Cherry Loops
By OcadoLife
Published on 16 March 2022
These Cherry Loops have the same deliciously chewy texture as bagels but are easier to make, as there’s no need to boil them before baking. Created by Romanian food writer and cookery teacher Irina Georgescu, they’re filled with jammy fruit and topped with seeds and nuts for a lovely crunch. Swap the cherries for blueberries if you like, or skip the fruity filling and just glaze with warmed apricot jam. Be sure to try them warm, with a dollop of ricotta.Time and servings
45 minsTotal time
15 minsPrep time
30 minsCooking time
Ingredients
- 400 g of plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 sachet of dried yeast
- 1 tsp of salt
- 25 g of golden caster sugar, plus 2tbsp
- 40 ml of sunflower oil
- 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
- 2 tbsp of sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tbsp of flaked almonds (optional)
- 500 g of frozen cherries
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
Method
Step 1
Put the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, oil and 215ml lukewarm water in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix for 4 mins to form a smooth dough that comes away from the bowl (or knead by hand for 6-8 mins). Cover with a clean tea towel and prove in a warm place for 1 hr, until springy.Step 2
Meanwhile, put the cherries, 2 tbsp sugar and lemon juice in a pan; cook gently for 10-15 mins, until soft and the juices have reduced to a thick syrup. Set aside to cool.Step 3
Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 3. Line 1-2 baking trays with baking paper. Dust a work surface and rolling pin with flour, divide the dough into 8 balls and roll each into a rectangle about 30 x 12cm.Step 4
Spoon some filling along one long edge, leaving a 2cm gap at the ends, and brush the dough with water. Starting from the cherry edge, roll into a cigar shape. Make into a loop by flattening one end and wrapping the flat dough around the other end; pinch to seal. Put on a tray and repeat.Step 5
Brush the loops with the beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds and almonds (if using); bake on the lower oven shelf for 15-20 mins, until golden. Leave to cool on the tray a little; serve while still warm.