If you’re a fan of fresh, fruity pastries and love the comforting texture of cake donuts, this Blueberry Cake Donuts recipe is perfect for you. With a soft, cake-like texture and bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite, these donuts are the ideal breakfast treat, snack, or dessert. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create delicious homemade blueberry cake donuts that are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Blueberry Cake Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly coat it with butter.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients will create the perfect base for your donuts.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Add Blueberries:
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using frozen blueberries, it’s best not to thaw them beforehand to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. For an easier and neater process, you can use a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off to pipe the batter into the pan.
7. Bake:
Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
8. Cool:
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk if you want a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
10. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip each one into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some extra blueberries or even a little lemon zest on top for added flavor.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cake Donuts:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great for a vibrant color, while frozen blueberries tend to hold their shape better during baking. Both work perfectly in this recipe, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Donut Pan: Using a donut pan is essential for achieving that signature donut shape. If you don’t have a pan, you can use a muffin tin, but the texture may differ slightly.
- Variations: You can add a touch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra burst of flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh longer, store the donuts without the glaze and add it just before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Cake Donuts:
- Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: The cake-like texture makes them soft and light, with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Bursting with Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries create juicy pockets of flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and hassle-free.
- Versatile: Serve them at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to special occasions and gatherings.
Conclusion:
These Blueberry Cake Donuts are a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness with the fresh burst of blueberries in each bite. Whether you’re making them for your family or sharing them with friends, these donuts will quickly become a go-to recipe for all occasions. So, preheat your oven and treat yourself to these delicious homemade donuts that are sure to brighten your day!
Serving Tips for Blueberry Cake Donuts:
- Serve Fresh: Blueberry cake donuts are best enjoyed fresh, right after they’re glazed. The texture is soft and the flavor is at its peak. Consider serving them warm for an extra comforting experience.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: These donuts make an excellent pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a leisurely breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack.
- Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve the donuts with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This is especially great if you’re serving them as a dessert.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Adding a few extra fresh blueberries on top or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can enhance the visual appeal and flavor, making them even more delightful.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a holiday treat, these blueberry cake donuts add a touch of sweetness and charm to any celebration.
Storage Tips for Blueberry Cake Donuts:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy your donuts within 2-3 days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft, cake-like texture.
- Refrigeration: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate the donuts. Just be sure to place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. They can last up to a week in the fridge.
- Freezing Donuts: To extend their shelf life, blueberry cake donuts can be frozen. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
- Glazing After Storage: If you’re storing the donuts, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving. This will keep the glaze from becoming soggy during storage. If you prefer, you can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts just before reheating them to maintain freshness.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Blueberry Cake Donuts for several days, keeping them as tasty as the day they were made!
1. Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe? Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. In fact, they tend to hold their shape better during baking and help prevent the donuts from becoming too soggy. Just be sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter to avoid color bleeding.
2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan? If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin as an alternative. The donuts will take on more of a muffin shape, but the flavor and texture will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as muffins usually take a little longer to bake than donuts.
3. How can I make these donuts vegan? To make these donuts vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Swap the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure that your powdered sugar glaze is made without any non-vegan ingredients.
4. How should I store leftover blueberry cake donuts? Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. If freezing, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to enjoy them warm.
PrintBlueberry Cake Donuts
These Blueberry Cake Donuts are soft, tender, and bursting with juicy blueberries. Baked instead of fried, they’re a lighter, delicious treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Makes 12 donuts
- For the donuts:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/3 cup (75 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (75 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and both sugars.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Make the batter:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Fill the donut pan:
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake the donuts:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off, and place them back on the wire rack to set.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- For a crunchier texture, sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top of the donuts before baking.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.