Oh, you are in for a real treat with this Blueberry Cake Donuts with Glaze Recipe! Imagine soft, tender cake donuts bursting with the sweet, tangy pop of dried blueberries, all enveloped in a luscious, glossy vanilla glaze. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making these donuts a delightful indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack that feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these donuts are totally approachable and will absolutely wow everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled textured cloth with blue stripes, filled with thick, creamy pale yellow cookie dough mixed with small dark chocolate chips spread evenly throughout. The dough has a slightly rough and dense texture with smooth areas where it has been pressed against the sides of the bowl. Some dough smears cling to the inside of the bowl, showing a soft, sticky consistency. The look is simple and inviting, showing the dough ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays a vital role in creating the perfect blueberry cake donut. From the richness of butter to the tang of sour cream, and of course, the star dried blueberries, they come together to build flavor, tenderness, and that irresistible crumb.

Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the donuts.
Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens and helps create a light texture.
Egg yolks (2 large): Contribute to the creaminess and structure of the dough.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant depth and warmth.
Sour cream (2/3 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle tang that tenderizes the cake.
Cake flour (3 1/4 cups) or all-purpose flour with cornstarch: Creates a soft, cakey texture essential for these donuts.
Baking powder (2 1/4 teaspoons): Leavens the dough for a light, airy bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
Dried blueberries (1/2 cup): Bring bursts of fruity tartness that make these donuts unforgettable.
Milk (1/2 cup): Used for the glaze to give it the perfect consistency.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): The base of a sweet, shiny glaze coating each donut.

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Dried Blueberries

Chop the dried blueberries into bite-sized pieces, then pour boiling water over them to rehydrate and soften their texture. This quick soak helps them plump up, releasing their natural flavors and preventing them from drawing moisture out of the dough later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Melt the butter and beat it together with the sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Then, stir in the sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract or paste. This combination creates a rich, creamy base that lends the cake donuts their signature moistness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until mostly combined. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent rising.

Step 4: Incorporate Blueberries

Gently fold the softened blueberries into the dough. Be sure not to overmix here; you want those fruity pockets of flavor to remain distinct without crushing the berries.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Press the dough flat between sheets of plastic wrap, about 1 to 2 inches thick, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut without sticking or tearing.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Donuts

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to roughly one inch thick. Use a 3 to 4-inch round cutter to cut out the donuts, then use a smaller one (around 1 inch) to cut out the centers. Gather the scraps, re-roll only once to avoid toughening the dough, and cut more donuts.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a neutral oil like canola or peanut oil in a deep pot to 375°F. Fry the donuts a few at a time for about 1.5 minutes per side, until they develop a deep golden brown crust. Transfer them to a rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly.

Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

Warm the milk until steaming, then whisk in the powdered sugar gradually to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Stir in vanilla extract or bean paste for a delicate aromatic finish that ties the whole donut together.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each slightly cooled donut into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides evenly. Let the excess drip off before setting them on a rack to allow the glaze to set just enough for a glossy, irresistible finish.

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts with Glaze Recipe

The image shows a close-up of about ten glazed doughnuts arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each doughnut has a rough, slightly uneven texture with a thick shiny glaze layer that looks white and smooth but with some translucence showing the golden brown dough beneath. The doughnuts have a ring shape with a well-defined hole in the middle and some darker spots where the baked dough peeks through. The glaze is unevenly applied, pooling in some areas and lighter in others, giving each doughnut a slightly different appearance. The overall color palette includes warm golden browns, creamy whites, and small dark specks scattered throughout the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few fresh blueberries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glazed donuts to enhance their visual appeal and add a fresh burst of flavor. A light zest of lemon can also be delightful, picking up the subtle citrus notes paired with the blueberries.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine best with simple, comforting companions like a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to create a balanced and indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand to make them the centerpiece of your table. Try stacking a few with berries and edible flowers between layers for a charming, festive look that will wow guests at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Blueberry Cake Donuts with Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh but be aware the glaze may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature and glaze them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To revive the donuts, warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as that can make the texture rubbery, but this slow heat brings back their fluffy, tender qualities wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried?

Fresh blueberries have more moisture and may affect the dough’s texture. If you want to try fresh, lightly dust them with flour before folding in to prevent sinking and adjust the dough accordingly. Dried blueberries are preferred for consistent results.

Is there a way to bake these instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake the donuts at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes on a greased donut pan. The texture will be a bit different—less crispy on the outside—but they’ll still be moist and delicious.

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Absolutely. Plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and provides similar moisture and tanginess to the dough, maintaining that tender crumb.

How do I know when the donuts are cooked through?

Fry until the outside is a deep golden brown, then slice one open to check. The inside should be fully set and not doughy or wet. Adjust the oil temperature if needed to ensure thorough cooking.

What if my glaze is too thick or thin?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. If too thin, whisk in more powdered sugar gradually until you reach a pourable but not runny consistency perfect for dipping.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend trying this Blueberry Cake Donuts with Glaze Recipe enough! It’s one of those rare homemade treats that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy and deeply satisfying. Each bite brings the joyous burst of blueberries wrapped in tender, cake-like goodness, all hugged by that sweet, silky glaze. Whether you make them for a weekend brunch or a special celebration, these donuts are sure to bring smiles and happy moments around your table. Go ahead, grab your ingredients, and dive in—you’ll thank me later!