There’s something truly enchanting about the smell of warm baked goods wafting through the house. The moment I pulled this Easy Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring from the oven, I knew it would become a go-to recipe for my holiday gatherings. This delightful treat, reminiscent of the classic sufganiyot, is a charming twist that captures the joy of celebrating without the fuss of frying.
Using crescent roll dough as a handy shortcut, this dessert is not only simple to whip up but also a crowd-pleaser. Imagine sharing a golden, fluffy donut ring with friends and family, each pull revealing a luscious, gooey jam center. Perfect for holiday brunches or cozy winter evenings, this easy recipe delivers all the flavor with none of the stress, letting you focus on what truly matters—enjoying good food and great company. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a festive masterpiece that even the busiest bakers can appreciate!
Why is this Pull-Apart Jelly Donut special?
Easy preparation: Using crescent roll dough cuts down on baking time, making it perfect for last-minute holiday desserts.
Festive appeal: This donut ring brings a cheerful touch to any gathering, drawing everyone in with its delightful shape and warm colors.
Gooey filling: Each pull reveals a sweet, jam-filled center that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Versatile flavors: Feel free to swap out the jam for your favorite fillings like chocolate hazelnut or cream cheese for a unique twist.
No-fry option: Enjoy the nostalgia of donuts without the mess of frying, leaving you with a lighter treat that everyone will love!
Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ingredients
For the Dough
- Crescent Roll Dough – Provides the structure of the donut; use refrigerated crescent roll tubes for best results.
- Large Egg – Acts as an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish; you can substitute with milk if preferred.
- Unsalted Butter (melted) – Adds rich buttery flavor; ensure it’s unsalted to control the saltiness in your dessert.
For the Filling
- Red Jam (strawberry, raspberry, or cherry) – The sweet filling that brings joy to each bite; feel free to swap with your favorite preserves for a unique taste.
For the Topping
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Dust over the warm donut ring for an appealing presentation; adjust quantity to your taste preference for sweetness.
How to Make Pull-Apart Jelly Donut
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. This is crucial to ensure your donut ring bakes evenly and rises perfectly, giving you a golden-brown finish.
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Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for an easy cleanup after baking.
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Roll out the crescent dough and cut it into small triangles or pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, ensuring they’re uniform in size for even baking.
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Stuff each dough ball with a generous spoonful of red jam. Make sure they’re well-filled, then arrange them in a ring shape within your prepared baking dish.
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Brush the assembled donut ring with melted butter. Next, beat the egg and apply it evenly as an egg wash over the dough for a beautiful, shiny finish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on the color to achieve that perfectly baked look.
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Dust the final product with confectioners’ sugar right before serving. This step adds that beautiful sweet touch, making each bite irresistible!
Optional: Serve warm for the best gooey texture and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Rings are a fantastic option for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings so much easier! You can prepare the dough balls and fill them with jam up to 24 hours in advance. Simply arrange them in your baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to impress your guests, just brush the dough with melted butter, apply the egg wash, and bake them for about 25-30 minutes until golden. This prep-ahead method ensures you’ll have a scrumptious, gooey treat ready with minimal effort, helping you save time and enjoy more moments with your loved ones!
What to Serve with Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring?
Pair your festive treat with delightful sides that enhance its sweetness and create a memorable meal experience.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage complements the sweet, fluffy texture, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, this adds a light balance to the rich, jam-filled donut while offering a burst of color to your table.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream elevates indulgence, perfectly matching the donut’s sweetness and inviting spoonfuls of joy.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle a touch of this classic combination over the donut for added flavor and a cozy, holiday feel that everyone will love!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures, creating a dessert that’s pure bliss.
- Chai Latte: This spiced drink beautifully harmonizes with the sweet notes of the donut, making every bite an aromatic experience.
- Nutty Granola: A small serving on the side adds crunch and a wholesome touch, effortlessly enhancing the overall flavor profile of your holiday dessert.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an extra treat, warm chocolate sauce for dipping invites guests to personalize their sweet experience, adding a fun twist to every bite!
Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this delightful treat with these fun twists!
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Chocolate Filling: Swap the jam for chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich and indulgent experience. Imagine biting into a warm donut and discovering a velvety chocolate center!
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Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle it over the dough before baking for a sweet, cozy spice. This adds a festive warmth that’s perfect for chilly gatherings.
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Cream Cheese: Replace the jam with sweetened cream cheese for a smooth, dreamy filling. This twist gives a luscious contrast to the fluffy donut, making each bite truly unforgettable.
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Biscuit Dough: Try using biscuit dough instead of crescent roll dough for a different texture. The biscuit variation will yield a more flaky and hearty donut ring that’s equally delightful.
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Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the filling for an added crunch. The combination of soft dough with crunchy nuts creates a wonderful contrast!
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Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruit preserves like apricot or blueberry to brighten up the flavors. The fruity surprise adds a burst of freshness, perfect for a lively holiday dessert.
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Maple Glaze: Top with a simple maple glaze instead of dusting with sugar for an added sweetness. This drizzly finish enhances the festive look and adds a delicious maple undertone.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a surprising touch of heat. This unique twist awakens the taste buds and makes for a conversation starter at your holiday table!
Storage Tips for Pull-Apart Jelly Donut
Room Temperature: Store the donut ring in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its softness for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: If storing longer, keep in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze individual pieces in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through, to regain that delightful gooeyness of the jam center.
Expert Tips for Pull-Apart Jelly Donut
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Fill Generously: Make sure each dough ball is adequately filled with jam to prevent spillage during baking. A spoonful is usually just right!
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Egg Wash Evenly: Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash evenly across the dough to achieve a golden-brown finish. This step is crucial for that bakery-quality appearance.
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Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your donut ring a few minutes early. Look for a golden color—this indicates it’s perfectly baked.
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Cool Before Dusting: Allow the donut ring to cool slightly before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. This ensures a beautiful, clingy finish that won’t melt away!
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Experiment with Fillings: While the red jam is delightful, don’t hesitate to swap it for alternatives like chocolate hazelnut or sweet cream cheese to create varied flavors.
Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring Recipe FAQs
What type of jam should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! While red jam varieties like strawberry, raspberry, or cherry work wonderfully for this Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring, I encourage you to get creative! You can substitute with your favorite fruit preserves, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent twist.
How should I store the leftover donut ring?
To keep your donut ring fresh and soft, I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, which will extend its shelf life to about a week. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I freeze the donut ring? How?
Yes, you can freeze this delightful treat! After baking and cooling, slice the donut ring into individual pieces. Place the slices in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, ensuring they’re well sealed. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them up in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to regain that gorgeous gooeyness.
What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise as expected?
If your Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring doesn’t puff up or rise as beautifully as you’d like, don’t worry! Check that your oven was adequately preheated, as an incorrect temperature can affect the dough’s rise. Also, ensure you are using fresh crescent roll dough without any visible damage to the packaging. If you’re aiming for more height, you can try letting it rest for a few minutes before baking to give the dough a little extra time to relax and rise.
Is this recipe suitable for anyone with food allergies?
Great question! The Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring contains common allergens like gluten (from the crescent dough) and possibly dairy (from the butter and egg). For gluten-free baking, you can look for gluten-free crescent roll alternatives that are available. Also, if you’re avoiding eggs, substituting with a plant-based milk wash can work well for the egg wash step. Next time you decide to whip up this treat, feel free to tailor it to your dietary needs!
Can I make this donut ring ahead of time?
Very! To save time on the day of your gathering, prepare the dough balls and stuff them with jam. Place them in your greased baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate the assembled donut ring for up to 24 hours. Just remember to take it out and allow it to come to room temperature before baking, ensuring the warm flavors are perfectly melded together!
Mouthwatering Pull-Apart Jelly Donut Ring Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
- Roll out the crescent dough and cut it into small triangles or pieces, shaping each into a ball.
- Stuff each dough ball with a generous spoonful of red jam and arrange them in a ring shape within your prepared baking dish.
- Brush the assembled donut ring with melted butter and apply the egg wash evenly over the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Dust the final product with confectioners’ sugar right before serving.