Blueberry Cake Donuts

Introduction

Blueberry Cake Donuts are the perfect blend of soft, tender cake and bursts of sweet, juicy blueberries. These donuts are baked, not fried, which makes them lighter yet still rich and indulgent. The flavor of fresh or frozen blueberries is complemented by a hint of vanilla, creating a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack. With their light, fluffy texture and bright pop of berry flavor, these donuts are an easy-to-make, irresistible choice for anyone who loves a simple yet delicious baked good.

I first made these donuts on a lazy weekend morning when I was craving something cozy and sweet. The kitchen quickly filled with the delicious aroma of baking blueberries and vanilla, and my family couldn’t wait to try them. The best part is that they’re so easy to make, and you can enjoy them warm right out of the oven. If you’re in the mood for something a bit extra, a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.

These donuts are great for any occasion, whether it’s a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a dessert for a casual gathering. They are as satisfying as they are simple, and you’ll find yourself making them time and time again!

Perfect for:

• Morning breakfast
• Afternoon snack
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions like brunch
• Blueberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cake Donuts

Here’s why Blueberry Cake Donuts will become your new favorite:

• Soft, Cake-Like Texture: These donuts have the perfect balance of lightness and tenderness, thanks to the cake batter.
• Fresh Blueberry Flavor: The blueberries add a burst of sweet and slightly tart flavor that makes every bite special.
• Baked, Not Fried: Since these donuts are baked, they’re less greasy but still rich and satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require special equipment, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile: You can easily customize these donuts by adding a glaze, swapping in different fruits, or experimenting with spices.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Blueberry Cake Donuts:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (preferably tossed in a bit of flour to prevent sinking)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional for extra brightness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Flour: The all-purpose flour provides structure to these cake donuts, making them light yet firm.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries bring natural sweetness and moisture to the donuts.
• Butter and Milk: These ingredients provide richness and tenderness to the donut batter.
• Cinnamon and Lemon Zest: While optional, both ingredients elevate the flavor profile of these donuts and complement the blueberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Blueberry Cake Donuts:

Prepare the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup donut pan or lightly spray it with non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries (and lemon zest if using), making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

Shape and Bake the Donuts:

6. Scoop the Batter into the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cup about ¾ full. You can also use a piping bag for a cleaner fill.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Blueberry Cake Donuts are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: These donuts pair perfectly with your favorite morning beverage, making them an ideal breakfast treat.
• As a Dessert: Serve these donuts as a fun and delicious dessert for brunch or a casual gathering.
• With a Glaze or Icing: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
• For Gift-Giving: Package the donuts in a cute box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve these donuts with a side of fresh fruit like extra blueberries or sliced strawberries for a colorful, fresh complement.

Additional Tips for Blueberry Cake Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Blueberry Cake Donuts are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Blueberries: While frozen blueberries work well, fresh blueberries will give your donuts the best flavor and texture.
• Toss Blueberries in Flour: Tossing the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the donuts.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in dense donuts, so mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Customize the Glaze: For a different twist, you can add a little lemon juice or orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy punch.
• Let Donuts Cool Before Glazing: If you choose to glaze your donuts, make sure they are completely cool to avoid the glaze melting off.

Recipe Variations for Blueberry Cake Donuts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Blueberry Cake Donuts:

• Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and glaze the donuts with a lemon glaze for a citrusy twist.
• Blueberry Streusel Donuts: Top the donuts with a crumbly streusel topping before baking for added texture and sweetness.
• Blueberry Cinnamon Cake Donuts: Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a spiced flavor that complements the blueberries.
• Blueberry Almond Cake Donuts: Add ½ cup of chopped almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Blueberry Donuts: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the blueberries for a sweet and decadent addition.
• Blueberry Yogurt Cake Donuts: Swap out the milk for plain yogurt for a tangy twist and extra moisture.
• Blueberry Maple Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the batter for a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Blueberry Coconut Cake Donuts: Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical touch.
• Vegan Blueberry Cake Donuts: Use a flax egg and plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) in place of the dairy products for a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free Blueberry Cake Donuts: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Freezing and Storage for Blueberry Cake Donuts

• Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator.

Special Equipment for Blueberry Cake Donuts

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Blueberry Cake Donuts easier:

• Donut Pan: A donut pan is essential for shaping your donuts into the perfect ring form.
• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to beat the egg and sugar mixture to the right consistency.
• Piping Bag or Spoon: A piping bag or spoon makes filling the donut pan clean and easy.
• Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack helps your donuts cool evenly, preventing them from getting soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent results.
• Zester: A zester is handy if you’re adding lemon or orange zest to the batter or glaze.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers for storing your donuts after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Blueberry Cake Donuts

1. Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make these donuts gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make these donuts gluten-free.
3. How can I make the donuts sweeter? You can increase the sugar in the batter or glaze to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
4. Can I add a glaze to these donuts? Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract is a great addition to these donuts.
5. Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes, you can make these donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

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Conclusion

Blueberry Cake Donuts are a wonderful blend of rich, moist cake and the burst of fresh blueberries, making them the perfect sweet bite. The light, fluffy texture combined with the fruity goodness of blueberries gives you a donut experience that’s both comforting and delicious. Plus, they’re so easy to make and can be customized with different glazes or toppings to match your taste.

These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with others, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfy those sweet cravings.

I’d love to see how your Blueberry Cake Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!