Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a baker’s secret weapon to delight friends and family, you absolutely have to try Blueberry Cake Donuts. These sweet, tender cake donuts have a lusciously soft crumb bursting with wild blueberries and finished with a vibrant blueberry glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. There’s something so special about sharing homemade donuts, especially when they’re packed with juicy berries and the kind of flavor you just can’t get from a box. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these, they’ll become your new go-to treat for brunches, parties, or anytime you want a pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen, and each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those perfectly fluffy, flavorful Blueberry Cake Donuts. Get ready to appreciate how simple pantry staples come together with just a few vibrant additions!

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the donuts irresistibly tender (plus, it’s perfect for greasing the pan).
• Sugar: Gives the donuts delicious sweetness and helps with that lovely golden color.
• Whole milk: Keeps the crumb soft and moist—anything lower in fat just won’t be the same.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the donuts a delightful lift.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite warm and aromatic.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the donut, providing structure without being heavy.
• Baking powder: Brings the rise, ensuring your donuts are light and fluffy rather than dense.
• Salt: Just a touch balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• Wild blueberries: The star ingredient! They burst with flavor and streak the batter with gorgeous color.
• Extra vanilla extract: In the glaze, this adds complexity to the fruity finish.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for a silky-smooth, glossy glaze that sets beautifully.

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC), because the magic starts with a hot oven. Lightly butter a 6-hole donut pan—this helps the donuts pop out perfectly every time. Then, prepare a piping bag with a large round tip, setting yourself up for easy, mess-free filling later on.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Grab a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl and melt the butter for about 20 to 30 seconds. This not only makes mixing super easy, but it also means richer, more flavorful donuts since everything blends while the butter is still warm.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the melted butter, add your sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy—this simple blend is the foundation of your Blueberry Cake Donuts and ensures every bite is infused with flavor.

Step 4: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients

Now, sift the flour right into the bowl using a fine mesh sieve. This guarantees a light, lump-free batter. Add in your baking powder and salt, then gently fold with a spatula until the flour is about halfway incorporated.

Step 5: Add Blueberries

Fold in those juicy wild blueberries. Be gentle here! You want the fruit evenly distributed but not totally crushed, though don’t worry if your batter turns a bit purple (especially with frozen berries)—that color is part of the fun!

Step 6: Pipe into Tin

Spoon the batter into your prepared piping bag, then pipe a neat ring into each of the donut pan’s six holes. Use slightly wet fingertips to smooth the tops—this helps them bake up beautifully without straggly bumps.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. The donuts should look puffed and lightly golden. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before gently turning them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Patience here pays off—warm donuts are more fragile!

Step 8: Blueberry Glaze

For a picture-perfect finish, gently heat extra blueberries in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Mash them and strain out the juice, leaving solids behind. Whisk the juice into powdered sugar and the extra splash of vanilla extract to create a vivid, fruity glaze that’s ready to drizzle or dip over your cooled Blueberry Cake Donuts.

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Garnishes

Turn your Blueberry Cake Donuts into works of art with a few finishing touches. I love topping them with extra fresh blueberries, a shower of lemon zest, or a sprinkle of sparkling sugar. Edible flowers or a dusting of crushed freeze-dried berries will make them pop (and Instagram-famous) at any brunch or gathering!

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, a zesty fruit salad, or even a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at breakfast, a hot mug of coffee or a cold glass of milk is all you really need.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Blueberry Cake Donuts stacked casually on a cake stand, nestled in paper cupcake liners on a rustic board, or threaded on skewers for a fun donut kabob bar. For parties, offer bowls of glaze and toppings so everyone can decorate their own—let your creative side shine through!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Blueberry Cake Donuts tasting fresh, store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s especially humid or you’ve added extra fresh fruit, refrigerate them to prevent sogginess. They’re just as delicious the next day!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Glaze after thawing for the best texture and flavor—just like they’re fresh from the oven.

Reheating

To enjoy donuts that taste like they just came out of the oven, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. If they’re already glazed, allow the glaze to set before stacking or storing them after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work beautifully in Blueberry Cake Donuts. They might turn the batter a bit purple, but that only adds to their homemade charm. No need to thaw—just fold them in straight from the freezer.

Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan does make the process easier and gives you picture-perfect rounds. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin—just pipe a ring of batter around the edge of each cup, leaving the center free, to create a similar effect.

Can I make the donuts gluten-free?

Yes! A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will substitute nicely for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Keep an eye on texture, as you might need a tablespoon less milk if the batter seems very loose.

How do I get a smooth glaze?

Sift your powdered sugar before mixing, and make sure to press all the blueberry juice through the strainer. Whisk until glossy and add a drop of milk if it’s too thick. Dip the cool donuts for a flawless, even finish.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Definitely! Blueberry Cake Donuts are perfect for a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients, but be careful not to overmix as the batter volume increases. Bake in batches for best results, and glaze once all donuts are cool.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give these homemade Blueberry Cake Donuts a try. They’re such a happy little treat, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up an ordinary day. Once you pull your first batch from the oven and smell those berries, you’ll see why they’re an instant favorite. Enjoy every bite!

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