Indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade with these fluffy, baked vanilla cake donuts, generously studded with sweet blueberries and crowned with your choice of vibrant blueberry glaze. Forget the deep fryer and complex yeast doughs; this recipe makes crafting irresistible donuts a breeze, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a delightful anytime treat. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these bakery-worthy delights come together, offering a superior taste and texture that rivals any store-bought version.
If you’re searching for an easy donut recipe that delivers unparalleled freshness and is bursting with fruity flavor, these Glazed Blueberry Donuts are precisely what you need. Featuring a tender vanilla cake base, each donut is lovingly baked with juicy fresh blueberries folded directly into the batter, creating a light and airy texture that’s simply divine. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the absence of frying, making cleanup minimal and the process less intimidating for home bakers. Plus, being yeast-free means no lengthy rise times, so you can enjoy these warm, freshly baked donuts in under an hour!
And let’s not overlook the star of the show: the blueberry glaze! For a show-stopping finish, a homemade blueberry puree infuses the glaze with a spectrum of beautiful purple hues. Alternatively, if you prefer a classic touch, simply opt for a luscious white vanilla icing. Whichever you choose, this sweet, smooth topping perfectly complements the fruity donuts, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Whipping up these scratch-made blueberry donuts in just about 30 minutes means you won’t miss the drive-thru versions from commercial chains like Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme. Not only do they taste fresher, but you also get the satisfaction of creating a delightful treat right in your own kitchen.
The Irresistible Allure of Baked Donuts
Baked donuts offer a fantastic alternative to their fried counterparts, bringing a lighter texture and less mess to your kitchen. The cake-like consistency is incredibly satisfying, reminiscent of your favorite vanilla cake but in a fun, donut shape. Baking eliminates the need for large quantities of hot oil, making the process safer and significantly easier to clean up. This method also results in a donut that feels less greasy, allowing the true flavors of the vanilla cake and fresh blueberries to shine through. It’s a healthier indulgence without compromising on taste or satisfaction, perfect for those seeking a guilt-free sweet treat.
Why Homemade Blueberry Donuts Are a Game Changer
There’s something uniquely rewarding about homemade treats, and these blueberry donuts are no exception. Beyond the fresh ingredients and customizable glaze, baking at home ensures you control exactly what goes into your food. No artificial flavors or preservatives here – just wholesome goodness. The aroma of freshly baked donuts filling your kitchen is an experience in itself, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. These donuts are not just a breakfast item; they’re an activity, a family project, and a delightful way to show someone you care. The vibrant burst of blueberries in every bite, coupled with the tender crumb, sets these homemade wonders far apart from any store-bought option, making them truly unforgettable.
Looking for more baked donut inspiration? Be sure to try my delightful Coffee Toffee Baked Donuts for a rich, aromatic twist. Or, if you’re ever in the mood for a fried sensation, my Lemon Filled Donuts are like a vibrant lemon meringue pie in donut form!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Blueberry Donuts
Crafting these delectable blueberry donuts requires a handful of common baking ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect fluffy texture and rich flavor. Using quality ingredients at the right temperature is key to success, so take a moment to gather everything before you begin.
- Dry Ingredients: The foundation of our cakey donuts starts with all-purpose flour, which provides structure, perfectly balanced by baking powder for that essential lift and airy texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, bringing a subtle balance to the sweetness.
- Wet Ingredients: Rich, melted unsalted butter adds moisture and tenderness, while large eggs bind the batter and contribute to its structure. Buttermilk is a secret weapon for tender baked goods, reacting with the baking powder to create an incredibly soft crumb. Don’t forget a generous splash of vanilla extract or paste for that classic, comforting aroma and taste. For the glaze, you’ll need a touch of milk or cream, though water can work in a pinch for thinning.
- Sugars: Granulated sugar sweetens the donuts themselves, ensuring they are perfectly balanced. For the luscious glaze, powdered sugar is indispensable, creating a smooth, quick-setting finish.
- Mix-ins: The star of the show – fresh blueberries! They burst with flavor during baking, adding juicy pockets of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
A good donut pan is essential for achieving the classic donut shape. I personally favor a donut pan with slightly deeper molds, as it helps create perfectly rounded, aesthetically pleasing donuts. However, any standard donut pan will work wonderfully for this recipe, yielding 9-12 donuts depending on the size of your pan.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Glazed Blueberry Donuts
Making these fluffy cake donuts is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly baked, moist, and flavorful donuts every time.
Preparation & Batter Mixing
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉/180℃. Lightly grease your donut pan. This recipe yields approximately 9 to 12 donuts, depending on the specific pan used.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening evenly. Set this bowl aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, room-temperature eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract or paste until well combined. Using room temperature wet ingredients helps them emulsify better with the dry ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender donut.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture until the flour is *almost* entirely incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine at this stage.
- Now, gently fold in the fresh blueberries until they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter and any remaining dry flour is incorporated. Again, mix just until combined to maintain the tender crumb.
Piping & Baking
- Carefully transfer the batter into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just as well. Snip off the tip of the bag to create an opening approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide – this is important to allow the blueberries to pass through easily.
- Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities, being careful to fill each mold only halfway. Overfilling can cause the donuts to lose their shape and bake unevenly.
- Bake the donuts for 13-18 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the material of your donut pan (see notes for more details). The donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, transfer the donut pan to a wire rack and allow the donuts to cool for 5 minutes in the pan. This helps them firm up slightly before you attempt to remove them. After 5 minutes, gently invert the pan to release the donuts, then flip them right-side up again to finish cooling completely on the wire rack before glazing.
The Irresistible Blueberry Glaze
The blueberry glaze adds a magnificent finish to these baked donuts, offering both a beautiful appearance and a burst of complementary flavor. You can customize the shade and thickness to your preference. For comprehensive instructions on achieving various color options, including a beautiful marbled effect, refer to my dedicated Blueberry Glaze post.
- To create the blueberry puree for a colored glaze, gently cook down half a cup of fresh blueberries over medium-low heat. As they soften, use the back of a spoon to press and break them apart, encouraging them to release their juices. Continue cooking until the fruit has mostly broken down into a saucy consistency.
- Once cooked, pass the blueberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing firmly to extract all the vibrant purple puree and juice. Discard any remaining pulp.
- In a clean bowl, combine the powdered sugar with about 1 tablespoon of the blueberry puree (or more, depending on your desired color intensity). Add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually drizzle in milk, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously whisking until a thick, smooth icing forms. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being too thin.
Hot tip! Adjust the color by adding more or less blueberry puree. If your icing becomes too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, simply add a few more drops of milk or blueberry puree until the perfect consistency is achieved.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the nicely rounded side of each donut into the glaze, submerging it about halfway down.
- Lift the donut, gently twisting it as you pull it up to allow excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a plate or platter for a few minutes to allow the icing to set. Once the glaze has firmed up, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Creative Donut Variations to Explore
While fresh blueberries are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and texture, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. If fresh blueberries are not in season or readily available, you can absolutely use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and gently pat them dry before folding them into the batter. This prevents additional moisture from making your donuts too dense.
The fun doesn’t stop with blueberries! Feel free to experiment with other fruits to create your own unique donut flavors. Chopped blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries can be fantastic alternatives, adding different notes of sweetness and tanginess. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter, which beautifully complements any berry. You could also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warmer, spicier cake donut. For those who love a bit of texture, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts could also be folded in alongside the fruit.
Storing and Freezing for Future Enjoyment
These homemade glazed blueberry donuts are always best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, when their texture is at its peak. However, if you have leftovers, proper storage can help extend their deliciousness for a short period.
Store glazed donuts lightly covered at room temperature for up to one day. To extend their freshness further, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for an additional two days. Be aware that the texture will become slightly drier after the first day, so for the best experience, try to consume them promptly.
For longer storage, you can freeze the *un-glazed* baked donuts. Once they are completely cool, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the donuts at room temperature for a few hours, then prepare and apply the fresh glaze as directed. This ensures you always have a batch of delightful homemade donuts within reach!
Expert Tips for Donut Making Success
Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easier than you think with a few simple tips. These pointers will help ensure your Glazed Blueberry Donuts are perfectly light, fluffy, and full of flavor every time.
- No Piping Bag? No Problem! If you don’t have a specialized piping bag, a large, sturdy zip-top bag makes an excellent substitute. Simply fill the bag with your donut batter, push it towards one corner, and snip off a 1 to 1.5-inch opening from that corner. This allows for controlled and even piping into the donut pan.
- Avoid Overfilling: Resist the urge to fill your donut pan cavities to the brim. Only filling them halfway ensures that the donuts bake into a perfect, rounded shape with a distinct hole. If by chance the batter bakes over the center hole, you can easily use a small knife to trim away any excess once the donuts are cool.
- Fresh Blueberries Reign Supreme: For the best flavor and texture, fresh blueberries are always the top choice. They hold their shape well and provide a burst of natural sweetness. If using frozen blueberries, remember to thaw them completely, drain any released liquid, and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter consistency.
- Muffin Tin Alternative: Don’t own a donut pan? No worries! You can still enjoy these delicious cake donuts by baking the batter in a muffin tin. Simply fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full. The baking time might need slight adjustment – typically around 18-22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean with no wet batter. While they won’t have the traditional donut shape, they’ll still be equally delicious!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy donuts instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, leaving a few small lumps or streaks of flour, especially before adding the blueberries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The delightful glaze on these donuts is primarily made from powdered sugar, which provides the sweetness and structure. It’s thinned with milk (or sometimes water) to achieve the perfect consistency. For a vibrant, fruit-infused twist, this recipe also incorporates homemade blueberry puree, giving the glaze its beautiful color and enhanced flavor.
The key to achieving wonderfully light and fluffy cake donuts lies in two main aspects: proper leavening and careful mixing. First, ensure you accurately measure your baking powder, as it’s responsible for the donut’s rise. Second, and crucially, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are barely incorporated with the wet ones. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your donuts tough rather than fluffy. Following this recipe’s precise steps will guide you to perfect fluffiness.
You absolutely do not have to make the blueberry glaze if you prefer an alternative! The beauty of homemade baking is customization. If you desire a classic white vanilla glaze, simply skip the step of making the blueberry puree. Instead, combine the powdered sugar with vanilla extract and gradually add milk until you reach your desired thick, pourable consistency. These donuts are also delicious dusted with powdered sugar, or even a simple cinnamon sugar coating for a different flavor profile.
More Delightful Blueberry Recipes to Try:
If you’re a fan of the vibrant flavor of blueberries, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Lemon Pound Cake with Blueberry Glaze
- Blueberry Pie Bars
- Easy Jumbo Blueberry Muffins (Bakery Style)
- Blueberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream
- Blueberry White Chocolate Ganache Tart
Did you try this recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and leave a star rating⭐️ below! For more culinary inspiration and ideas, follow me on Pinterest.
📖 The Ultimate Glazed Blueberry Donut Recipe Card
Glazed Blueberry Donuts
Callan Wenner
These quick, Glazed Blueberry Donuts are fluffy baked vanilla cake donuts packed with blueberries and topped with your choice of colored blueberry glaze! They’re so easy to make with a donut pan and the perfect weekend morning breakfast.
Average rating: 5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe | Pin Recipe
| Prep Time | 25 mins |
| Cook Time | 15 mins |
| Total Time | 40 mins |
| Course | Breakfast, Dessert, Snack |
| Cuisine | American |
| Servings | 12 donuts |
| Calories | 243 kcal |
Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (133g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (57g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup buttermilk, room temperature (180ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (150g)
Glaze
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃ and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold together until almost fully combined. Be sure to scrape the whole way to the bottom of the bowl.
- Gently fold in the blueberries until evenly dispersed, then transfer the batter to a piping bag.
- Cut 1″ off the tip of the bag and pipe the batter evenly into the donut openings, filling each halfway.
- Bake for 13-18 minutes or until the donut springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet spots. (See notes section regarding bake time.)
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan to remove the donuts, and flip the donuts over again to cool completely.
Glazing the Donuts
- If using the blueberry glaze, cook down the blueberries over medium-low heat. Carefully break them down with the back of a spoon as they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Pass the cooked blueberries through a fine mesh sieve to capture the juice and puree. Discard the pulp.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of the blueberry puree, adding more later if you’d like a darker color. Also add the vanilla.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the consistency becomes a thick, smooth glaze.
- Dip the round side of the cooled donut into the glaze, then pull up, twist gently, and place the donut on a plate to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
*If using a silicon donut pan like the one I used, bake the donuts for 16-18 minutes. If using a metal Wilton pan, bake the donuts for 13-16 minutes.
The donuts are best eaten the day they are made. Store the glazed donuts lightly covered at room temperature for one day or in the fridge for two additional days, though their texture will dry out slightly.
If you’d like to make a simple vanilla glaze instead, omit the blueberry puree and add a bit more milk until the desired consistency is developed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 197IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!