Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, moist donut bursting with sweet blueberries and warm spices. These Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts bring pure comfort to your kitchen, evoking cherished memories. They offer a perfectly crisp exterior, a delightfully soft crumb, and that unmistakable homemade taste everyone adores. This recipe for Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts promises to become a beloved staple.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: Experience the nostalgic taste of perfectly fried Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps guide you to delicious, homemade cake donuts.
- Bursting with Flavor: Every bite offers sweet, tangy blueberries in a tender crumb.
- Family Favorite: A heartwarming treat that brings everyone together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating truly memorable Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts begins with selecting the best ingredients. Think of these as building blocks for joy!
- All-Purpose Flour: About 2 ½ cups (300g). A good quality unbleached flour forms the tender backbone of our cake donuts.
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g). Provides the perfect touch of sweetness, complementing the blueberries beautifully.
- Baking Powder: 2 ½ teaspoons. Essential for achieving that lovely, fluffy cake-like texture in your blueberry cake donuts.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon. Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, making them sing.
- Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon. This is the secret ingredient for that authentic old-fashioned donut flavor; do not skip it!
- Large Egg: 1. Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Buttermilk: ¾ cup (180ml). The acidity in buttermilk creates a wonderfully tender crumb, crucial for perfect cake donuts.
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (56g), melted. Adds incredible richness and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Pure vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Blueberries: 1 cup (150g). Small, wild blueberries are ideal, but any fresh blueberries work wonderfully.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying, about 6-8 cups (1.5-2 liters). Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil, for frying these delectable Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
For the Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended):
- Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups (180g). Forms the sweet, classic donut glaze.
- Milk: 3-4 tablespoons. Whole milk creates a creamy glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon. Adds a delicate aroma to the glaze.
Substitutions & Variations
Make these Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts your own with healthy swaps. Use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber. Dairy-free?
Swap buttermilk for plant milk plus lemon. Reduce sugar by a quarter or try a natural sweetener. For a lighter option, bake your blueberry cake donuts in a donut pan at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Enjoy wholesome variations!
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider trying your hand at making Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts for a fall-inspired treat. These delightful donuts offer a unique flavor twist that pairs well with the blueberry variety, making them a great addition to your baking repertoire. Check the recipe here.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes crafting these delicious Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts a joyful experience. You likely have most of these in your kitchen already!
- Large Mixing Bowls: Two, for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: For thoroughly combining dry ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing the dough.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the donut dough.
- Donut Cutter: Essential for shaping your perfect cake donuts. If you don’t have one, use two concentric cookie cutters (one large, one small).
- Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: For deep frying.
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: For carefully removing fried donuts from the oil.
- Wire Rack: Set over a baking sheet, for draining excess oil and cooling.
- Thermometer (Candy or Deep-Fry): Crucial for maintaining the correct oil temperature for frying these incredible Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
- Parchment Paper: For easy handling of cut donuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crafting these delectable Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts at home is a rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully for a truly authentic taste!
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your butter is melted and cooled slightly, and all ingredients are at room temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout your blueberry cake donuts.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for tender cake donuts.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. If your blueberries are very wet, lightly toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent sinking.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the donut dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
- Prepare for Frying: While the dough chills, pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, to a depth of about 3 inches. Attach a candy/deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the chilled donut dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out your Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts and their centers. Gather the scraps, gently re-roll once, and cut out more donuts.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully slide 3-4 donuts (and a few donut holes) into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to flip them.
- Drain and Cool: Once golden, remove the Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts from the oil and place them on the prepared wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Repeat with remaining donuts, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent.
- Glaze (Optional): While the donuts are still warm, prepare the glaze. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off, then return to the wire rack to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts warm and relish every comforting bite!
Once you’ve mastered the art of Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts, you might want to explore the fluffy goodness of Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts. Their rich texture and decadent flavor provide another classic option for donut lovers; discover how to make them by following this link here.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving bakery-quality Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts at home is completely within reach with a few expert insights. These tips ensure your donuts are consistently perfect:
- Oil Temperature is Key: This is the most critical factor. Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw inside. Too cool, and they will soak up excessive oil, becoming greasy. A reliable thermometer is your best friend for these cake donuts.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough donuts. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb in your blueberry cake donuts.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. It makes the dough less sticky and easier to handle, preventing it from spreading too much when fried, resulting in beautifully shaped Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
- Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying. Frying too many donuts at once will drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy results. Give each donut space to cook evenly.
- Use Fresh Oil: For the best flavor, use fresh, clean frying oil. Reused oil can impart off-flavors to your delicate blueberry cake donuts.
- Gentle Handling: Handle the cut donut dough gently to maintain its shape and airy texture before frying. Use parchment paper to easily transfer them to the oil.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can certainly store them to savor later. Proper storage keeps them delightful for longer.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled, unglazed cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If glazed, store them similarly but be aware the glaze might become slightly sticky or absorbed over time.
- Refrigeration: We generally do not recommend refrigerating fried donuts, as the cold can dry them out and alter their texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze unglazed blueberry cake donuts. Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen donuts at room temperature. Then, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or briefly in a microwave (check every 15 seconds) until just warm. This brings back some of their fresh-baked goodness, making your Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts almost as good as new.
To enjoy your Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts even longer, consider also preparing an Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for a hearty meal. This savory dish makes for an excellent pairing, as it balances out the sweetness of the donuts; find the recipe here.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These delightful Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts are a treat on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully can elevate the experience. Consider healthy complements that balance the richness and sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant bowl of mixed berries, sliced melon, or citrus segments provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts. The acidity and freshness cut through the richness beautifully, making each bite of your Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts even more enjoyable.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer plain Greek yogurt with granola and extra fresh blueberries. This adds protein and probiotics, turning your donut indulgence into a more balanced meal.
- Light & Bright Coffee or Tea: A freshly brewed cup of coffee (black or with a splash of milk) or a soothing herbal tea is the perfect beverage. Avoid overly sweet drinks to let the natural flavor of the blueberry cake donuts shine.
- Homemade Applesauce: A warm, unsweetened or lightly sweetened homemade applesauce offers a comforting, healthy side. Its gentle tartness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of these cake donuts.
- Green Smoothie: For a truly contrasting and nutrient-packed option, a green smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk can be a surprisingly good pairing, offering a healthful boost alongside your delightful Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen blueberries for Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts?
Absolutely! If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them. Toss them directly into the dry ingredients with a tablespoon of flour before adding to the wet mixture.
This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the donut and turning the batter purple. Frozen blueberries work perfectly in these blueberry cake donuts.
How can I tell if my Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts are cooked through?
A perfectly cooked cake donut will be golden brown on both sides. If you’re unsure, you can carefully remove one, let it cool slightly, and break it open. The interior should be evenly cooked and light, with no raw dough.
The ground nutmeg scent will also be delightfully present. Trust your thermometer for consistent oil temperature, which is key for thoroughly cooked Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
No problem! You can use two round cookie cutters: a larger one (about 3 inches in diameter) for the outer ring and a smaller one (about 1 inch in diameter) for the center hole. Alternatively, you can use a drinking glass for the outer ring and a soda bottle cap for the center. The goal is to achieve that classic donut shape for your Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts.
Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of seasonal blueberries with traditional donut-making techniques. Often enjoyed during breakfast or as a sweet snack, these donuts reflect the nostalgia of classic American desserts and are a favorite among many baked goods.
Final Thoughts
Sharing these warm, fragrant Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts with loved ones creates truly special moments. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about continuing traditions, making new memories, and showing affection through the simple joy of homemade treats. I hope these delightful donuts bring as much warmth and happiness to your family table as they do to mine.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Estimated values for one donut, unglazed and without frying oil absorption factored in. Values will vary based on ingredients and preparation.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18-25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-8 g |
| Cholesterol | 45-60 mg |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30-40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Total Sugars | 15-20 g |
| Protein | 3-5 g |
Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cake Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your butter is melted and cooled slightly, and all ingredients are at room temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the donut dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare for Frying: Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a donut cutter.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully slide 3-4 donuts into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Glaze (Optional): Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and dip in warm donuts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade donuts warm.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
