Bakewell Doughnuts: A Simple Yet Elegant Treat for Beginners

There’s something truly special about the flavors of a classic Bakewell tart—almond, cherry, and a touch of sweetness, all balanced perfectly. This traditional British dessert, known for its crisp pastry, almond filling, and jam, has been reimagined into a soft, pillowy doughnut that requires no baking skills at all.

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Imagine biting into a delicate doughnut filled with smooth almond whipped cream and tart black cherry jam, all topped with a beautifully glossy pink icing. It sounds like a dessert reserved for expert bakers, but here’s the good news: this recipe is perfect for beginners. There’s no need for complicated dough-making or deep-frying. Using store-bought doughnuts allows you to focus on simple yet delicious enhancements that transform them into something truly spectacular.

Whether you’re making these doughnuts for a tea party, a celebration, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, this step-by-step guide will help you create a professional-looking dessert in under 30 minutes. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Ingredients and Preparation

To make six delicious Bakewell-inspired doughnuts, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 7 tbsp black cherry jam – This gives the doughnuts their rich fruity flavor.
• 100g icing sugar, plus 1 tbsp – Used for making a smooth, shiny glaze.
• 200ml whipping cream – Creates a light and fluffy almond-flavored filling.
• ¼ tsp almond extract – Enhances the classic Bakewell taste.
• 6 large ring doughnuts – Pre-made doughnuts save time and effort.
• 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
• 1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries (optional) – Brings a tart contrast and decorative touch.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• If black cherry jam isn’t available, try raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berry jam.
• No whipping cream? Use double cream for a richer texture or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• For a nut-free version, replace almond extract with vanilla extract and skip the almonds.
• Toasted coconut flakes or white chocolate shavings can be used in place of almonds for texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Icing

• In a small heatproof bowl, mix 1 tbsp black cherry jam with 1 tbsp boiling water.
• Sieve 100g icing sugar into a separate mixing bowl.
• Strain the cherry mixture through a fine sieve to remove fruit chunks, then mix it into the icing sugar.
• Stir well, gradually adding 1–1½ tsp water until the icing is smooth but thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 2: Make the Almond Cream Filling

• Pour 200ml whipping cream into a bowl.
• Add 1 tbsp icing sugar and a pinch of salt.
• Stir in ¼ tsp almond extract a few drops at a time, tasting as you go.
• Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat until soft peaks form—this means the cream should hold its shape but still have a slight droop.

Step 3: Slice and Ice the Doughnuts

• Carefully slice each ring doughnut in half horizontally using a sharp knife.
• Using a teaspoon, spread the prepared cherry icing over the tops of the doughnuts.
• If using, sprinkle toasted almonds and freeze-dried strawberries on top for extra texture and color.

Step 4: Fill the Doughnuts

• Spread 1 tbsp black cherry jam onto the bottom halves of the doughnuts.
• Spoon or pipe the almond whipped cream over the jam layer.
• Gently place the iced top halves back onto the filled bottoms to create a sandwich.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• These doughnuts are best served fresh, with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk.
• If needed, let them set in the fridge for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. How to Achieve the Perfect Icing Consistency

• If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water.
• If it’s too thin, sift in more icing sugar, stirring well until smooth.
• Allow the icing to rest for a few minutes before spreading to ensure it thickens slightly.

2. Preventing the Cream from Overwhipping

• Whisk just until soft peaks form—overwhipping will make the cream stiff and grainy.
• If overwhipped, fold in a small amount of unwhipped cream to loosen the texture.

3. Cutting Doughnuts Evenly

• Use a serrated knife for a clean cut.
• If the doughnuts are uneven, place the thicker side on the bottom for better stability.

4. Fixing a Runny Filling

• If the almond cream is too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before using.
• Adding an extra tablespoon of icing sugar can help thicken it.

5. Storing the Doughnuts

• Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream will change.

Serving Suggestions

Best Beverage Pairings:

• Earl Grey tea enhances the almond and cherry flavors.
• Freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness.
• Cold milk complements the soft, creamy texture.

Dessert Pairings:

• Serve with mini Bakewell tarts for a themed dessert spread.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast.

Creative Variations:

• Add melted dark chocolate drizzle for extra richness.
• Swap the filling for custard or mascarpone cream for a unique twist.
• Try orange zest in the icing for a citrusy flavor boost.

Why This Recipe is Great for Beginners

1. No Baking or Frying Required

Using pre-made doughnuts eliminates the hardest part of making doughnuts from scratch. You can focus on the fun and creative process of decorating and filling them.

2. Quick and Easy

This entire recipe takes under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute desserts or casual treats.

3. Customizable to Your Taste

With simple ingredient swaps, you can adapt these doughnuts to your preference, whether you want a nut-free version, a lighter option, or extra indulgence.

4. Perfect for Gifting and Sharing

These doughnuts look beautiful, making them great for birthdays, tea parties, or homemade gifts.

Conclusion

These Bakewell doughnuts bring the beloved flavors of a classic tart into a soft, creamy, and incredibly easy-to-make dessert. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a fantastic introduction to filled and iced doughnuts for beginner cooks.

By using store-bought doughnuts, a simple almond cream filling, and an easy cherry glaze, you can create a bakery-quality treat in no time. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet craving, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Now it’s your turn—try these Bakewell doughnuts and experiment with your own variations. Share your experience and let us know your favorite flavor combinations. Happy baking!