Description of this recipe: These baked blueberry donuts offer a healthier, homemade alternative to fried donuts, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh blueberries. They’re soft, tender, and perfectly glazed, making them a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a little indulgence.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Easy to Make: No yeast, no frying – just a simple batter that comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Healthier Than Fried: Baking instead of frying drastically reduces the fat content, making these a guilt-free indulgence.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet blueberries, warm cinnamon (optional), and a delicate vanilla glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a homemade treat, these donuts are sure to impress.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the glaze with lemon juice for a tangy twist, or add a sprinkle of nuts or sprinkles for extra flair.
Introduction
Forget the deep fryer and the long lines at the donut shop! These baked blueberry donuts bring the joy of freshly made donuts right to your kitchen, without all the fuss. I’ve always been a huge fan of donuts, but the thought of all that oil has often held me back. So, I set out to create a baked version that captures all the deliciousness of a traditional donut, but with a healthier twist.
This recipe is the result of countless attempts to achieve that perfect balance of soft, tender texture, vibrant blueberry flavor, and a satisfyingly sweet glaze. And believe me, the results are worth it! These donuts are light, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries that burst with flavor in every bite. The glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, creating a truly irresistible treat.
What I love most about these donuts is how easy they are to make. Unlike traditional yeast-raised donuts that require hours of proofing, these baked donuts come together in a matter of minutes. Simply whisk together the dry and wet ingredients, fold in the blueberries, and bake to golden perfection. The glaze is equally simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a quick whisk.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, you’ll find this recipe to be incredibly approachable and rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade baked blueberry donuts!
Ingredients:
For the Donuts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the donuts.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the donuts rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the buttermilk to create a light and airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, comforting flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts and contributes to their tender texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + ½ teaspoon vinegar): Adds moisture and acidity, resulting in a tender crumb. The acidity helps activate the baking soda.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor. Make sure the butter is melted but not hot.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen): The star of the show, providing a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Using frozen blueberries can slightly tint the batter, but it won’t affect the taste.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure for the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk (or lemon juice for a tangy glaze): Thins the glaze to the desired consistency. Lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the donuts evenly without drying them out. Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray. Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly to prevent the donuts from sticking. A well-greased pan ensures easy release and prevents the donuts from tearing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon (if using), and sugar. Whisking ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a consistent texture. This step also helps to aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter donut.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. It’s important to whisk the wet ingredients together thoroughly to create an emulsion. This helps to distribute the fat evenly throughout the batter, resulting in a more tender and moist donut.
Step 4: Combine & Add Blueberries Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough donut. Gently fold in the blueberries. Frozen blueberries are best added frozen as they are less likely to bleed and change the color of the batter. Distribute them evenly so you get blueberry in every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full. Avoid overfilling the cavities, as the donuts will rise during baking. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off makes it easier to fill the donut pan neatly and evenly.
Step 6: Bake Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the donuts. A toothpick test is the best way to determine if the donuts are done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Cool Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the donuts in the pan for a few minutes allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove. Cooling them completely on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Step 8: Make the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drizzle or dip easily.
Step 9: Glaze the Donuts Dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Dipping the donuts results in a more even and generous coating of glaze. Drizzling is a quicker and easier option, especially if you prefer a lighter glaze.
Step 10: Enjoy Serve and enjoy these soft, fruity, and delicious donuts! These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Enjoy as a dessert after a light meal.
- Pack them in a lunchbox for a special treat.
- Serve at a brunch or breakfast gathering.
- Top with sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings for added flair.
Tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results. This helps the ingredients to combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough donut.
- Use a light-colored donut pan to prevent the donuts from browning too quickly.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding ½ teaspoon of vinegar to ½ cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter. To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the butter is browned and has a nutty aroma.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique flavor twist.
- For a more intense blueberry flavor, use blueberry extract.
- If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter. Thawing can cause the blueberries to bleed and change the color of the batter.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Total Time:
25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, per donut, without glaze)
Calories: 150-180 Protein: 2-3g Sodium: 150-200mg
Conclusion
These baked blueberry donuts are a delightful treat that you can feel good about enjoying. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and healthier than their fried counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier donut. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of extra buttermilk to achieve the desired batter consistency. You can also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum to provide structure and prevent the donuts from crumbling. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?
A: While a donut pan is ideal for creating that classic donut shape, you can still make this recipe without one. You can bake the batter as muffins in a muffin tin, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Alternatively, you can use a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the batter into circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The circles won’t have the traditional hole, but they will still taste amazing!
Q3: Can I add other fruits or flavors to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your flavors. You can substitute the blueberries with other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. You can also add lemon zest, orange zest, or a pinch of spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a different flavor profile. If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter. The possibilities are endless!
Q4: How do I store leftover donuts?
A: Leftover baked blueberry donuts are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days. To prevent them from becoming soggy, you can place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture. If you live in a humid climate, you can store them in the refrigerator, but they may dry out slightly. To revive them, you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Q5: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Yes, you can freeze these donuts for longer storage. Allow the donuts to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven. If the glaze has become sticky during freezing, you can freshen it up by drizzling with a little bit of milk or lemon juice.
