Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe

There’s just something magical about a tender, fluffy donut bursting with juicy blueberries and wrapped in a sweet, glossy glaze. These Blueberry Cake Donuts are my go-to when I want to impress at brunch or treat myself to a bakery-worthy delight right from my own kitchen. With the perfect balance of bright berry flavor and classic cake donut richness, they’re destined to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Blueberry Cake Donuts requires a handful of simple ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Each one serves a purpose, from yielding a tender crumb to adding that signature tang and vibrant color you just can’t resist.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base for the donuts, creating a sturdy yet soft texture that soaks up all the blueberry goodness.
• Baking powder: Acts as the key leavener, helping the donuts rise nice and tall while keeping them fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances every sweet and fruity note—never skip it!
• Ground cardamom (optional): A pinch adds a beautiful floral warmth that pairs surprisingly well with blueberries.
• Fresh blueberries: The star of the show! They add moisture, sweetness, and those iconic juicy pockets.
• Extra flour (for the berries): Just a dusting will keep your blueberries from sinking to the bottom.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and that classic cake-donut flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create the perfect crumb.
• Eggs (room temp): Bind everything together and contribute to structure and color.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and warmth to every bite.
• Sour cream (room temp): Lends moisture and subtle tang so your donuts stay soft for days.
• Whole milk (room temp): Keeps the batter silky smooth and enriches the texture.
• Powdered sugar: The base for a luscious, sweet glaze.
• Blueberry jam: Intensifies the berry flavor and gives the glaze its stunning purple hue.
• Vanilla (for the glaze): Rounds out the sweet finish with a cozy, aromatic note.
• Milk (for the glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for dipping.

Variations

Blueberry Cake Donuts are super flexible, so have fun putting your own spin on them! Whether you need to swap an ingredient, cater to allergies, or simply crave something a bit different, there’s a version here for everyone.

• Gluten-Free Donuts: Substitute a good-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour—just check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too.
• Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of juice to your batter and glaze for a tangy twist that brightens every bite.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free sour cream, plant-based milk, and vegan butter to make these treats suitable for your lactose-intolerant friends.
• Mixed Berry Bonanza: Toss in a blend of raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries with the blueberries for a medley of summer flavors.

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your donut pan a generous coating of nonstick spray or melted butter—this way, your Blueberry Cake Donuts will pop right out, keeping their adorable shape intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom (if you’re using it) in a small bowl. A quick and thorough whisk ensures your donuts bake up evenly with a soft, tender crumb.

Step 3: Prep the Blueberries

Place your fresh blueberries in a separate bowl and dust them with a tablespoon of flour—give them a gentle stir to coat. This little step keeps the berries suspended throughout the batter, so you get blueberries in every single donut.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and milk until smooth. The butter gives that classic cake donut flavor, while the sour cream ensures unbeatable moistness.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk just until combined—take care not to overmix or your donuts might turn out dense. Fold in the floured blueberries gently, aiming for a batter that’s laced with juicy blue gems in every scoop.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) and pipe it into the donut wells, filling each about three-quarters full. This not only makes filling a breeze but keeps your donuts looking neat and tidy.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and the tops spring back when gently pressed. Give them a rest for 10 minutes in the pan before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool.

Step 8: Make and Dip in the Blueberry Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, blueberry jam, vanilla, and milk until the glaze is dreamy and silky smooth. Dip the tops of each donut, let extra glaze drip off, and set on the rack. Give them about 30 minutes for the icing to set—if you can possibly wait that long!

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Garnishes

If you want to take your Blueberry Cake Donuts over the top, sprinkle a handful of fresh blueberries or a grating of lemon zest on top of the wet glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers also gives your treats a dreamy, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a creamy latte, a fresh fruit salad, or even a crisp mimosa for a truly special brunch spread. Their richness and bright berry flavor also complement savory breakfast classics like scrambled eggs or bacon beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your donuts on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or stack them high on a tiered platter for crowd-pleasing appeal. For parties, consider making them mini and serving on skewers, or assemble a DIY “dipping bar” with small bowls of extra glaze and sprinkles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Blueberry Cake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay delightfully soft for up to three days. If it’s particularly warm in your kitchen, pop them in the fridge (but let them come to room temp before serving for best flavor and texture).

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these donuts! Place completely cooled (and unglazed) donuts in a zip-top freezer bag with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop donuts in the microwave for 8–10 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven. If glazed, keep warming times short to avoid melting the glaze.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like biting into a freshly made Blueberry Cake Donut—juicy bursts of berry, tender crumb, and a sweet glaze that makes your morning sing. Treat yourself (and maybe a lucky friend!) to this easy, joy-filled recipe and savor a taste of homemade happiness. Enjoy every bite!

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