Baked Blueberry Donut Recipe: Bursting with Flavor & Easy to Make!

Craving the sweet, comforting taste of a blueberry donut but want to skip the deep fryer and the guilt? Look no further! This baked blueberry donut recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic donut with a fraction of the calories and effort. These light and fluffy donuts are bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a simple, irresistible glaze. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, or a special occasion, these baked blueberry donuts are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade delights!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is specifically designed to create a tender and moist baked donut that rivals its fried counterpart. Here’s why it works so well:

• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: This combination ensures a light and airy texture. The baking powder provides the initial lift, while the baking soda reacts with the buttermilk to create extra fluffiness.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps to create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute (see FAQ).
• Melted Butter: Using melted butter instead of softened butter ensures the donuts stay moist and tender.
• Plenty of Blueberries: We use a generous amount of blueberries to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Folding them in gently prevents them from bleeding too much into the batter.
• Simple Glaze: The glaze is a classic powdered sugar and milk combination, providing the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the blueberry flavor.
• Donut Pan: Using a donut pan is essential for achieving the classic donut shape. Make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

• For the Donuts:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk (or water)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard donut pan very well. You can use cooking spray or melted butter.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
5. Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one of the corners. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.
10. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off.
11. Enjoy! Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Grease the Pan Well: This is crucial to prevent the donuts from sticking. Use cooking spray or melted butter and flour.
• Don’t Overfill the Pan: Filling the cavities too full will cause the donuts to lose their shape while baking.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Glazing warm donuts will cause the glaze to melt and run off.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add milk or water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Use Fresh, High-Quality Blueberries: The quality of your blueberries will directly impact the flavor of your donuts.
• Frozen Blueberries Work Too: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent them from bleeding into the batter.

Storage Instructions

These baked blueberry donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before glazing and serving.

FAQ

• Can I use muffin tins instead of a donut pan? While you can technically bake the batter in muffin tins, they won’t have the classic donut shape. The baking time may also need to be adjusted.
• What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. Using other types of flour may affect the texture of the donuts.
• Can I add a different flavor to the glaze? Absolutely! You can add a few drops of lemon extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze.
• My donuts are sticking to the pan, what did I do wrong? Most likely, the pan wasn’t greased well enough. Make sure to thoroughly grease the donut pan before adding the batter.
• Can I make these vegan? Yes, you can! Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) in place of the egg. Make sure the butter is also vegan.

Conclusion

These baked blueberry donuts are a delicious and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt of deep-frying. The combination of fluffy, tender donut, juicy blueberries, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of homemade donuts that will impress everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of these baked blueberry donuts! Happy baking!