Blueberry Cake Donuts

These Blueberry Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that can easily compete with those from your favorite donut shop. With a crisp glaze and a soft, sweet center, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion. The combination of fresh flavors and an indulgent texture makes these donuts truly stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy blueberries combined with a tender cake make for a heavenly bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have homemade donuts in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a fun snack during gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add other ingredients like lemon zest or chocolate chips for extra flair.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These donuts are sure to impress family and friends at any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious blueberry cake donuts, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Slotted spoon or spider

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Essential for achieving the perfect frying temperature, ensuring your donuts are crispy on the outside.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients without spilling, making it easier to mix your batter thoroughly.
• Cooling rack: Allows excess oil to drain off after frying, keeping your donuts light and fluffy.

Ingredients

These blueberry cake donuts will rival any that you find at your favorite donut shop. They’re deep fried, with a crackly layer of glaze and a tender, lightly sweet center.

For the Donut Batter

• 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

For the Glaze

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and tools. This will make the preparation process much easier.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add in egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
4. In another bowl, combine cake flour (or all-purpose flour with cornstarch), baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in dried blueberries gently.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

• In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

1. Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil (do not overcrowd).
2. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar with vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
2. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze; let excess drip off.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Allow the glazed donuts to set for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade blueberry cake donuts!

How to Serve Blueberry Cake Donuts

Blueberry cake donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a sweet snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy these donuts with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the donut complement the robust taste of coffee perfectly.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing twist. The natural sweetness of the fruits enhances the flavor of the donuts.

Ice Cream Delight

• Top a warm blueberry cake donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination adds an extra creamy texture and delicious contrast.

Drizzle Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce can take these donuts to another level. The richness of chocolate pairs wonderfully with the blueberries.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a great dip for your blueberry cake donuts. It adds a fluffy texture that balances the dense donuts.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, on top for added crunch. This creates an interesting texture and flavor combination.

How to Perfect Blueberry Cake Donuts

To ensure your blueberry cake donuts turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and dairy products can make a significant difference in taste and texture. Always opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key when baking. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients to ensure consistency in your dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid tough donuts. Overmixing activates gluten and can lead to chewy rather than tender results.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining proper frying temperature (around 350°F/175°C) is crucial. Too hot will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw; too cool will result in greasy donuts.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Cake Donuts

Blueberry cake donuts can be complemented by various side dishes that add balance to their sweetness. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy yogurt pairs well with sweet donuts, offering a nice contrast in flavor.
2. Crispy Bacon: The saltiness of crispy bacon provides an excellent balance to the sweetness of the blueberry cake donuts.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness, making it a perfect accompaniment.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers a nutritious counterpoint while maintaining sweetness.
5. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can serve as a hearty side dish that complements the lighter donut texture.
6. Tea: A cup of herbal tea can cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing your overall tasting experience.
7. Scones: These buttery treats can accompany blueberry cake donuts nicely during brunch gatherings.
8. Smoothies: A refreshing smoothie made with berries or greens adds nutrition and balances out dessert-like indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making blueberry cake donuts can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and sour cream. Expired ingredients can ruin the texture and flavor.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough donuts. Mix just until combined for a light and tender texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can make your donuts dense.
• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and a delightful crunch. Don’t skip it if you want that classic donut experience.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) for a perfect fry. If it’s too cool, the donuts absorb excess oil.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store blueberry cake donuts in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Blueberry Cake Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Blueberry Cake Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds on high for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a couple of minutes to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make blueberry cake donuts from scratch?

Making blueberry cake donuts from scratch involves mixing butter, sugar, egg yolks, sour cream, and dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. Finally, fold in dried blueberries before frying.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use fresh blueberries! However, they may add extra moisture, so adjust your recipe slightly by reducing liquid ingredients.

What’s the best way to glaze blueberry cake donuts?

To glaze your blueberry cake donuts perfectly, mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze for an even coating.

How can I customize my blueberry cake donuts?

You can customize your blueberry cake donuts by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or using different flavored extracts such as almond or lemon.

Final Thoughts

These delicious blueberry cake donuts are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Their moist center and sweet glaze make them irresistible. Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to make them uniquely yours!