Indulge in these delightful Blueberry Baked Donuts—a perfect blend of fluffy, moist cake and juicy blueberries, all topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, these donuts are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack. Plus, since they’re baked and not fried, you can enjoy a healthier treat without compromising on flavor.

Full Recipe:​

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (107 grams) light brown sugar, packed

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ cup (114 grams) full-fat sour cream

• 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup (170 grams) blueberries (fresh or frozen)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (113 grams) powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.

3. In another bowl, mix the sour cream, melted butter, and egg until smooth.

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Gently fold in the blueberries.

6. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.

8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.

10. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Per donut (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~273 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 47mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 30g

The Evolution of Donuts

Donuts have been around for centuries, evolving from dense fried cakes to the modern, airier confections we know today. Traditionally deep-fried, donuts have long been associated with rich, indulgent treats. However, with the rise in health awareness and home baking trends, the baked donut has emerged as a desirable alternative.

Baked donuts first gained mainstream attention through specialty bakeries and social media, where food bloggers demonstrated how easy and effective it was to achieve bakery-quality results at home using simple ingredients and a donut pan. What once required a vat of hot oil and deep-frying experience can now be accomplished in a standard kitchen oven, with less hassle and cleaner results.

This shift reflects broader culinary trends. As more people become mindful of their food choices, reducing oil consumption and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, recipes that retain indulgence while promoting health-conscious preparation methods have grown in popularity. Blueberry baked donuts represent the intersection of this movement—traditional in concept, yet modern in execution.

Why Baked Donuts Are Better for You

While fried donuts are undeniably delicious, they come at a nutritional cost. Frying adds unnecessary fats and calories, which can lead to digestive discomfort and contribute to long-term health issues when consumed in excess. Baked donuts, by contrast, are significantly lighter. They contain less fat and retain a tender, moist texture without soaking up oil.

Baking also means fewer additives. Store-bought and commercially fried donuts often contain preservatives and stabilizers to maintain freshness and texture. Homemade baked donuts, however, allow for full control over ingredients, offering a cleaner label and fresher taste. You get the flavor without the baggage of artificial ingredients.

The Nutritional Power of Blueberries

Blueberries aren’t just a delicious fruit—they’re also one of the most antioxidant-rich foods you can include in your diet. Often referred to as a superfood, blueberries are low in calories yet high in nutrients. They’re a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and manganese. Their deep purple-blue color comes from a group of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been linked to numerous health benefits.

Adding blueberries to baked goods does more than improve taste. They help reduce inflammation, support heart health, improve brain function, and may even aid in preventing type 2 diabetes. Their natural sweetness means you can often reduce added sugars in recipes without sacrificing flavor, making them a smart choice for bakers looking to enhance both taste and nutrition.

Creating the Perfect Texture

One of the standout features of a good baked donut is its texture. It should be soft, tender, and slightly springy to the touch. Achieving this balance requires attention to the ratio of wet to dry ingredients and careful mixing to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing leads to dense, chewy donuts, while undermixing can create uneven pockets of flour or air.

Flavor Pairings and Customizations

While blueberries are a star on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of other flavors. Lemon is a classic match—the zest adds brightness and contrast, while a lemon glaze over the top enhances the fruity notes. Vanilla is another staple that rounds out the profile and adds warmth. For those looking to elevate the flavor further, spices like cinnamon or cardamom can be added to the batter.

When and How to Serve Them

Blueberry baked donuts are a great addition to any meal occasion. Serve them fresh out of the oven for a cozy weekend breakfast, or prepare a batch ahead of time for weekday snacks. Their eye-catching appearance makes them perfect for brunch tables, dessert trays, baby showers, and family gatherings. Because they’re not greasy, they also travel well. Pack them in lunch boxes, picnic baskets, or take them on the road for a sweet treat during long drives. You can even freeze extras for later—just defrost and glaze when ready to serve.

The Role of Baked Goods in a Balanced Diet

Desserts and sweet treats are often unfairly demonized in discussions about healthy eating. The truth is, enjoying baked goods like blueberry donuts in moderation can be part of a balanced, wholesome diet. The key lies in portion control, ingredient awareness, and frequency.

Conclusion

Blueberry baked donuts are more than just a healthier alternative to traditional fried treats—they’re a celebration of flavor, nourishment, and simplicity. They represent a shift in how we think about indulgence: not as something to avoid, but something to reinvent. With fewer calories, less fat, and the added nutritional benefits of blueberries, they embody a modern approach to baking that values both health and satisfaction.