Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines fluffy texture with bursts of fruity sweetness, look no further than these spectacular Blueberry Cake Donuts. They’re soft, moist, and bursting with juicy wild blueberries folded right into the batter, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors. Baked to perfection and topped with a luscious blueberry glaze, these donuts bring a fresh twist to the classic breakfast favorite that’s sure to brighten your morning or satisfy your afternoon cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect Blueberry Cake Donuts. From the tender crumb created by butter and milk to the vibrant pops of flavor from wild blueberries, every component contributes to a truly irresistible bite.

• Butter (2 tablespoons, plus extra for greasing): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb while greasing ensures the donuts slide out easily.
• Sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the batter perfectly without overwhelming the natural blueberry flavor.
• Whole milk (⅓ cup): Keeps the donuts moist and tender with its creamy texture.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons plus ⅛ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and complements the blueberries beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the base of the batter for that classic cake donut texture.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the donuts their lovely rise and fluffy finish.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Wild blueberries (¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons for glaze): The star ingredient, providing bursts of tartness and vibrant color.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for the silky blueberry glaze that finishes these donuts to perfection.

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Space and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Lightly grease a 6-hole donut tin with melted butter to ensure your donuts come out smooth and intact. Set up a medium-large piping bag fitted with a large round tip—this will help you fill the molds neatly and evenly.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter for about 20 to 30 seconds until fully liquid. Add sugar, whole milk, the egg, and vanilla extract then whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy base that will make your donuts wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift your all-purpose flour into the bowl with the wet mixture using a fine mesh sieve to avoid lumps. Add baking powder and salt into these dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until the flour is just about halfway mixed in – this helps maintain a light batter.

Step 4: Add Blueberries and Finish the Batter

Fold in the wild blueberries carefully so they spread evenly without breaking too much and turning the batter purple (unless using frozen blueberries). Make sure no dry flour remains visible in the batter for that perfect consistency.

Step 5: Pipe and Bake

Transfer the batter to your prepared piping bag and pipe a neat circle into each donut hole. Use any leftover batter to fill remaining space evenly, then wet your fingertip and smooth the tops gently for uniformity. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the donuts are lightly golden and springy to the touch. Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out onto the rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Blueberry Glaze

Warm the reserved 2 tablespoons of blueberries in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, then mash and strain through a fine mesh to collect vivid juice. In a separate bowl, sift powdered sugar and mix with vanilla. Slowly add blueberry juice by half-teaspoon increments, stirring until the glaze becomes thick yet pourable — similar to honey.

Step 7: Glaze the Donuts

Spoon the luscious glaze evenly over each cooled donut. Allow them to set for at least 20 minutes, giving you that irresistible sheen and extra blueberry kick before you serve.

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Garnishes

Enhance your Blueberry Cake Donuts by adding a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest on top of the glaze, which brightens the flavor beautifully. A few extra whole blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch, making your donuts even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your donuts alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich chai latte for a cozy breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream with a drizzle of honey can complement the fruity freshness of the donuts wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking two glazed donuts with a spoonful of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese in-between as a decadent donut sandwich. Alternatively, lay them out on a pretty serving platter with edible flowers to impress guests at brunch or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Blueberry Cake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their softness and fresh blueberry flavor. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it may dry them out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Blueberry Cake Donuts later, freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your donuts gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This restores softness and makes the glaze delightfully melty again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for Blueberry Cake Donuts?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well and will give the batter a lovely purple hue, but be sure not to thaw them fully to avoid excess moisture that can affect the donut’s texture.

What donut pan size is best for this recipe?

Using a 6-hole donut tin designed for medium-large donuts ensures the batter bakes evenly and the donuts cook through without becoming too thick or thin.

Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can be used to make these donuts dairy-free, though it may slightly alter the texture or flavor.

How thick should the blueberry glaze be?

The glaze should be thick but still pourable—similar in look and flow to honey. This helps it coat the donuts nicely without slipping off.

Are Blueberry Cake Donuts suitable for freezing after glazing?

It’s best to freeze them before glazing to prevent texture changes. Once thawed, apply fresh glaze for optimal taste and appearance.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Cake Donuts have quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen for their effortless charm and fresh, vibrant flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or sharing with friends, these donuts bring a little joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and experience just how magical blueberry moments can be!

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