These wild blueberry cake donuts are a delightful blend of muffin and donut—bringing the soft, tender crumb of cake donuts together with the sweet charm of blueberry flavor in every bite. They’re oven-baked, so there’s no need for frying or yeast, making them quick, easy, and mess-free to prepare. The blueberry glaze adds a beautiful purple sheen and extra burst of fruitiness, turning each donut into a picture-perfect treat. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, serving up weekend breakfast, or wanting a charming snack for loved ones, these baked blueberry donuts deliver. Their cheerful appearance and delicious flavor make them a crowd favorite—and their simplicity makes them a go-to recipe for both new and experienced home bakers.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for greasing the donut tin
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1/3 cup sugar
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1/3 cup whole milk
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1 large egg
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
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⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Lightly grease a 6-hole donut tin with melted butter and prepare a piping bag with a large round tip.
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In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter (about 20–30 seconds), then whisk in sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
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Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt; fold gently until partially combined.
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Gently fold in the blueberries (note: frozen berries may turn the batter purple).
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Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, smoothing the tops with a wet fingertip.
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Bake for 13–15 minutes, then cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.
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To make the glaze: microwave blueberries for 15–20 seconds, mash and strain to collect juice. Combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and blueberry juice (add ½ tsp at a time) until desired consistency—like honey. Spoon over each donut and allow glaze to set (~20 minutes).
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: approx. 279 kcal | Servings: 6 donuts
The Background of Blueberry Cake Donuts
Blueberry cake donuts are a delightful fusion of traditional cake-style donuts and the fresh, juicy sweetness of blueberries. Unlike yeast-based donuts, cake donuts rely on baking powder for their rise, resulting in a tender, dense crumb that pairs beautifully with the tart bursts of fruit. The recipe takes inspiration from classic blueberry muffins but gives it a playful twist by using a donut pan, creating an appealing ring shape that’s easy to hold and perfect for portion control. Blueberries have long been a staple in breakfast dishes due to their natural sweetness, vibrant color, and nutritional value, making them an ideal addition to this baked treat.
Why Blueberry Cake Donuts Are Special
What sets blueberry cake donuts apart is their balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, vanilla-scented base is soft yet sturdy enough to hold pockets of juicy blueberries without becoming soggy. Baking instead of frying means you get a lighter result with less oil, and the fresh blueberry glaze adds both a stunning pop of color and an extra layer of fruity sweetness. It’s a treat that feels indulgent but still has a wholesome element thanks to the fruit.
Health Benefits of Blueberries in Baking
Incorporating blueberries into your baking is not just about flavor—it’s also about nutrition. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute to improved heart health, better digestion, and a stronger immune system. In this recipe, blueberries provide natural sweetness, which allows you to reduce the need for excessive added sugar. The vivid purple hue of the glaze comes from natural fruit pigments, making the donuts visually appealing without artificial coloring.
A Baked Alternative to Fried Donuts
One of the major benefits of this recipe is that it’s baked, not fried. Traditional donuts can be heavy due to the oil they absorb during frying, but these blueberry cake donuts retain a light, fluffy texture without the extra grease. Baking also makes the process simpler, eliminating the need for deep-frying equipment and reducing clean-up time. This makes the recipe approachable for beginner bakers while still satisfying for seasoned home cooks.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These donuts are ideal for a variety of settings—weekend breakfasts, brunch spreads, afternoon tea, or even as a homemade gift. Their beautiful presentation makes them a hit at baby showers, holiday gatherings, and school bake sales. The glaze can be customized with additional flavors such as lemon zest for brightness or vanilla bean for a more aromatic touch. This adaptability ensures that the recipe never gets boring, even if you make it often.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This blueberry cake donut recipe stands out because of its thoughtful balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture. The batter comes together quickly with common pantry staples, yet the finished product feels bakery-worthy. Using wild blueberries intensifies the flavor, as they tend to be smaller and more concentrated in sweetness compared to cultivated varieties. The glaze is easy to prepare and sets with a glossy finish, giving the donuts a professional look without complicated techniques.
Tips for Making Perfect Blueberry Cake Donuts
To achieve the best results, gently fold the blueberries into the batter to prevent them from bursting and discoloring it too much. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before mixing, as this helps maintain their shape during baking. For a more uniform donut shape, pipe the batter into the pan rather than spooning it. When making the glaze, adjust the consistency with small amounts of blueberry juice or milk until it coats the donuts without dripping excessively.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with variations. Try adding lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the glaze for added texture, or incorporate a cinnamon-sugar dusting for a cozy flavor. You can even swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries to create different seasonal versions.
A Treat That’s Both Elegant and Comforting
Blueberry cake donuts strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The rich cake base, the sweet-tart fruit, and the silky glaze combine to create a baked good that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. They’re simple enough to enjoy with your morning coffee yet sophisticated enough to serve at a special brunch. This versatility is part of what makes them a timeless favorite.
Conclusion
Blueberry cake donuts are a shining example of how a simple baked good can become something truly memorable with the right ingredients and presentation. By pairing the tender crumb of a cake-style donut with the natural sweetness of blueberries and the visual appeal of a fruity glaze, this recipe delivers on both taste and beauty. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these donuts are sure to bring joy to the table. Once you experience their soft texture, vibrant flavor, and stunning appearance, they’ll earn a permanent place in your baking rotation.
