If you have a sweet spot for tender, fruity treats that brighten up your morning or afternoon tea, then you’re absolutely going to love this Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Imagine soft, cakey donuts bursting with juicy blueberries, all topped off with a silky, vanilla glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and charm. These donuts bring together the perfect balance of fresh fruit flavor and decadent glaze, making them a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture that flour and baking powder create to the rich, flavorful boost provided by fresh blueberries and vanilla. Let’s take a closer look:
- 1 cup all-purpose white flour: The base of your donut batter, giving structure and softness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (Double acting): Helps the donuts rise beautifully and stay light.
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity for perfect crumb and color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture for tender bites.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant aroma that complements blueberries.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds moistness and a hint of buttery flavor.
- ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the show—bursting with natural sweetness and color.
- 1⅓ cup powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet vanilla glaze.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the glaze for a luscious finish.
- 1½ tablespoon heavy cream (or whole milk): Adjusts glaze thickness and creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the glaze’s flavor with sweet floral notes.
How to Make Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. This step is key—it ensures your dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which helps your donuts rise perfectly and have that tender crumb we all crave.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In either a blender or a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter. Blend or whisk these together on low speed just until frothy, about 30 seconds. This brings air into the batter for lightness while melding the flavors seamlessly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently stir until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can lead to dense donuts instead of light and airy ones.
Step 4: Prepare the Blueberries
Take ¼ cup of blueberries and gently crush them in a small bowl using the back of a fork. If you’re using frozen blueberries, thaw them first for best results. Stir the crushed berries into your batter to spread that juicy blueberry goodness evenly throughout.
Step 5: Fold in Remaining Blueberries
Carefully fold the remaining blueberries into the batter. If frozen, keep them frozen until folding in to prevent the batter from turning too watery. This step ensures each donut has delightful bursts of blueberry, both inside and out.
Step 6: Fill Your Donut Pan
Transfer your batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. If you don’t have piping equipment, use a zip-top bag, seal it, and snip off one corner. Lightly spray your donut pan and pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about three-quarters full for perfectly shaped donuts.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, but start checking at 20 minutes since oven temperatures vary. When a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean, you know they’re ready. After baking, let cool in the pan for a few minutes before flipping out onto a wire rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl. Adjust the consistency with extra cream if needed—a smooth, pourable glaze is ideal for coating your delicious blueberry donuts.
Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts
Dunk or drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts, allowing it to set slightly for that irresistible glossy finish. This step turns good into unforgettable.
How to Serve Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a few fresh blueberries or a tiny pinch of powdered sugar atop your glazed donuts. You could also add a hint of lemon zest for a fresh pop that complements the blueberries beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these donuts alongside a hot cup of coffee or an aromatic cup of tea. They also pair wonderfully with a refreshing fruit salad or yogurt parfait, turning your snack into a light, balanced breakfast or delightful brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange donuts on a pretty cake stand or wooden board with scattered blueberries and edible flowers for a delightful presentation. For parties, consider placing each donut in a colorful muffin liner or wrapping with a translucent paper bag tied with twine for a charming gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover blueberry donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess. The glaze might soften slightly, but the donuts stay tender.
Freezing
Wrap donuts tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts last up to three months. To glaze after thawing, either freeze plain and glaze fresh, or freeze fully glazed but enjoy within a month for best texture.
Reheating
Warm your donuts gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and soften the glaze just right. Avoid overheating to keep blueberries intact and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen blueberries is a convenient option. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a runny batter. You can also fold them in while still frozen to help keep the batter from turning too wet.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ¼ cup of milk, then letting it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This adds the right tang and acidity needed for tender donuts.
How thick should the vanilla glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. You can adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin or extra cream if too thick. It should drip smoothly off the donuts without sliding off too quickly.
Can I make these donuts without a piping bag?
Yes! If you don’t have a piping bag, fill a large zip-top bag with batter, seal it, and snip off one corner to pipe into your donut pan. It’s a simple hack that works just as well.
How do I make these donuts vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with vinegar, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. Adjusting these ingredients will give you a similar texture and flavor with a dairy-free twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe right at home. The way the juicy, bursting blueberries mingle with that velvety vanilla glaze makes every bite feel special, yet simple enough to enjoy any day. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—the smiles around your kitchen table will be worth every delicious moment.
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Blueberry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
Description
These homemade blueberry donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh blueberry flavor. Baked to perfection and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, they make a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. Using a piping bag to fill the donut pan ensures perfectly shaped, tender donuts with a moist crumb and deliciously sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose white flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (double acting)
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen; if frozen, measure ¾ cup)
Glaze
- 1⅓ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1½ tablespoon heavy cream (or whole milk as substitute)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the donuts.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a blender, combine the buttermilk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter. Blend on low speed for about 30 seconds until mixed thoroughly. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients in a medium bowl until frothy.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Prepare Blueberries: Take ¼ cup of blueberries and mash them carefully with the back of a fork in a small bowl, being careful to minimize splatter. If using frozen blueberries, thaw before mashing.
- Add Blueberries to Batter: Stir the crushed blueberries into the batter, then gently fold in the remaining whole blueberries. If using frozen berries, keep them frozen until added.
- Prepare Donut Pan: Spray a donut pan with baking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (approximately ½ inch diameter). If you don’t have a piping bag, place the batter in a gallon-sized zip lock bag and snip off a corner.
- Pipe Batter into Pan: Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full. Two spirals inside each cavity should suffice.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Glaze: In a small shallow bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more cream if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Glaze Donuts: Once the donuts are cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them. Allow glaze to set briefly before serving.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, use ¾ cup for the initial measurement and thaw before crushing.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts.
- For piping without a pastry bag, a zip lock bag with a snipped corner works well.
- Ensure donuts are cooled fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream in the glaze for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
