Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that offers the best of both worlds—cozy, bakery-style comfort and a fresh burst of blueberry flavor—these Blueberry Cake Donuts are going to be your new obsession. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy edge that gives way to a tender, moist crumb packed with juicy blueberries. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a sweet glaze, this is the kind of donut that will have your kitchen smelling like a small-town bakery and will delight everyone who tries it.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Blueberry Cake Donuts is all about a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing their part to create that signature fluffy texture and irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few quick tips that make all the difference.
- All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect crumb—soft and sturdy enough to hold the berries.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown beautifully during frying.
- Baking powder: Gives lift and lightness, so the donuts are never dense.
- Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for extra puffiness and a tender bite.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the sweet and fruity notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a cozy, warming spice that perfectly complements the blueberries.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add rich flavor.
- Buttermilk: The key to a super-tender, flavorful crumb and a little tang.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Provides moisture and that classic donut flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and gives these donuts nostalgic bakery vibes.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: Both work! Frozen berries actually hold their shape a bit better in the dough—just don’t thaw.
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable): Neutral oils are best for a light, crisp finish.
How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well blended. This not only disperses the leaveners and spice evenly but also ensures that every bite of your Blueberry Cake Donuts will be flavorful and perfectly textured.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat gently. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. The buttermilk does wonders here, as it reacts with the baking soda to make the donuts wonderfully fluffy and adds just a tiny tang.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the flour is just moistened. Don’t overmix! The batter should still look a little lumpy—overworking it will make the donuts tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Blueberries
Sprinkle your blueberries over the batter, then use a light hand to fold them in. If you’re using frozen berries, remember not to thaw them; this helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter and keeps the dough from turning purple.
Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out your dough. Pat or gently roll it to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters for the center hole) to cut out as many rounds as you can. Gather any scraps, gently press them together, and cut out a few more Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry your donuts in small batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until they’re puffed and golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan! Let each donut have space so they cook evenly and become extra crisp.
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes—just enough so any glaze or powdered sugar won’t melt right off, but while they’re still a bit warm and absolutely tempting.
How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Garnishes
Glaze or a generous dusting of powdered sugar are both classic choices, but you can also add a little lemon zest to your glaze or sugar for extra zing. The fresh, tart citrus note really makes the blueberries sing and takes these Blueberry Cake Donuts up a notch.
Side Dishes
Pair your donuts with a fresh fruit salad, a simple yogurt parfait, or a big mug of coffee. The contrast of cool, creamy sides or a bold brew against the sweet, warm donuts is just pure morning bliss. They also make excellent company for brunch spreads with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
Line a rustic basket with a clean tea towel and pile the donuts high for a cozy, homespun display. For special occasions, stack them into a donut tower or arrange on a pretty cake stand. Tiny decorative picks or edible flowers add charm if you’re serving them at a party or brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Blueberry Cake Donuts (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh and soft, add a slice of bread to the container; it helps absorb excess moisture and prevents the donuts from drying out.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these donuts for later. Arrange cooled, unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. When you want a donut fix, simply thaw at room temperature and finish with glaze or sugar before serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Blueberry Cake Donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes—they’ll taste almost as fresh as the day you made them. A few seconds in the microwave works too, especially if you’re in a hurry, but the oven keeps the exterior crisper.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in Blueberry Cake Donuts?
Yes, frozen blueberries work beautifully! Use them straight from the freezer without thawing to help prevent color bleeding and ensure they stay plump in the finished donuts.
Is it possible to bake these donuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter twist, bake the shaped donuts in a greased donut pan at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. They’ll come out tender and cake-like, though a bit different in texture from the classic fried version.
How can I make the glaze more flavorful?
Add grated lemon or orange zest, a dash of cinnamon, or swap a tablespoon of milk for fresh juice in the glaze. These small touches play up the blueberry flavor and add a signature twist to your Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Wait to add the blueberries and shape the donuts until just before frying to keep the color vibrant and the dough at its fluffiest.
What oil is best for frying cake donuts?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. These ensure your donuts fry up light, crisp, and without any heavy oil aftertaste, letting the blueberry flavor shine through.
Final Thoughts
If you love a bakery treat that tastes homemade and special, these Blueberry Cake Donuts are calling your name. There’s nothing quite like a warm, blueberry-studded donut, still fragrant with cinnamon, to turn an ordinary morning into something worth savoring. Give these a try—you might just find they become the most requested treat in your home!
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Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet blueberries and tender, cake-like donuts with this easy-to-follow recipe for Blueberry Cake Donuts. These homemade treats are perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, offering a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
Dry Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
Additional:
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Shape and Cut: Roll out the dough, cut out donuts, and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Cool and Glaze: Drain the donuts, then glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a quick glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- You can also bake these at 375°F for 10–12 minutes in a greased donut pan for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg