Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe Easy Summer Treat

There’s just something magical about summer mornings when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the smell of freshly baked blueberry cake donuts fills your kitchen. These donuts are everything you want in a summer treat—soft, fluffy, bursting with juicy blueberries, and coated in a sweet glaze that makes them downright irresistible. If you’ve been searching for the perfect baked good to wow your family and friends, this blueberry cake donuts recipe is it.

Not only are these donuts incredibly easy to make, but they’re also baked instead of fried, which means less mess and a slightly healthier indulgence. And honestly, who can say no to a treat that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy? Let’s dive into why these blueberry cake donuts are the ultimate summer baking project.

The Story Behind Blueberry Cake Donuts

Blueberries and summer go hand in hand, don’t they? Growing up, I remember spending warm afternoons picking blueberries at a local farm. My siblings and I would race to see who could fill their basket the fastest (though most of mine ended up in my mouth instead of the basket!). Once home, those blueberries would find their way into pies, muffins, and of course, donuts.

The idea for this recipe came from those nostalgic summers. Blueberry cake donuts have a hint of old-fashioned charm while still feeling fresh and modern. While traditional donuts are often fried, this recipe opts for baking, making them a bit lighter and perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

These donuts are inspired by classic cake donuts but with a summery twist thanks to the addition of fresh blueberries. Whether you’re planning a brunch, a picnic, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any extra blueberries you have on hand during peak season!

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients for these blueberry cake donuts and why each one is essential:

• Fresh Blueberries: The star of the show! Look for plump, juicy blueberries that are in-season for the best flavor. Frozen berries work too—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry.
• All-Purpose Flour: This creates the perfect structure for the donuts, making them soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the blueberries.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and moisture. Make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled before mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the donuts.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, giving the donuts a sweet, glossy finish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of tanginess to the glaze, perfectly complementing the blueberries.

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen blueberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the donuts.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s the gear you’ll need to whip up these delightful donuts:

• Donut Pan: A must-have for baked donuts. If you don’t have one, a muffin tin can work in a pinch—just call them “blueberry cake donut muffins”!
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
• Whisk: For mixing the batter smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in the blueberries.
• Wire Rack: Essential for cooling the donuts evenly after baking.

Optional but helpful: A piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) makes it easier to fill the donut pan neatly.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons (30g) melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in 1 cup (150g) of fresh blueberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
7. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice until smooth.
9. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to set.

And there you have it—freshly baked blueberry cake donuts ready to be devoured!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the donuts tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Fresh Blueberries: If possible, opt for fresh, in-season blueberries for the best flavor.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If the donuts are still warm, the glaze will melt and slide off.
• Customize the Glaze: Add a pinch of zest to the glaze for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Chocolate-Glazed: Swap the lemon glaze for a chocolate glaze made with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.
• Mixed Berries: Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry twist.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but here are some tips for serving and storing:

• Serving: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate summer treat.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the unglazed donuts individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional value per donut:

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, making these donuts a slightly healthier option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, baking instead of frying means less oil and fewer calories.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy homemade treat that celebrates the flavors of summer, these blueberry cake donuts are a must-try. They’re soft, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or just because, they’re sure to bring a little joy to your day.

I’d love to hear how your donuts turn out! Feel free to share your creations in the comments below or tag me on social media. And if you’ve got your own twist on this recipe, let me know—I’m always excited to try new variations. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work great! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?

Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

What’s the best way to store these donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts and glaze them after thawing.

Do I need a donut pan to make these?

While a donut pan is ideal, you can use a muffin tin instead. The shape will be different, but they’ll taste just as delicious!

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