just a minute or two. This brief burst of intense heat caramelizes the sugar and butter on the surface, creating that irresistible sugary-crisp coating that makes these baked donuts truly exceptional. This two-stage cooking method ensures a perfect balance of textures, from crisp to fluffy.

Timing is key for the next delightful step: as soon as the donuts are cool enough to comfortably handle, they are gently tossed in a bowl of granulated sugar. This isn’t just a coating; it’s an integral part of the experience. The residual warmth from the freshly baked donuts, combined with the buttery crisp surface, allows the sugar to adhere perfectly, creating a sparkling, textured crust that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. This sugary embrace transforms each donut into a glittering jewel, promising a burst of sweetness and a textural contrast that will captivate your palate. The final sugar coating truly seals the deal for these irresistible treats.

As the sugar-coated donuts cool, your attention turns to crafting the heart of this recipe: the ethereal Royal Anne cherries and cream filling. This component is more than just a sweet addition; it’s the element that truly elevates these baked donuts to an extraordinary level of gourmet deliciousness. Made with fresh, cold heavy whipping cream, whipped to perfection and sweetened with powdered sugar, it achieves a luxurious, cloud-like consistency. The infusion of vibrant Royal Anne cherry juice adds a delicate fruitiness, while finely chopped bits of the actual cherries are gently folded in, ensuring a delightful burst of fruit in every creamy mouthful. This filling is a symphony of textures and flavors, promising an unforgettable experience that perfectly complements the light donut base.

The final step in bringing these magnificent donuts to life is the filling process. Using a skewer, a chopstick, or even the narrow end of a wooden spoon, carefully create a cavity in the side of each donut. This opening will serve as the perfect entryway for our generous cherry cream filling, ensuring that each donut receives a bountiful portion. Once the rich, fruity cream is transferred to a resealable plastic bag or, for a more professional touch, a pastry bag fitted with a large pointed star decorating tip, gently pipe the luscious filling into each donut until it feels delightfully plump. The visual appeal of the vibrant filling peeking out, combined with the anticipation of its creamy taste, makes this step particularly satisfying and prepares your taste buds for the ultimate indulgence.

Now, with your Royal Anne Cherries and Cream Filled Baked Donuts complete, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. These delights are best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to experience their exquisite textures and vibrant flavors at their peak. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to an extraordinary breakfast or dessert, these donuts are sure to bring smiles and warmth to any gathering. We extend our warmest wishes to all the incredible mothers and caregivers out there, hoping your days are filled with as much sweetness and joy as these delightful treats. Embrace the moments, share the deliciousness, and create lasting memories around these homemade wonders.

Happy Baking!

Warmly,

This culinary post was developed in collaboration with Oregon Fruit Products. Our commitment to creating delicious recipes with quality ingredients is paramount, and all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are genuinely our own. We deeply appreciate your support for the brands that help us bring these delightful creations to your kitchen, fostering a community of passionate home bakers and food enthusiasts.

Royal Anne Cherries and Cream Filled Baked Donuts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews

Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Yield: 18 donuts
Category: Breakfast

Print Recipe

Description

Baked donuts that are sugary crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and filled with the most fabulous Royal Anne cherries and cream filling!

Ingredients

Donuts:

1 (1/4 ounce) package instant yeast
1 cup warm water
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, lightly beaten

For Baking:

1/2 cup butter, melted

For Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar

Filling:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 (15 ounce) can Oregon Fruit Royal Anne Cherries

Instructions

To make the donuts: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the dough attachment, add the yeast and warm water first. Then add the flour, sugar, salt, melted butter and lightly beaten egg. Mix on low speed until just combined and then medium-high speed until well combined. Dough will be sticky.
Remove dough to a buttered bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
On a lightly floured surface, press dough out with floured hands to 1/4 inch thickness. Using a 2-1/2 inch round cookie or donut cutter, cut the dough into 18 rounds. Gather dough scraps and repress out with floured hands, if necessary.
Place donuts a few inches apart on parchment-lined or greased baking sheets. Cover with a light dish towel and let rise for about 30 minutes or until about doubled in thickness.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Once donuts have finished the second rise, brush generously with melted butter. Bake for about 10 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through, until donuts are set and starting to turn golden brown on top.
Remove donuts from oven. Turn oven broiler on high. Brush each donut with more butter. Return one tray of donuts at a time to under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the butter starts to bubble a bit which will crisp the tops of the donuts. Repeat with remaining trays of donuts until all are baked and broiled.
Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. As soon as donuts are cool enough to handle, toss them in the granulated sugar one at a time to evenly and completely coat them. Place back on baking sheet to cool completely while making the filling.
To make the filling: Chill stand mixer bowl ahead of time. Fit stand mixer with whisk attachment. Place cold heavy whipping cream in the chilled bowl. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add 3 tablespoons cherry juice and continue beating until well combined. Drain the cherries from the can and chop well. Gently fold chopped royal anne cherries into the cream. Transfer the cherry cream filling to a resealable plastic bag or pastry bag fitted with a large pointed star decorating tip.
Using a skewer or end of a wooden spoon stick, poke a hole through the side of each donut almost to the other side making space to squeeze in the filling. Fill each donut with the cherry cream filling.
Serve donuts as soon as they are filled. Donuts are best eaten the same day.