Irresistible Blueberry Baked Donuts (Healthy, Easy & Oven-Ready in 10 Minutes!)
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, wholesome treat that can be ready in under 15 minutes, these Blueberry Baked Donuts are about to become your new go-to! Soft, subtly sweet, and bursting with juicy blueberries, these donuts skip the deep-fryer without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option, a fun weekend baking project, or a sweet afternoon snack, these baked donuts hit the spot.
Made with simple pantry staples, naturally sweetened, and totally customizable, this recipe is perfect for home bakers of all levels. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets.
Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Baked Donuts
This recipe was created with balance in mind—tender baked texture, juicy fruit, and just the right amount of sweetness. Here’s why this recipe shines:
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Ready in just 10 minutes
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No fancy equipment or frying needed
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Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, agave, or honey
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Easily made vegan, gluten-free, or oil-free
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Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or guilt-free dessert
These donuts are for anyone who wants to indulge just a little while still keeping things on the lighter side. They’re quick enough for busy mornings and elegant enough for brunch with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple and flexible this ingredient list is. Here’s everything you need:
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1/4 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy both work well)
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1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
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1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or agave or honey)
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3 1/2 tbsp oil (or applesauce/mashed banana for fat-free option)
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1 cup flour, loosely packed (all-purpose, spelt, or Bob’s Red Mill GF all work great)
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tsp baking powder
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Optional: pinch of cardamom or cinnamon (for added warmth)
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1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed (about 60g)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it doesn’t require anything fancy:
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring spoons & cups
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Silicone or metal donut pan (or mini muffin pan as a backup)
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Whisk or spoon for mixing
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Cooling rack
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Optional: pastry brush or spoon for glazing
If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry—you can use a mini muffin pan and make adorable “donut holes” instead!
How to Make Blueberry Baked Donuts
Let’s break it down step-by-step:
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Prep the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, vinegar, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or alternative), and oil/applesauce. Set this aside and allow the vinegar to lightly curdle the milk—this acts like a buttermilk substitute and adds tenderness. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, baking powder, and any optional spices like cinnamon or cardamom. -
Combine Wet and Dry
Once your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C), pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this ensures a light, fluffy texture. -
Add the Blueberries
Carefully fold in the blueberries to avoid smashing them, or press them into the batter after spooning it into the donut pan to prevent color bleed. -
Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the donuts have risen and the tops are springy. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted. -
Cool & Frost
Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. You can enjoy them as-is or add a glaze, icing, or even spread coconut butter on top for a naturally sweet, creamy finish.
Tips, Swaps & Variations
Make it Vegan:
Use plant milk (almond, oat, soy), maple syrup or agave, and applesauce or banana as your fat substitute.
Make it Gluten-Free:
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour is your best bet here. The recipe still bakes beautifully without any gummy texture.
Oil-Free Option:
Replace the oil with equal parts applesauce or mashed banana. This will make the donuts slightly denser but still delicious.
Flavor Boost:
Try lemon zest with the blueberries for a bright, citrusy twist. Or swirl in a bit of blueberry jam for extra fruity bursts.
Toppings:
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Simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
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Coconut butter
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Cream cheese icing
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Chopped nuts or shredded coconut
How to Store Leftovers
At Room Temperature: Store donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Fridge: They’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days, especially if you’ve glazed or iced them.
Freezing: Place unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
These blueberry donuts are super versatile when it comes to food and drink pairings:
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Drink Pairings:
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Light roast coffee
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Earl Grey or chamomile tea
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Sparkling water with lemon
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Food Pairings:
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Greek yogurt with honey and granola
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Fresh fruit salad
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Scrambled tofu or eggs for a more filling breakfast
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Serve these at brunch with a mimosa and your guests will not stop talking about them.
FAQ
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake them a day ahead and store them covered. Glaze right before serving for the best texture.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them first. To avoid bleeding, press them into the batter after filling the pan.
Do I have to use a donut pan?
Nope! A mini muffin tin works wonderfully. You’ll get “donut holes” that are just as cute and tasty.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales up beautifully. Just be sure not to overmix the batter, and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
What if I don’t have vinegar?
Lemon juice can work as a substitute in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry Baked Donuts are everything a great homemade treat should be—easy, delicious, and customizable. Whether you’re looking for a fun family baking project, a way to use up those ripe blueberries, or simply want something sweet with your morning coffee, this recipe is a winner every time.
If you try this recipe, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a comment with your twist, and subscribe to the blog for more easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing recipes. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Happy baking!