Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

Fried until golden and dunked in sweet blueberry glaze, these Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze bring all the nostalgic, bakery-style goodness home. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and will delight anyone who tastes them. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and sweet glaze creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a delightful dessert at any occasion.
• Homemade Delight: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own donuts right in your kitchen.
• Fun to Customize: Experiment with different toppings or fillings to make each batch unique.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wire rack
• Paper towels
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Spring-loaded two-tablespoon scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution for frying, ensuring perfectly golden donuts.
• Wire rack: Allows donuts to cool properly without becoming soggy from excess oil.
• Slotted spoon: Helps in easily transferring donuts from hot oil to the cooling rack.

Ingredients

Fried until golden and dunked in sweet blueberry glaze, these blueberry cake donuts bring all the nostalgic, bakery-style goodness home. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh from the fryer!

For the Donuts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons salted European butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2/3 cup frozen wild blueberries

For the Glaze

• Neutral frying oil, like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup + 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried blueberry powder
• 1 teaspoon blueberry emulsion or extract

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, egg, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Fold the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients until almost combined. Gently fold in the frozen wild blueberries until just combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Heat Oil

Meanwhile, fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with 2 inches of oil. Heat it to 355°F (180°C).

Step 5: Prepare Frying Station

Place a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. This will be for draining fried donuts. Set it aside.

Step 6: Fry Donuts

Scoop the dough using a spring-loaded two-tablespoon scoop directly into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes per batch, flipping once for even color. Transfer fried donuts using a slotted wooden spoon to the wire rack to drain excess oil. Fry only 6 to 8 donuts at a time.

Step 7: Make Glaze

To create the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, freeze-dried blueberry powder, milk, and blueberry emulsion or extract until smooth. Microwave for about 1 minute until warm and runny.

Step 8: Glaze Donuts

Toss each donut hole in the glaze until fully covered. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the glaze while tapping off excess. Return glazed donuts to the wire rack and enjoy!

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

Blueberry cake donuts with blueberry glaze are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these donuts can be served in various ways to enhance their appeal.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair your donuts with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries. The tartness complements the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.

Coffee or Tea Pairings

• Enjoy these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the beverages enhance the sweet notes of the blueberry glaze.

A Side of Yogurt

• Serve with a bowl of creamy yogurt for a refreshing contrast. Greek yogurt adds protein and balances the sweetness of the donuts.

Ice Cream Topping

• For a more indulgent treat, top each donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm donut and cold ice cream create a delightful combination.

Drizzled with Honey

• Add a drizzle of honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor depth. This is especially appealing if you prefer less sugar in your glaze.

How to Perfect Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

To achieve the best results with your blueberry cake donuts, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to scoop and fry.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at 355°F for even cooking and golden color. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot. Frying 6-8 donuts at a time ensures they cook evenly without dropping oil temperature.
• Coat While Warm: Glaze the donuts while they are still warm for better adherence and flavor absorption.
• Store Correctly: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

Pairing side dishes with blueberry cake donuts can elevate your serving experience, whether it’s breakfast or dessert. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Granola Parfait – Layered granola, yogurt, and fruit make for a crunchy and creamy side that complements soft donuts.
3. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche offers a savory contrast to sweet donuts, making it ideal for brunch.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can provide a delightful contrast with varying textures and flavors.
5. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or additional berries pairs nicely for breakfast.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts makes for a nutritious, colorful accompaniment.
7. Vegetable Frittata – This egg-based dish adds protein while maintaining lightness alongside sweet treats.
8. Cinnamon Rolls – For those who adore sweets, cinnamon rolls offer another layer of indulgence to enjoy alongside your donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough donuts. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Incorrect Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before cooking the inside. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady 355°F.
• Skipping Refrigeration: Not chilling the batter can result in donuts that absorb more oil. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before frying.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly.
• Frying Too Many at Once: Overcrowding the pot can lower the oil temperature and affect cooking. Fry in small batches for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

• Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Check carefully to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh blueberries; however, they may burst more easily during mixing.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with equal parts milk and yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar.

How do I know when my donuts are done frying?

Donuts should be golden brown on both sides and will float to the top when cooked through.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

What is the best way to serve these donuts?

Serve them warm right after glazing for the best texture and flavor experience.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze are not only delightful but versatile as well. You can customize them by adding different fruit flavors or spices. Try them today and enjoy a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!