If you are looking for a delightful treat that’s both fruity and light, this Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These donuts combine the tender crumb you love with bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite. Baked rather than fried, they are surprisingly easy to make and have a wonderfully soft texture that makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to sweets to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture that makes these donuts so irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to the donuts.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the fresh blueberries.
- Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become delightfully light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Milk: Provides moisture and keeps the batter smooth and creamy.
- Sour cream: Adds rich tanginess and keeps the donuts incredibly moist.
- Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and contributes to the fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings a subtle richness and tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor to amplify the donuts’ aroma.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: The star of the show, offering sweet bursts of juiciness throughout each donut.
How to Make Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan or give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these well ensures even distribution, which helps your donuts bake perfectly every time.
Step 3: Join the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, sour cream, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well blended. This combination gives the donuts their moist and tender qualities.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in Blueberries
Carefully fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. Be gentle here to avoid breaking the berries, which keeps the donut batter beautifully speckled with whole blueberries rather than turning it purple.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Use a spoon or small scoop to fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This ensures the donuts will have the ideal shape without spilling over while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully helps maintain their tender texture and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
While these baked blueberry donuts are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar, a simple lemon glaze, or a drizzle of vanilla icing can take them to the next level. Fresh mint leaves or additional blueberries on the side add a fresh, pretty touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee, a fragrant cup of tea, or even a fresh fruit salad. Creamy yogurt with a sprinkle of granola also complements the soft sweetness with some crunch and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch spread, arrange your baked blueberry donuts on a tiered cake stand, surrounded by bowls of fresh berries and whipped cream. Another idea is to split the donuts and turn them into mini sandwiches with a smear of cream cheese frosting or lemon curd for a zesty surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover baked blueberry donuts stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay beautifully soft and fresh when stored properly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen donuts keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat your donuts gently in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked softness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well. Just make sure to fold them in gently to keep the batter from turning purple and avoid thawing them first to prevent excess moisture.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
As written, this Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends made specifically for baking to suit dietary needs.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, adding a similar tang and moist texture without altering the flavor much.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?
To keep the blueberries evenly distributed, you can toss them lightly in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them in the donut instead of sinking to the bottom.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, use plant-based milk, replace sour cream with a vegan alternative, and use vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, homemade goodness to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these donuts strike the perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and fruity goodness. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and experience how simply wonderful blueberry donuts can be. You’ll thank yourself for making these soon!
Print
Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and fluffy baked blueberry donuts, featuring a tender crumb speckled with juicy blueberries. Perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat, these donuts are easy to make and baked instead of fried, offering a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, sour cream, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the donuts tender.
- Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold the fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter to evenly distribute without breaking them up.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent the batter from turning purple.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and light.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
- Greasing the donut pan well ensures easy removal of donuts after baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
