Easy Blueberry Cake Donut Recipe

Picture this: warm, fluffy blueberry cake donut straight from your oven, bursting with juicy berries and topped with a sweet glaze. These aren’t your ordinary donuts – they’re baked to perfection, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Just like my popular cinnamon sugar muffins, these blueberry beauties prove that homemade treats beat store-bought every time. Ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas?

What Are Blueberry Cake Donuts?

Ever wonder why we call them “cake” donuts? Unlike their yeast-raised cousins, these delightful rings get their fluffy texture from baking powder and buttermilk magic. They’re essentially miniature cakes shaped like donuts, packed with plump blueberries that burst with every bite.

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and these donuts are definitely the shortcut! Ready to become the neighborhood’s favorite baker?

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cake Donut Recipe

Fresh Blueberry Perfection

These donuts showcase fresh blueberries at their finest. Each bite delivers juicy pops of berry sweetness balanced with tender vanilla cake. The berries stay plump during baking, creating beautiful purple streaks throughout the golden donuts.

Budget-Friendly Bakery Quality

Skip the expensive bakery visits! Making these at home costs a fraction of store prices while delivering superior flavor and freshness. You control every ingredient, ensuring no artificial flavors or preservatives – just pure, wholesome goodness.

Irresistible Glaze Options

The simple vanilla glaze transforms these donuts into bakery-worthy treats. Whether you choose classic vanilla, lemon zest, or even a cream cheese variation, the glaze adds that perfect sweet finish. Similar to my glazed coffee cake recipe, the glaze takes these from good to absolutely incredible. Time to preheat that oven and create some magic!

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts

Quick Overview

These baked beauties come together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The secret lies in gently folding fresh blueberries into a tender buttermilk batter, then baking in donut pans for that perfect ring shape. The result? Fluffy, moist donuts with a delicate crumb and bursts of berry flavor in every bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts

Key Ingredients for Blueberry Cake Donuts

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

1 cup fresh blueberries (tossed in 1 tablespoon flour)

For the Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 6-cavity donut pans thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. Create a well in the center for wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. The mixture should be well-blended with no streaks.

Step 4: Create the Batter Pour wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently fold together until just combined – don’t overmix! The batter should look slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Add Blueberries Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold coated berries into batter with a rubber spatula, being careful not to burst them.

Step 6: Fill Donut Pans Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. Distribute batter evenly for uniform donuts.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection Bake for 12-15 minutes until tops spring back lightly when touched and edges are golden brown. Don’t overbake – they’ll continue cooking slightly after removal.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. While donuts cool, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip cooled donuts face-down into glaze, allowing excess to drip off.

What to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts With

These versatile treats pair beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea. Serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast, or offer with vanilla Greek yogurt for added protein.

For special occasions, create a donut bar with various glazes – chocolate, maple, or lemon. They’re perfect for brunch gatherings, bake sales, or weekend family treats.

Cold milk remains the classic pairing, especially for kids. For adults, try them with cappuccino, chai latte, or even a glass of dessert wine for evening indulgence.

Top Tips for Perfecting Blueberry Cake Donuts

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Gentle folding is key to tender donuts. Overmixing develops gluten, creating tough, dense results instead of light, fluffy texture.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature for better incorporation. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or mix unevenly.

Flour Your Berries

Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking. This ensures even distribution throughout each donut.

Check for Doneness Carefully

Donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched and pull slightly from pan sides. Overbaking creates dry, crumbly results.

Glaze While Slightly Warm

Apply glaze when donuts are just barely warm for best adhesion. Too hot and glaze will melt off; too cool and it won’t stick properly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.

Reheating: Warm day-old donuts in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness. Avoid microwaving glazed donuts as it makes them soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare batter the night before and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Don’t thaw frozen berries – use them straight from freezer. Toss in flour and fold gently into batter. Expect slightly more color bleeding, but flavor remains excellent.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup regular milk. Let sit 5 minutes before using.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Absolutely! Use a muffin tin for donut muffins, or pipe batter into donut shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Adjust baking time as needed.

How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?

Toss berries in flour before adding to batter. This coating helps them stay suspended during baking rather than settling at the bottom.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, but add it just before serving. Store glaze covered at room temperature and whisk before using if it thickens.

What’s the best way to fill donut pans evenly?

Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner cut off for neat, even filling. Alternatively, use a cookie scoop for consistent portions.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Donut
Calories	185
Total Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbs	35g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	20g
Protein	4g
Vitamin C	2mg

Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used

Recipe Variations and Creative Ideas

Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to batter and use lemon juice in glaze for bright citrus notes.

Streusel-Topped Version: Skip glaze and top with cinnamon streusel before baking for coffee shop appeal.

Chocolate Glaze Alternative: Replace vanilla glaze with melted chocolate mixed with heavy cream for rich indulgence.

Mixed Berry Option: Combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for varied flavor and color.

Healthier Swaps: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat, reduce sugar slightly, or use Greek yogurt instead of some butter.

These blueberry cake donut prove that the best treats come from your own kitchen. With their tender crumb, bursts of fresh berries, and sweet glaze, they’re destined to become your new breakfast favorite. Whether you’re treating the family or impressing guests, this foolproof recipe delivers bakery-quality results every single time. Happy baking!