Blueberry Cake Donuts

Blueberry Cake Donuts are a deliciously moist and tender treat bursting with fresh blueberries. These baked cake donuts combine the sweet, fruity flavor of blueberries with a soft crumb, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Easy to prepare and healthier than fried donuts, they’re a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  3. In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.

  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.

  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.

  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

  7. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients (approximate per donut, recipe yields 12 donuts)

  • Calories: 180 kcal

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 7g

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Sugar: 12g

The Perfect Balance of Ingredients

The base of these donuts is a well-balanced blend of all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda, which together create a light and fluffy texture. The inclusion of ground cinnamon adds a warm spice note that complements the blueberries beautifully without overpowering them.

Buttermilk is a key ingredient that lends moisture and tenderness to the cake donuts, while also reacting with the baking soda to help the donuts rise perfectly. Melted butter enriches the batter, adding flavor and ensuring a soft crumb, while vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.

Fresh Blueberries for a Burst of Flavor

Fresh blueberries are gently folded into the batter, adding juicy bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color throughout each donut. The berries not only provide flavor but also contribute antioxidants and vitamins, making these donuts a slightly healthier choice than traditional ones.

Using fresh blueberries instead of dried or frozen ensures the donuts remain moist and flavorful. The gentle folding technique helps keep the berries intact, preventing the batter from turning purple and maintaining an appealing appearance.

Easy Baking Process

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity and convenience. Baking the donuts rather than frying them makes for a healthier treat with less mess and easier cleanup. The batter comes together quickly, mixing dry and wet ingredients separately before combining and folding in the blueberries.

Filling the donut pan cavities about three-quarters full ensures that the donuts rise just right without overflowing. Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes results in golden, tender donuts with a slightly crisp edge.

Allowing the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set perfectly, ready to enjoy fresh or stored for later.

Nutritional Highlights

Each baked blueberry donut contains approximately 180 calories, with 7 grams of fat mainly from butter, making it a moderate indulgence. With 25 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar, these donuts satisfy sweet cravings while offering some nutritional benefit from the fresh fruit and buttermilk.

Protein content is modest at around 3 grams per donut, contributing to a balanced snack or breakfast option when paired with additional protein sources like yogurt or eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Blueberry Cake Donuts are delicious served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and a pretty finish. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or top with a cream cheese frosting.

They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or fresh fruit juice, making them perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings.

Versatile and Adaptable

This recipe lends itself well to variations. You can swap fresh blueberries for other berries such as raspberries or blackberries, or even add a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Using gluten-free flour blends can make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests without compromising texture.

For those who prefer dairy-free options, substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity and moisture of buttermilk.

Tips for Perfect Blueberry Donuts

To achieve the best results, it’s important to avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts rather than tender, moist ones. Gently fold in the blueberries just until evenly distributed.

Preheating the oven fully before baking ensures even cooking and proper rise. Using a well-greased donut pan or non-stick spray helps with easy release and preserves the donuts’ shape.

For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the batter to complement the blueberries with a bright citrus note. This subtle addition enhances the overall freshness of the donuts.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

Blueberry Cake Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them moist longer, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture.

For longer storage, donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a microwave or oven.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cake Donuts offer a moist, tender, and fruity treat that’s perfect for starting the day or satisfying a sweet craving anytime. With their light crumb, bursting blueberries, and subtle cinnamon warmth, these baked donuts provide a delightful balance of flavor and texture.

Easy to prepare and healthier than fried varieties, they are a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings homemade goodness to your breakfast table or snack time. Whether served plain, glazed, or frosted, these donuts combine nostalgic comfort with fresh, vibrant fruit flavors, making them a delicious and wholesome indulgence for family and friends alike.

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