These soft, fluffy, and delightfully moist baked blueberry donuts are bursting with fresh blueberries in every bite. Skip the deep fryer but keep all the flavor with this simple baked donut recipe that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No deep frying required – these donuts are baked, not fried, making them easier to prepare and lighter to enjoy
Packed with juicy blueberries that burst with flavor when baked
Quick preparation time – ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
Versatile recipe that can be easily adapted with different fruit or toppings
Perfect balance of sweetness and fruity flavor
Great activity to make with kids
Healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts without sacrificing taste
Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weekday baking

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour creates the foundation for these donuts, providing structure while keeping them light and tender. It's the perfect neutral base to let the blueberry flavor shine through.

Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavor of the blueberries. It also helps create that characteristic slightly crisp exterior on the donuts.

Baking powder is our leavening agent, responsible for giving these donuts their rise and fluffy texture. Make sure yours is fresh for the best results.

Salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe and balances the sweetness. Even though it's a small amount, it makes a significant difference in the final taste.

Ground cinnamon brings a subtle warmth and depth that beautifully complements the blueberries. It's not enough to overpower, just enough to add dimension to the flavor profile.

Milk provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb. You can use any type you have on hand – dairy milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk work equally well.

Eggs act as binders, holding everything together while adding richness and helping the donuts rise properly during baking.

Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Using melted butter instead of softened makes for easier mixing and creates a more tender finished product.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic qualities that pair beautifully with blueberries.

Fresh blueberries are the star of the show, providing bursts of juicy, sweet-tart flavor throughout the donuts. Try to use fresh when possible, though frozen can work in a pinch (see variations section).

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 delicious blueberry donuts. Here's the timeline:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 190 calories per donut

These donuts are perfect for serving at breakfast with coffee or tea, as part of a brunch spread, or as an afternoon snack. They're substantial enough to be satisfying but light enough to not weigh you down.

Variations

Glazed Blueberry Donuts: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Dip cooled donuts for a sweet finish.

Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for part of the milk. Top with a lemon glaze for extra zing.

Mixed Berry Donuts: Replace half the blueberries with chopped strawberries or raspberries for a colorful twist.

Streusel-Topped Donuts: Mix ¼ cup flour, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle over donuts before baking.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Donuts: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of milk.

Vegan Blueberry Donuts: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water), use plant-based milk, and vegan butter.

Storage/Reheating

Counter Storage: These donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezer Storage: Freeze baked and cooled donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container.

Reheating: For the best taste and texture when enjoying from the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

Frozen Donut Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a fresher taste, warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding. Toss them in a tablespoon of flour first to help them distribute evenly, and know that you may need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don't have a donut pan?

If you don't have a donut pan, you can make these as muffins instead. Use a standard muffin tin with liners and bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Why did my blueberries sink to the bottom of the donuts?

Coating your blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter can help prevent sinking. Also, be sure your batter isn't too thin, and don't overmix after adding the blueberries.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! These donuts can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container. If you want to serve them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will refresh them nicely.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The standard recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?

Be generous with greasing your donut pan, making sure to coat all surfaces including the center post. A non-stick baking spray with flour works best, but regular cooking spray is fine too. Let the donuts cool for about 5 minutes before attempting to remove them.

Can I add a glaze or frosting to these donuts?

Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is perfect. For even more blueberry flavor, add a tablespoon of blueberry jam to your glaze or make a cream cheese frosting with a hint of lemon zest.

My batter seems too thick. What should I do?

The batter should be thick enough to spoon into the pan but not so thick that it doesn't settle. If your batter seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spoonable consistency.

How can I make these donuts more nutritious?

Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, reducing the sugar by 2 tablespoons, or adding ¼ cup of ground flaxseed or almond flour to the batter. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter.

Do these taste like fried donuts?

These baked donuts have a texture more similar to cake or muffins than traditional fried donuts. They're lighter, less greasy, and have a tender crumb while still being deliciously satisfying as a donut alternative.

Conclusion

These baked blueberry donuts offer the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. With their tender crumb, bursts of juicy blueberries, and subtle hint of cinnamon, they're a delightful treat that feels special without requiring complicated techniques or equipment.

What makes these donuts truly stand out is their versatility – enjoy them plain for a simple breakfast, dress them up with a glaze for dessert, or customize them with your favorite add-ins. The fact that they're baked rather than fried means they're lighter and easier to make, perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks alike.

Whether you're preparing a weekend breakfast for family, looking for a crowd-pleasing brunch item, or simply craving something sweet to pair with your afternoon coffee, these blueberry donuts deliver satisfaction in every bite. The combination of familiar comfort and bright blueberry flavor makes them a recipe you'll return to again and again.