The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a truly unforgettable treat, you absolutely must try The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts. These donuts bring together a moist, tender crumb studded with bursts of luscious blueberries, all encased in a lightly sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. The recipe strikes a perfect balance between cakey and fluffy, with a subtle tang from sour cream that lifts the flavor beautifully. Whether you’re craving a weekend treat or something special to share with friends, these donuts will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these donuts just right starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role. From the rich melted butter that gives tenderness to the cake flour that promises a delicate texture, every item contributes to the magic in The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts.

• Butter (3 Tablespoons, melted): Adds moisture and richness, making the crumb tender and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the donuts while helping create a fluffy texture when beaten with butter.
• Egg yolks (2 large): Provide structure and a velvety texture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Sour cream (2/3 cup): Imparts a subtle tang that balances sweetness and keeps the cake tender.
• Cake flour (3 1/4 cups) or a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch: Ensures a light, soft crumb that is classic for cake donuts.
• Baking powder (2 1/4 teaspoons): Leavens the dough, giving it rise and fluffiness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Dried blueberries (1/2 cup): Rehydrated for juiciness, they provide those delightful pops of blueberry throughout.
• Milk (1/2 cup, for glaze): Creates a smooth, pourable glaze that perfectly coats each donut.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups, for glaze): Produces that classic sweet coating that complements the fruity flavors.

How to Make The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Soften the Blueberries

Start by chopping the dried blueberries into smaller pieces before soaking them in boiling water for about five minutes. This simple step plumps them up, making each bite juicy without drying out the dough. Draining the berries thoroughly ensures your donuts maintain the perfect texture without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, melt the butter and beat in the granulated sugar until fluffy, which introduces air into the batter for lighter donuts. Then stir in the sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. The combination adds moisture, richness, and that signature comforting flavor we all crave in a cake donut.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Incorporate the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture just until mostly combined. Gently fold in the softened blueberries last to evenly disperse their vibrant bursts of flavor. Press the dough into a disc, wrap it, and chill for at least one hour. This resting period solidifies the butter and makes the dough easier to roll and shape.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Donuts

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about one inch thick. Cut out donut shapes with a 3 to 4-inch cutter and use a smaller 1-inch cutter to create the centers. Don’t forget to carefully reroll any scraps once or twice to avoid toughening the dough while maximizing your yield.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Heat a neutral oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep pot. Fry the donuts in small batches, about 2 to 3 at a time, for 1½ minutes on the first side and until golden on the second. Maintaining the oil temperature is key to achieving a golden crust without oily heaviness. Drain the donuts on a wire rack to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.

Step 6: Glaze with Sweet Vanilla Magic

Warm the milk gently, then whisk in powdered sugar until the glaze becomes smooth and pourable but not too thin to run off immediately. Stir in vanilla to add warmth and depth. Dip each still-warm donut into the glaze, turning to coat both sides, and let the excess drip off before setting aside.

How to Serve The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh blueberries or a dusting of powdered sugar over glazed donuts adds a charming touch that enhances their fruity appeal further. For an extra special presentation, a light sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds or a few edible flowers can brighten your serving platter and delight guests.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for lazy weekend breakfasts or afternoon breaks. Serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of Greek yogurt topped with honey to balance the sweetness with creamy and fresh notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your donut display by stacking glazed donuts on a pretty cake stand or suspending them on a donut wall at parties for a fun, interactive way to indulge. Alternatively, assembling a “donut sandwich” with a smear of whipped cream cheese or lemon curd inside can elevate this classic to an unexpected treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out so they stay soft and delicious as if freshly made.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Frozen donuts stay fresh for about a month and are perfect for enjoying a spontaneous sweet treat later on.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or stored donuts in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their soft interior and slightly crisps up the glaze or crust, bringing back that irresistible freshly fried feel.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried?

Fresh blueberries add wonderful juiciness, but their higher water content can make the dough wetter and more delicate. If you do swap them in, gently fold them in at the end and consider reducing other liquid slightly to keep the donuts from becoming soggy.

What type of oil is best for frying these donuts?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, peanut, sunflower, or avocado oil. These oils allow for clean frying without imparting any strong flavors, helping highlight the blueberry and vanilla notes.

Why is sour cream used in the dough?

Sour cream adds moisture along with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, resulting in a tender crumb with a complex flavor profile. It also helps activate the baking powder for a great rise and texture.

How thick should I roll out the dough before cutting?

Rolling the dough about one inch thick is ideal for The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts. This thickness ensures a substantial donut that fries evenly with a perfect balance of crisp outside and soft inside.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While frying gives the classic texture and golden exterior, you can bake them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. The texture will be lighter and less crispy but still delicious, especially with the glaze to finish.

Final Thoughts

Making The Very Best Blueberry Cake Donuts is such a joyful experience because the results truly feel special and homemade in the best way. Each bite delivers that perfect harmony of tender cake, juicy blueberries, and sweet vanilla glaze that simply can’t be beaten. So grab your ingredients, get rolling, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible donuts—you’ll be so glad you did!

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