Baked Blueberry Donuts

These Vegan Blueberry Donuts are light, cakey, and incredibly moist, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. With a quick prep time of only 30 minutes, you can enjoy a healthier donut alternative that’s vegan and can easily be made gluten-free. These donuts are baked, not fried, and are glazed to perfection, offering a delicious balance of sweetness and freshness with the blueberry flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • ¼ cup melted vegan butter (or regular butter)

  • 1 ¼ cups almond milk (or oat milk, or regular milk)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tbsp almond milk (or regular milk)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted vegan butter, almond milk, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

  3. Add Flour and Mix: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  4. Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries into the batter.

  5. Prepare the Donut Molds: Grease a donut pan and evenly distribute the batter into 14-16 cavities. Be careful not to overfill them.

  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  7. Glaze (Optional): If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Dip each donut into the glaze once it has cooled for a few minutes.

  8. Serve: Enjoy the donuts fresh or store them in an airtight container for later.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 146 per donut

  • Carbohydrates: 29g

  • Protein: 2g

  • Fat: 4g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

  • Sodium: 157mg

  • Potassium: 9mg

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 18g

  • Vitamin A: 5IU

  • Vitamin C: 1mg

  • Calcium: 57mg

  • Iron: 1mg

Why You’ll Love Vegan Blueberry Donuts

These vegan blueberry donuts are a dream for anyone who loves donuts but wants a healthier, plant-based alternative. The texture of these donuts is light and airy, unlike the heavy, greasy texture of fried donuts. The use of almond milk and melted vegan butter (or regular butter, depending on your preference) makes the dough rich and moist, while the blueberries add a naturally sweet burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the vanilla base.

Because these donuts are baked, they are a healthier choice, especially compared to deep-fried versions. With just 146 calories per donut, they are a guilt-free treat that won’t derail your healthy eating habits. They also contain a good amount of fiber and are low in fat, making them a great option for a quick breakfast or a mid-day snack. Plus, they are simple and quick to prepare, so you can enjoy fresh homemade donuts in no time!

The Ingredients That Make These Donuts Special

  • Vegan Butter: The melted vegan butter helps create a rich, buttery flavor and moisture in the donuts. If you prefer regular butter, you can substitute it, but the vegan option keeps the donuts plant-based.

  • Almond Milk: Almond milk (or oat milk or regular milk) makes the batter light and moist without being heavy. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.

  • Granulated Sugar: The sugar helps to sweeten the donuts and gives them the perfect balance of sweetness. You can swap for a natural sweetener like coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.

  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the donuts rise and get the perfect cakey texture.

  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the donuts.

  • Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the donut batter, but it can be substituted with gluten-free flour to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

  • Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries add juicy bursts of flavor that naturally sweeten the donuts. They also create a beautiful, vibrant color throughout the batter.

How to Make Vegan Blueberry Donuts

Making these vegan blueberry donuts is a simple and quick process. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, almond milk, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined.

3. Add Flour and Mix

  • Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense donuts.

4. Fold in Blueberries

  • Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. Be sure not to crush them, as you want to keep the bursts of blueberry throughout the batter.

5. Prepare the Donut Molds

  • Spoon the batter into the cavities of your donut pan. Be careful not to overfill the molds; the batter should fill them about ¾ full.

6. Bake

  • Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden on top and spring back when touched.

7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

  • While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a bit more almond milk to achieve the desired consistency.

8. Serve

  • Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dipping them into the glaze (if using). Once glazed, allow the donuts to set for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Blueberry Donuts

These vegan blueberry donuts are not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to traditional donuts. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional profile:

  • Calories: Each donut contains just 146 calories, making them a light treat.

  • Carbohydrates: With 29 grams of carbohydrates per donut, they provide a moderate amount of energy, primarily from the flour and sugar.

  • Protein: Each donut contains 2 grams of protein, thanks to the almonds (in almond milk) and blueberries.

  • Fat: With only 4 grams of fat per donut, including 1 gram of saturated fat, they are a lower-fat alternative to traditional donuts.

  • Fiber: Each donut provides 2 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion and adds to the feeling of fullness.

  • Sugar: Each donut contains 18 grams of sugar, mostly from the blueberries and the glaze (if used).

  • Vitamins and Minerals: The donuts offer small amounts of calcium (57 mg) and iron (1 mg), contributing to bone and blood health.

Customization Options

These donuts are highly customizable to fit different tastes and dietary preferences:

  • Make them gluten-free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • Sweetener Swap: You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetener.

  • Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the batter, such as chopped nuts, chia seeds, or shredded coconut, for extra texture and flavor.

  • Fruit Variations: While blueberry is classic, you can swap in other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries for a different fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Blueberry Donuts are perfect for any occasion:

  • For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these donuts alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a light, flavorful breakfast.

  • For Dessert: These donuts make a great dessert for gatherings or casual get-togethers, especially when served with a light fruit salad or whipped coconut cream.

  • For Snack Time: Keep them on hand for a quick, healthy snack throughout the day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vegan Blueberry Donuts are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. With their light, cakey texture and burst of blueberry flavor, these baked donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet. They are quick to make, easy to serve, and perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant brunches. Plus, with the option to make them gluten-free, these donuts can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Give them a try and enjoy a sweet, vegan-friendly treat that’s as good for you as it is for your taste buds!

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