Blueberry Cake Donuts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings a smile to your face, these Blueberry Cake Donuts are just the thing! There’s something magical about biting into a freshly made donut, especially when it’s bursting with blueberry flavor. This recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, perfect for everything from lazy weekend breakfasts to festive family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these delightful donuts, you’ll want to make them again and again!

They are not only incredibly delicious but also easy to whip up. You can enjoy them warm with a simple glaze or save them for later as a charming homemade gift. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These donuts come together in no time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Family Favorite: With their sweet blueberry goodness, everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep the dough in advance and fry them fresh whenever you like.
• Endless Flavor Options: You can customize these donuts with different mix-ins and toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some simple, wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating those tender, flavorful Blueberry Cake Donuts we all love.

For the Donuts

• 3 Tablespoons (42 grams) butter, melted
• 2/3 cup (132 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 2/3 cup (160 grams) sour cream
• 3 1/4 cups (370 grams) cake flour or 315 grams all-purpose flour + 55 grams cornstarch
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) dried blueberries
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Glaze

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Add Fresh Fruit: Swap in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
• Try Other Flours: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free flour if needed.
• Mix in Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist on flavor.
• Change the Glaze: Experiment with citrus zest in your glaze for a bright pop!

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting the butter and letting it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Adding the egg yolks and vanilla will create a rich base for your donuts. Then, gently fold in the sour cream—it adds moisture and tenderness!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour (or your preferred flour blend), baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures that your donuts rise beautifully while frying.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with milk. Stir just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Finally, fold in those lovely dried blueberries; they will give each bite that delightful fruity burst.

Step 4: Frying Time!

Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Once ready, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. This step is where those crispy edges come into play!

Step 5: Glaze Away!

Once your donuts are perfectly fried, let them cool slightly before dipping them into the sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The glaze creates that irresistible crackly layer that makes these Blueberry Cake Donuts truly special.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!

Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Cake Donuts

Making blueberry cake donuts can be a delightful experience, especially with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh blueberries: Fresh blueberries yield the best flavor and texture in your donuts. They burst during frying, adding juicy pockets of sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding your ingredients together keeps the donuts tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that lose their delightful cake-like quality.
• Heat oil to the right temperature: Maintaining the oil at around 350°F (175°C) ensures that your donuts cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color without absorbing too much oil. A thermometer is your best friend here!
• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool slightly before applying the glaze helps it set better, creating a beautiful finish and preventing it from sliding off.
• Experiment with flavors: While blueberry is fantastic on its own, feel free to play with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon in the batter for an extra hint of warmth and complexity.

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Serving your blueberry cake donuts can transform them into a delightful experience for family and friends. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Zest of lemon: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
• Powdered sugar dusting: For a classic touch, lightly dust your donuts with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness to your meal, balancing the rich sweetness of the donuts. Think strawberries, kiwi, and melon!
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and more blueberries for a delicious contrast. It’s a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with donut indulgence.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy beverage pairing, enhancing the comforting vibe of enjoying homemade treats.
• Cinnamon sugar toast: Simple yet satisfying, toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar offers another sweet option alongside your blueberry delights.

Enjoy sharing these scrumptious blueberry cake donuts with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These blueberry cake donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them, so you’re always ready to enjoy a sweet treat or a delightful breakfast.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their life to about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, make sure the donuts are fully cooled.
• Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen donuts overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
• To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making blueberry cake donuts:

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh blueberries can be added directly into the batter. However, you may want to reduce the amount of milk slightly to compensate for the additional moisture.

How do I make blueberry cake donuts healthier?

To make these blueberry cake donuts healthier, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.

What makes these blueberry cake donuts different from traditional ones?

These blueberry cake donuts are made with cake flour, giving them a tender crumb and delightful texture that’s different from yeast-based donuts. They’re also deep-fried for that perfect golden exterior!

How should I serve blueberry cake donuts?

Blueberry cake donuts are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla non-dairy ice cream!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these blueberry cake donuts as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they carry the warmth and joy of home baking. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, these treats will surely delight your taste buds. Happy baking!