Bite into Bliss: Homemade Amish Cherry Donuts That Will Brighten Your Day!

Amish Cherry Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cherries with the comforting texture of homemade donuts. Below is a detailed recipe for making these delicious donuts, including the preparation of a cherry glaze.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk (or sour milk)
• 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon cherry extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve juice)

For the Cherry Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cherry extract
• 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

Instructions

Preparing the Donuts:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, cherry juice, cherry extract, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
6. Fill the Pan: Transfer the batter into a gallon-sized zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
7. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Cherry Glaze:

1. Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cherry extract, and cherry juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.
2. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. For a thicker glaze, you can double-dip the donuts.
3. Let Set: Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

These Amish Cherry Donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the nostalgia of homemade treats!