One bite of these warm, homemade Blueberry Cake Donuts and I’m instantly transported back to cozy mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen. The joy of creating something from scratch is amplified when you’re deep-frying fluffy donuts that boast a golden, crispy crust and a tender, sweet interior. This recipe not only delivers on indulgence but also offers the perfect opportunity to impress family and friends—whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with coffee. Plus, making donut holes from the leftover dough adds an exciting twist! Ready to bring a taste of nostalgia to your table? Let’s dive into the world of these delightful donuts and watch the smiles unfold!
Why Are Blueberry Cake Donuts Irresistible?
Homemade Happiness: There’s something magical about making donuts from scratch that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of dried blueberries and creamy glaze creates a burst of sweet flavor in every bite.
Versatile Delight: Serve these donuts fresh with coffee for breakfast or as a decadent afternoon snack – they’re perfect for any occasion.
Easy and Fun: This recipe guides you step-by-step, making it enjoyable even for novice bakers. Plus, don’t forget the fun of donut holes!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress your family and friends with these goodies at your next gathering; their smiles will say it all.
For more delightful baked goods, check out Peach Cake Brown or Blueberry Biscuits Zesty.
Blueberry Cake Donut Ingredients
• Ready to create the magic of homemade Blueberry Cake Donuts? Below are all the ingredients you’ll need to bring these delicious treats to life!
For the Donuts
- Dried Blueberries – Intense blueberry flavor and chewy texture; fresh blueberries can also work, but avoid frozen to keep dough consistency.
- Boiling Water – Used to plump up dried blueberries before adding them to the batter.
- Butter – Gives the donuts a rich taste and moist texture; can substitute with margarine, but butter is best for flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the donuts perfectly; consider coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Sour Cream – Keeps the donuts moist; Greek yogurt is a fitting alternative if needed.
- Egg Yolks – Essential for enriching the batter and adding structure; whole eggs may slightly alter texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for a deeper taste experience.
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation for the donut dough; a gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version, but results may vary.
- Baking Powder – Crucial for giving the donuts the perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Neutral Oil (Canola, Vegetable, Peanut, Sunflower, Avocado) – Used for frying; choose your favorite oil for varying flavor nuances.
For the Glaze
- Milk – Helps create a smooth glaze; feel free to substitute with a non-dairy alternative for a vegan version.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze and gives it that glossy finish; sifting it ensures a lump-free texture.
Dive into the world of flavor with these delightful Blueberry Cake Donuts, where each bite promises happiness and joy!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blueberry Cake Donuts
Step 1: Prep Blueberries
Start by chopping the dried blueberries into smaller pieces, then place them in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soften for about 5 minutes, during which they’ll plump up nicely. After this, drain the blueberries in a sieve and set aside; these will add bursts of flavor to your Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Step 2: Make Dough
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and flip on your mixer to beat it with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes. Gradually blend in sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the dry mixture of flour, baking powder, and salt, followed by the softened blueberries until just combined to create your luscious donut dough.
Step 3: Chill Dough
Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or even up to 24 hours if you prefer. Chilling helps firm up the dough, ensuring your Blueberry Cake Donuts hold their shape while frying.
Step 4: Shape Donuts
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1 inch thick. Use a 3-4 inch round cutter to cut out circles and a smaller cutter or a bottle cap to remove the centers for traditional donut shapes. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed, keeping the dough cool to maintain texture.
Step 5: Fry Donuts
Heat a deep skillet or fryer with enough neutral oil to submerge the donuts, aiming for a temperature of 375°F. Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil, frying for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown hue. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a baking rack, allowing any excess oil to drain off.
Step 6: Prepare Glaze
In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium-low heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Continue stirring until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency, then mix in a splash of vanilla extract. This sweet glaze will complement the flavors of your Blueberry Cake Donuts beautifully.
Step 7: Glaze Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, ensuring they’re fully coated. Give them a gentle shake to allow the excess glaze to drip off and place each glazed donut back on the rack. Let them sit until the glaze sets, creating that irresistible sweet finish.
Storage Tips for Blueberry Cake Donuts
Room Temperature: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Refrigerator: If you need to keep them a bit longer, you can refrigerate the donuts; however, they may lose some of their delightful texture. Consume within 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to regain their golden crispiness.
Reheating: Microwave each donut for a few seconds to warm up; for best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, allowing you to fully enjoy those homemade Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Make Ahead Options
These Blueberry Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep, making your busy mornings a breeze! You can prepare the donut dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, which helps save precious time. Simply follow the steps to make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry. Additionally, you can fry the donuts, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just re-glaze them right before serving to ensure they’re just as delicious as when they were fresh. This way, you can enjoy warm blueberry cake donuts any day of the week without the last-minute fuss!
Blueberry Cake Donuts Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity flow as you customize your delicious blueberry cake donuts—each variation is a delightful adventure!
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Nutty Delight: Substitute half of the dried blueberries with chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the donut’s softness.
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Chocolatey Twist: Swap in dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent treat. The chocolate melts beautifully, creating a grand chocolate-blueberry fusion!
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Citrus Burst: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing twist that brightens the entire flavor profile.
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Vegan-Friendly: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make this an egg-free delight.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts accessible for everyone in your life while keeping that heavenly fluffy texture.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the blueberries.
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Berry Medley: Mix in some chopped strawberries or raspberries along with the blueberries for a multi-berry experience that adds depth and variety.
Whichever variation you choose, you can’t go wrong with these delicious donuts! After making these blueberry delights, you might also love trying a Strawberry Cake Moist or a Blueberry Peach Crumble—the baking possibilities are endless!
Expert Tips for Blueberry Cake Donuts
• Oil Temperature Check: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (375°F) to avoid greasy or burnt donuts. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Don’t Overwork Dough: Gently fold in your ingredients when making the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that lack the desired fluffy texture.
• First Donut Test: Always fry a small test donut first. This will help you gauge if your oil temperature is correct and if adjustments are needed.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow donuts to cool slightly before dipping them in glaze. This helps the glaze adhere better for that perfect sweet finish on your Blueberry Cake Donuts.
• Stick to the Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape during frying and results in a better texture.
What to Serve with Blueberry Cake Donuts
There’s so much joy in creating a delightful spread to pair with these sumptuous, warm treasures that bring sweetness to any moment.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the donuts perfectly. The juicy bursts will awaken your taste buds and offer a vibrant healthful touch.
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Classic Coffee: Brewed to perfection, coffee enhances the flavors of your blueberry cake donuts, providing that quintessential cozy experience. Its rich bitterness complements the sweet glaze, making it the perfect morning companion.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful creamy texture that elevates the indulgence of donuts. It’s a simple yet luxurious addition that can make each bite feel like a special treat.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup adds a unique flavor dimension, harmonizing beautifully with the blueberry glaze. Whether served on the side for dipping or drizzled on top, it’s a delightful twist.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience. The cool creaminess against the warm, fluffy donuts is pure joy!
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Chai Tea: The spiced profile of chai provides a delightful balance to the sweetness of the donuts. It’s perfect for those afternoons when you crave a cozy beverage with a comforting treat.
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Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest over the donuts adds a zesty freshness that brightens the flavors. It’s a simple way to elevate the taste and add a touch of zing.
Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of blueberries should I use for the donuts?
Absolutely! I recommend using dried blueberries for a concentrated flavor and chewy texture. Fresh blueberries can also be used, but avoid frozen ones as they can alter the dough consistency, making it too wet.
How should I store leftover Blueberry Cake Donuts?
For optimal freshness, store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the weather is warm, you can refrigerate them, although they might lose some of their delightful texture—aim to consume them within 3 days.
Can I freeze Blueberry Cake Donuts?
Yes, you can definitely freeze unglazed donuts! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
What do I do if my donuts turn out greasy?
If your donuts are greasy, it could mean the oil temperature was too low during frying. Make sure your oil is at 375°F before frying. It’s a good idea to test one donut first to ensure the oil is properly heated. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to allow for even cooking.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Very! You can use various neutral oils like Canola, Vegetable, Peanut, Sunflower, or Avocado. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavor to the donuts, so feel free to choose one that fits your taste preferences.
Are these donuts suitable for people with allergies?
These donuts contain common allergens such as eggs, dairy, and gluten. For those with allergies, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or applesauce for binding, use a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Be sure to double-check all ingredient labels!
Irresistible Blueberry Cake Donuts with Sweet Glaze Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop the dried blueberries, cover with boiling water, and let soften for 5 minutes before draining.
- Melt butter, mix with sugar until fluffy, then blend in sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and blueberries to create the donut dough.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Roll dough to 1 inch thick, cut out donuts using round cutters.
- Heat oil to 375°F, fry donuts for 1.5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Heat milk, whisk in powdered sugar, stir until smooth, and mix in vanilla for glaze.
- Dip cooled donuts in glaze, let excess drip off, and allow glaze to set.
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