There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a homemade Blueberry Cake Donut: the pillowy crumb, the pops of juicy berries, the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. These baked delights are a cross between classic cake donuts and your favorite blueberry muffin—making them perfect for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you crave a sweet treat. If you’ve never made donuts at home before, these are the perfect way to start. Plus, the keyphrase “Blueberry Cake Donuts” fits seamlessly into any brunch spread or cozy baking afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for everyday ingredients you probably have right now, each bringing its own magic to the table. The gentle hit of spices, the rich buttermilk, and especially those plump blueberries—that’s where the unmistakable flavor and soft, moist texture come from.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your donut, giving just the right dense, cake-like crumb we all love.
- Baking powder: Adds lift, so your Blueberry Cake Donuts bake up light and fluffy rather than dense.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra tenderness and helps the donuts rise beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances and balances sweetness—never skip the salt!
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses each bite with sweet warmth and depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds that classic bakery-style flavor; a little goes a long way.
- Granulated sugar: Your basic sweetener to give the perfect donut sweetness without overpowering the blueberries.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and a moist texture while keeping things light.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and giving structure so your donuts hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon transforms the aroma and flavor, tying all the sweet notes together.
- Buttermilk: The secret to incredibly tender, soft donuts with a subtle tang.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: The star ingredient! Don’t worry if all you have is frozen—just toss them right in without thawing.
- Nonstick spray or oil: Makes sure those beautifully-shaped donuts release easily from the pan every time.
How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a donut pan with nonstick spray or oil. This simple step ensures your donuts will slide right out of the pan without sticking or tearing after baking. Having everything ready to go means less stress later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only helps to evenly disperse the spices and leaveners but also aerates the flour, making your finished Blueberry Cake Donuts extra light and soft.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk up the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy mixture—try not to overmix at this stage, just bring everything together. The buttermilk is key here, delivering that irresistible tender crumb every donut lover craves.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Add your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until they’re combined—no need for a stand mixer, just a gentle hand. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; the batter should be thick but not too stiff. Overmixing here is your enemy, so keep things light for fluffiest results!
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Now comes the best part: gently fold in your blueberries, whether fresh or frozen (just don’t thaw if using frozen, or things may get a little runny). Try to distribute them as evenly as possible, but don’t stress about perfection—random bursts of berry are part of the Blueberry Cake Donuts experience!
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. If you’re after bakery-perfect rings, a piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off can help, but a spoon works just fine. Don’t worry about being too precise—the magic happens in the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden donuts and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted. The aromas are pure heaven! Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Finish with Flair
Once your Blueberry Cake Donuts are cool, finish them however you fancy. Keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze (see notes below the recipe for a zesty twist). Either way, you’ve just baked something truly special.
How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your donuts a bakery-fresh look, while a drizzle of vanilla or lemon glaze brings a sweet finish that will elevate your Blueberry Cake Donuts to café status. For even more blueberry flair, toss a few extra fresh berries on the plate just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Blueberry Cake Donuts with a cold glass of milk, a frothy cappuccino, or a tangy Greek yogurt parfait for the ultimate breakfast treat. If serving at brunch, a plate of fresh fruit or a citrus salad brightens things up and offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Blueberry Cake Donuts on a rustic cake stand, stack them high for a showstopping centerpiece, or skewer them on bamboo sticks for an easy, grab-and-go “donut kabob” station at parties. They also look adorable packed in a bakery-style box with a handwritten note for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Unused Blueberry Cake Donuts stay moist and delicious if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan to add a glaze, it’s best to do so just before serving to keep the coating from getting sticky.
Freezing
These donuts freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, making spontaneous donut cravings a total non-issue. Freeze without the glaze for best texture.
Reheating
For that ‘just-baked’ feel, let Blueberry Cake Donuts thaw at room temperature if frozen. To freshen them up, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or give them a few quick seconds in the microwave. Add glaze or sugar after reheating for optimal flavor and appearance.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely, though your Blueberry Cake Donuts will be a bit denser and have a heartier texture. Try substituting half with whole wheat for a nice balance of flavor and nutrition.
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t own a donut pan, no problem! Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins for blueberry cake donut “muffins”—just adjust the baking time by a few extra minutes.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
Toss your berries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them and keep every bite brimming with fruit in your Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily—just use a large enough mixing bowl and bake in batches so each donut gets the right rise and bake, ensuring every Blueberry Cake Donut stays light and delicious.
What’s the best way to add the glaze?
Let your donuts cool completely. Whisk up the glaze in a small bowl, dip the tops of the donuts, and let any excess drip off before returning to a wire rack. For neat results, place parchment underneath to catch drips and make cleanup easy.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own Blueberry Cake Donuts is such a rewarding treat—rich in flavor, bursting with juicy berries, and absolutely perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet morning to yourself, these donuts always deliver a little pocket of joy. Give them a try and create your own batch of warm, homemade happiness—you deserve it!
Print
Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. Baked to perfection, they are bursting with juicy blueberries and warm spices for a comforting indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
Additional:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- Nonstick spray or oil for greasing the donut pan
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Combine and Bake: Mix wet ingredients into dry, fold in blueberries, fill donut pan, and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or glaze.
Notes
- For a simple glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
