If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly combines fluffy cake texture with the sweet burst of blueberry flavor, this Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe will become your new obsession. Light, tender, and topped with a luscious blueberry-infused glaze, these donuts offer the ideal balance of soft crumb and shiny sweetness that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a special brunch, or an indulgent snack, these donuts bring warmth and comfort to any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of moist, flavorful cake donuts and the irresistible blueberry glaze. Each item plays a key role—from the tenderizing sour cream to the chewy dried blueberries and the sweet powdered sugar glaze, every component helps build flavor and texture that sings.
- Butter (3 Tablespoons, melted): Adds rich moisture and helps create a tender donut crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the dough and aids in light browning when fried.
- Egg yolks (2 large): Provide richness and help bind the dough for a soft, cake-like texture.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Imparts warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Sour cream (2/3 cup): Adds moisture and slight tang that makes the donuts tender and fluffy.
- Cake flour (3 1/4 cups) or all-purpose flour plus cornstarch: The key to a delicate crumb; cake flour keeps donuts soft and light.
- Baking powder (2 1/4 teaspoons): Gives the donuts their lift and airy texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Dried blueberries (1/2 cup): Deliver bursts of tangy sweetness and a chewy texture surprise in every bite.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps create a smooth glaze for that shiny, sweet finish.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): The base of the glaze, creating a glossy, sweet coating.
How to Make Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Making the Dough
Start by chopping your dried blueberries slightly to soften them and release more flavor. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. In a separate bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently incorporate the dried blueberries. Wrap the dough and chill it for at least an hour to help it firm up for easier handling and better texture.
Step 2: Rolling Out and Cutting the Donuts
Once your dough has chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes and centers. Re-roll the scraps and repeat to maximize yield. This step is so satisfying because you can see the soft dough transform into perfectly shaped donut forms ready for frying.
Step 3: Frying the Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in small batches to avoid crowding, turning them once they puff and turn golden brown on one side. Fry the donut holes alongside for a delicious bonus treat. Use a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil and keep your donuts crisp on the outside but tender in the middle.
Step 4: Glazing the Donuts
Warm the milk gently on the stove without boiling, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them back on the rack to set. This blueberry glaze adds just the right sweet tang and shine that makes these donuts totally irresistible.
How to Serve Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe, try sprinkling some freshly crushed freeze-dried blueberries or edible flower petals on top for a beautiful finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar after glazing can add a delicate snowy look, perfect for a charming breakfast table.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruity herbal tea. For a more filling brunch, serve with a bowl of mixed berries or a creamy yogurt parfait. These light, fruity sides complement the blueberry glaze without overpowering the donut’s natural flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your glazed donuts on a rustic cake stand for a festive gathering or arrange them in a colorful dessert tray with fresh blueberry clusters and mint leaves. You can even drizzle extra glaze in swirls or create a layered donut cake by stacking with whipped cream and fresh blueberries for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover donuts (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their soft, cake-like texture while keeping the glaze from becoming sticky or soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted donuts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and prepare the glaze fresh before dipping.
Reheating
To revive that just-made taste, warm the donuts gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. If you froze them unfrosted, reheat first and then dip in fresh glaze for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried?
Fresh blueberries have a lot more moisture and will make the dough very wet and sticky, which can be tricky to handle and fry. It’s best to stick with dried blueberries for this recipe, as they provide concentrated flavor without altering the dough consistency.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe?
You can experiment by substituting the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough sometimes behaves differently, so chilling longer and handling gently helps maintain the right texture.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is an easier alternative. Place the cut donuts on lined baking sheets and bake at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden and springy. Glaze just as you would with fried donuts for that classic blueberry finish.
What is the best oil for frying these donuts?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying donuts. They won’t impart any off-flavors and will help achieve that crispy, golden exterior.
How do I make sure my glaze sets properly?
Make sure the glaze is the right consistency—smooth and slightly thick but still pourable. Dip the donuts while the glaze and donuts are at room temperature, then let them sit on a wire rack to dry. This usually takes 10-15 minutes for a perfect set with a shiny finish.
Final Thoughts
Making the Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen experiences that rewards you with irresistibly tender, flavorful treats. Sharing a batch fresh out of the fryer with friends or family instantly brightens any day. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade donuts bursting with blueberry goodness and glaze that shines like a little taste of happiness.
Print
Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling and resting time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Blueberry Glazed Cake Donuts are a delightful treat featuring a tender, moist cake dough studded with dried blueberries and finished with a luscious blueberry-inspired glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these homemade donuts offer a sweet, fruity twist on the classic fried cake donut, combining soft texture with a subtle berry flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (heated)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Making the Dough: Chop and soften the dried blueberries slightly to release their flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour (or the all-purpose flour and cornstarch blend), baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently fold in the softened blueberries. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to firm up for easier handling.
- Rolling Out and Cutting the Donuts: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a large round cutter to cut out donut shapes, then use a smaller cutter to remove the centers, creating the classic donut ring shape. Re-roll any scraps to cut additional donuts until all the dough is used.
- Frying the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the donuts from oil, and place them on a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Glazing the Donuts: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk until warm but not boiling. In a mixing bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and vanilla extract together, then gradually add the warm milk, whisking until the glaze is smooth and slightly thick but pourable. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off, then place back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute dried blueberries with fresh blueberries, though the dough may require slight adjustment to moisture content.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier rolling and cutting.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F to 365°F for optimal frying results and to prevent greasy donuts.
- The glaze can be flavored with a teaspoon of blueberry extract or a few drops of food coloring for a more pronounced blueberry look and taste.
- Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.
