Blueberry Cake Donuts

Introduction

Blueberry Cake Donuts are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy cake-like donuts with a burst of fresh blueberries in every bite. These homemade donuts are baked, not fried, making them a slightly lighter yet equally indulgent treat. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs beautifully with the light, moist donut base, and the addition of a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar takes them to the next level.

I first made these donuts when I was looking for a healthier alternative to fried donuts, and they turned out to be just as delicious! The whole kitchen smelled like fresh blueberries, and my family couldn’t stop raving about how moist and flavorful they were. The glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, but you can also get creative with toppings like cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat.

Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to impress. The combination of fresh blueberries and light, fluffy texture makes them the perfect go-to recipe whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting and homemade.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Special occasions
• Snack time
• Blueberry lovers
• Gift-giving

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cake Donuts

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

• Moist and Fluffy Texture: These donuts are soft and cake-like with a light crumb, making them the perfect combination of moist and airy.
• Fresh Blueberries: The blueberries burst with flavor as they bake, adding sweetness and a touch of tartness to each bite.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked, making them a slightly healthier version of traditional fried donuts, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring just a few pantry ingredients, but it results in delicious homemade donuts that taste like they came from a bakery.
• Customizable: You can top them with a simple glaze, powdered sugar, or even dip them in chocolate for a more decadent treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Blueberry Cake Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if preferred)
• For the Glaze (optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add natural sweetness and juiciness to the donuts, while also providing a burst of antioxidants and flavor.
• Cinnamon: A hint of ground cinnamon complements the sweetness of the blueberries, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the donuts.
• Butter: The melted butter helps create a soft, rich texture in the donuts, contributing to their moistness.

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 spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Donuts:

6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 of the way full. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

9. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the donuts.

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Blueberry Cake Donuts are perfect for serving in many ways:

• As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy these donuts with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning snack.
• For Brunch: Serve them as part of a brunch spread along with other pastries, fruit, and yogurt.
• As a Snack: These donuts make a great afternoon snack or dessert.
• Gift-Giving: Package the donuts in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift for friends or family.

Additional Tips for Blueberry Cake Donuts

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

• Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best, but if you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be gentle when mixing the batter to avoid tough donuts. Mix until just combined, and fold in the blueberries carefully.
• Glaze Options: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a little more milk.
• Even Baking: Make sure to fill the donut pan evenly to ensure uniform baking and a consistent donut shape.
• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations for Blueberry Cake Donuts

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

• Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the blueberries.
• Blueberry Streusel Donuts: Top the donuts with a crumbly streusel topping before baking for added texture and sweetness.
• Coconut Blueberry Cake Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist on this classic flavor combination.
• Chocolate Chip Blueberry Cake Donuts: Add chocolate chips along with the blueberries for a richer, more indulgent donut.
• Blueberry Almond Cake Donuts: Add chopped almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch and a hint of almond flavor.
• Blueberry Maple Cake Donuts: Swap the glaze for a drizzle of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Vegan Blueberry Cake Donuts: Use a flax egg in place of the egg, almond milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
• Blueberry Lemonade Cake Donuts: Add a bit of lemonade powder to the batter for a fun twist that’s both tangy and sweet.
• Blueberry Muffin Cake Donuts: Add a crumbly muffin topping to the donuts before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Cake Donuts: Swirl in a cream cheese filling for a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet blueberries.

Freezing and Storage for Blueberry Cake Donuts

• Freezing: These donuts freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

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 baking these donuts and achieving that classic donut shape.
• Electric Mixer: If you don’t want to mix by hand, an electric mixer can make the process quicker and easier.
• Piping Bag or Spoon: Use a piping bag or spoon to neatly fill the donut pan without making a mess.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack helps the donuts cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
• Glaze Drizzle Tool: If glazing, a spoon or small squeeze bottle can help control the glaze application.

Frequently Asked Questions for Blueberry Cake Donuts

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
   Yes, frozen blueberries work fine, but don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter, as this can cause them to bleed.
2. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
3. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, the glaze is optional. You can also dust the donuts with powdered sugar or enjoy them without any topping.
4. How do I know when the donuts are done?
   The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and they are lightly golden around the edges.
5. Can I add other fruits to the batter?
   Yes, feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like raspberries or blackberries, but keep in mind the moisture level when adjusting the batter.

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Conclusion

Blueberry Cake Donuts are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that perfectly combines the fresh, juicy flavor of blueberries with the soft, cake-like texture of baked donuts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cozy weekend breakfast, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, these donuts are sure to be a crowd favorite. Add a simple glaze or enjoy them plain for a flavorful, satisfying snack.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it a perfect choice for everything from casual brunches to sweet indulgences during the day. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo, these blueberry cake donuts will make every bite feel like a treat.

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!