by Melanie 45 Comments
Cherry Vanilla Bagels {Copycat Recipe} – Cherry studded bagels enhanced with delicious vanilla. A Panera copycat recipe. Chewy flavorful bagels baked at home.
I visit one of my favorite eateries about once a month. Sometimes I meet a friend for lunch. Other times I’m there just to grab a bagel. I simply can’t resist their bagels. It’s a chain restaurant. It’s starts with a ‘P’ and ends with Bread. Yes, you got it Panera bread.
That place is just downright delicious. So last time I walked in I was staring at the beautiful array of bagels and noticed something new. The flavor sounded good. Cherry Vanilla. I love vanilla and usually I like cherries. But I was a bit skeptical. Or maybe that’s not the right word. I guess I was just wondering if I would regret it and if I should have just gone with one of my favorites like Cinnamon Crunch or Blueberry.
But this awesome manager told me, “Try it and if you don’t like I’ll give you another variety for free. But I think you’ll like it.” That’s all these ears needed to hear. Sold. 1 Cherry Vanilla Panera Bread bagel to Melanie. I savored every bite of those 300+ calories. And it was delicious.
Of course, as always I thought I should make this at home. So this recipe has been in the making for 3+ weeks. I’ve made it twice just to be confident before sharing it with you. I’m oh so happy with the results.
It’s slightly crispy on the outside.
Beautiful plump cherries bake up nicely.
The vanilla flavor shines through brilliantly.
The interior is chewy and delicate.
I’m in love! I think you will be too!
Tools that will make the job easier:
Sheet Pan
Cooling Rack
Thanks for being here friends!
Til we meet and eat again,
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Melanie - Gather for Bread
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 11 minutes mins
Total Time 41 minutes mins
Course Bagels
Cuisine Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon barley malt syrup or honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water 90-100 degrees
- 3 1/2 cups 16 ounces - 4 cups (22 ounces) unbleached bread flour
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup dried cherries chopped or cherry infused cranberries
- cornmeal or semolina flour for dusting pans
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Instructions
To make the dough, stir the malt syrup (or honey), yeast, and salt into the lukewarm water. Place 3 1/2 cups flour into a mixing bowl and pour in the malt syrup mixture, brown sugar, honey and vanilla extract.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix on the lowest speed until dough comes together, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cherries. You may need to add a few teaspoons of flour with the cherries for proper kneading. Increase speed to medium and mix until dough is smooth about 5-6 minutes. Add additional flour if necessary. The dough should form a stiff, smooth ball. All ingredients should be hydrated. If dough seems too dry add a few drops of water.
If mixing by hand, use a large, wooden spoon and stir for about 3 minutes, until well mixed. Then add cherries. Then knead again for 7-10 minutes until you have a smooth dough.
The dough should be stiff but smooth and satiny.
Immediately divide dough into 8 equal pieces. About 4 - 4.5 ounces each.
Roll each piece into a round ball and poke a hole in the center of dough. Gently rotate your thumb around the hole to loosen dough and widen the hole. Try to make it stretch evenly so it's equal thickness all the way around.
Place each bagel on cornmeal dusted parchment lined baking sheets allowing, 2 inches of space between. Mist lightly with oil. Cover with a double layer of plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
Next day:
- 1 1/2 hours before baking remove bagels from refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees placing rack in the center of the oven. Bring a large pot of water to boil and add baking soda.
Gently drop dough rings, three at a time into boiling water. Flip after 30 seconds. After a total of 1 minute remove using a slotted spoon. Place on a wire rack for a minute to drain. Meanwhile sprinkle parchment with cornmeal or semolina flour. Remove bagels to baking sheets. Bake for 5 minutes. Rotate pans. Lower heat to 450 degrees. Bake for another 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool for 15 minutes on wire rack.
Store at room temperature in a sealed container or in double layer of plastic for up to 3 days.
Bagels can be frozen. Wrap first in plastic then in aluminum foil. Or you use freezer top bags or freezer containers. Should keep for about a month in the freezer.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!