Name: Baked Cherry Bakewell Doughnuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200 g (1 2/3 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour; 120 g (2/3 cup minus 1 tbsp) caster sugar (or superfine sugar); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 large egg; 140 g (2/3 cup minus 1 tbsp) Greek yogurt; 4 tbsp vegetable oil; 100 ml (1/2 cup minus 4 tsp) milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract; 10 glace cherries (finely chopped); 150 g (1 1/3 cups) confectioners’ sugar; 1 tsp almond extract; 4-5 tbsp milk; 10 glace cherries (finely chopped); 2 tbsp flaked almonds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 83 reviews

If you adore the classic flavors of cherry and almond combined in a delightful treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Baked Cherry Bakewell Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts bring together the soft, tender crumb of a baked delight with the irresistible jammy cherry bursts and fragrant almond extract that will make you feel like you’re biting into a traditional Bakewell tart, just in doughnut form. Perfectly golden and topped with a luscious almond icing, these doughnuts are an absolute showstopper for brunch, afternoon tea, or any time you want a sweet moment of bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small white bowls and clear glass bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest white bowl is filled with white powdered sugar, the smaller white bowl contains granulated white sugar, and a medium-sized clear glass bowl has a thick white creamy ingredient. Another white bowl holds two raw egg yolks with clear egg whites. A clear glass bowl contains a light yellow solid, likely butter. There is also a small bowl with a light brown powder, another small bowl with white powder, and a tiny bowl with a small amount of a liquid vanilla-colored ingredient. All items are neatly spaced with no overlap. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to bring out the best in taste, texture, and that classic Bakewell charm, making the preparation straightforward yet deeply satisfying.

200 g plain (all-purpose) flour: The base that gives the doughnuts their tender structure.
120 g caster sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create a fine crumb.
1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the doughnuts rise beautifully and stay light.
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda: Works alongside the baking powder to achieve a fluffy texture.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
140 g Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the doughnuts soft.
4 tbsp vegetable oil: Keeps the doughnuts tender and moist without making them greasy.
100 ml milk: Helps create the ideal batter consistency.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a gorgeous warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1 tsp almond extract: The star ingredient for that unmistakable Bakewell essence.
10 glace cherries, finely chopped: Bursts of juicy sweetness that make each bite special.
150 g confectioners’ sugar: For creating that smooth, luscious icing.
1 tsp almond extract (for icing): Continues the almond theme in the glaze.
4-5 tbsp milk (for icing): Adjusted to get the perfect dipping consistency.
2 tbsp flaked almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty finish.

How to Make Baked Cherry Bakewell Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the fan on. Grease two 6-ring doughnut tins well to ensure your doughnuts slip out easily later. This step sets the stage for perfectly shaped doughnuts every time.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients evenly is key for a consistent rise and texture throughout your doughnuts.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg, then add the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla, and almond extracts. Use a wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose that perfect fluffy crumb we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cherries

Transfer your batter to a piping bag without a nozzle or to a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the doughnut rings until about ¾ full, then sprinkle the finely chopped glace cherries on top. These little pops of color and sweetness will give your doughnuts that signature Bakewell vibe.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your prepared trays into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the doughnuts have puffed nicely and turned a lovely golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool right inside the tins to maintain their shape and softness.

Step 6: Whip up the Almond Icing

While the doughnuts cool, mix the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and half the milk in a large bowl. Whisk well, adding more milk if needed, until you get a thick, smooth icing that can coat the back of a spoon—thick enough to cling but not too runny.

Step 7: Ice and Garnish Your Doughnuts

Carefully tip the doughnuts out of their tins and dip the smooth top side into the icing. Let any excess drip off, then set them on a plate. Quickly sprinkle more chopped cherries and flaked almonds on top to complete that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

How to Serve Baked Cherry Bakewell Doughnuts Recipe

A stack of four doughnuts with white icing dripping softly down their sides, each doughnut topped with small red fruit pieces and thin almond slices scattered over the icing. The top doughnut is split open to show a light golden inside with a single deep red cherry sitting in the middle, its green stem curved upwards. Around the stack, more whole cherries and scattered almond slices lie on a deep blue surface, with two green ceramic cups filled with a warm drink blurred in the background. The surface has a textured look but is changed to white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of extra chopped glace cherries and toasted flaked almonds elevates the look and taste, lending vibrant color and a pleasing crunch that contrasts with the soft crumb. You can also dust a light shake of icing sugar on top for a charming finish.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts pair wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a decadent brunch, offer fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream on the side to complement the jammy cherry bursts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these doughnuts stacked in a pretty tiered stand for a tea party or arrange them on a wooden board with scattered almonds and cherries for a rustic feel. Drizzle a little extra almond glaze over the top just before serving to make them shine even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their soft texture intact and allows you to enjoy that delicious almond-cherry goodness whenever a sweet craving hits.

Freezing

To store longer, freeze the doughnuts in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw them overnight on the counter, then refresh by warming slightly in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the doughnuts gently in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm through. This brings back their tender softness and revives the almond aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream?

Absolutely! Sour cream works just as well to add moisture and a slight tang to the doughnuts. It will keep them tender and flavorful, maintaining the Bakewell essence.

Are these doughnuts gluten-free?

This specific recipe uses plain all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For gluten-free versions, try a gluten-free flour blend but be aware that texture and rise might slightly differ.

Can I make these doughnuts without almond extract?

You could, but almond extract is key to capturing the classic Bakewell flavor. If you don’t have any, vanilla extract is a mild substitute, though the distinctive almond note will be missing.

Is it possible to make these doughnuts vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer, use a plant-based yogurt, and swap milk and oil for plant-based alternatives. Results might vary slightly but still delicious!

Why are my doughnuts not rising properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you don’t overmix the batter, which can result in dense doughnuts. Also, piping the batter evenly and baking at the right temperature helps them rise perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cherry Bakewell Doughnuts Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels both nostalgic and excitingly unique. With a tender crumb, lovely cherry bursts, and that almond-infused glaze, it’s a show-stopping bake you’ll want to share and savor again and again. Trust me, once you bake these doughnuts, they’ll fast become a beloved favorite in your home too!