Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that delivers a pop of sunshine and a touch of elegance, Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze absolutely belong at the top of your must-bake list. These donuts blend the delicate warmth of real vanilla bean with an irresistibly fluffy crumb, and then take it over the top with a glossy, vibrant blueberry glaze that’s as pretty as it is delicious. They’re perfect for brunches, special mornings, or whenever you crave something calmingly sweet but a little unexpected!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze is all in the ingredients—each one has a special job to do, whether it’s building the pillowy structure of the donut, supplying that aromatic vanilla kick, or providing the natural jewel-toned color on top.
- All-purpose flour: It’s the backbone of these donuts, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- White sugar: Sweetens both the donut and balances the tang of the blueberries in the glaze.
- Baking powder: Gives your donuts a lofty, cake-like texture that’s light and bouncy.
- Kosher salt: Just enough to sharpen and lift all the other flavors.
- Milk: Adds richness and moisture, making the batter smooth and luscious.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in classic vanilla flavor that’s comforting and familiar.
- Vanilla bean paste: The secret ingredient for those unmistakable flecks and a punch of true vanilla aroma.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, adding richness and structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings silkiness and a touch of luxury to each bite.
- Powdered sugar: The base for a perfectly smooth, glossy glaze.
- Fresh blueberries: Give your glaze natural color, tartness, and fruity brightness.
- Water: Helps create the right consistency for the blueberry glaze and keeps those berries from sticking to your pan.
How to Make Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Get your oven set to 425°F while you whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these first ensures every donut rises perfectly and has even sweetness throughout.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, blend milk, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, eggs, and cooled melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is silky smooth—this is the flavor base that gives Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze their signature aroma.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until fully incorporated. Don’t worry if it looks thick and sticky, that’s exactly what you want to help shape perfect donuts.
Step 4: Shape in the Donut Pan
Transfer the thick batter to a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with the tip snipped off) and pipe it into a greased donut pan. This gives you crisp, bakery-worthy edges and that classic donut look.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your donuts for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. The kitchen will smell heavenly, and the tops will spring back when gently touched.
Step 6: Simmer the Blueberries
While the donuts bake, toss fresh blueberries and half the water into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for around 10 minutes, stirring and adding a splash more water as needed—soon you’ll have a deep, jammy blueberry mixture.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze Base
Sift the powdered sugar into a small mixing bowl (no one wants lumpy glaze!) and set aside. This gets your glaze ready for that vivid blueberry juice.
Step 8: Strain Your Blueberry Juice
Once your berries are cooked down, pour them through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Press to extract all the gorgeous juice, then discard the solids.
Step 9: Whisk the Blueberry Glaze
Add about four tablespoons of the blueberry juice into your powdered sugar, whisking until it’s as thick as pancake batter and gleaming lavender-blue. Drizzle in a little more juice if you want a thinner glaze.
Step 10: Cool the Donuts
Gently pop the donuts from their pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the glaze stick in a beautiful, shiny layer rather than sliding right off.
Step 11: Dip and Set
When cool, dunk each donut into the blueberry glaze, twirling it for an even coat. Set the finished donuts back on the rack so the glaze can set up for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze
Garnishes
Dress up your Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze with a sprinkle of extra fresh blueberries or a dusting of zest from a lemon or orange. Edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate can make these treats truly celebratory.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these donuts with a bowl of fresh fruit salad, a creamy latte, or a tall glass of iced vanilla milk. They also shine alongside savory breakfast classics like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a beautiful brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high like a donut tower for birthdays, tuck them into a basket lined with a pastel napkin for brunch, or skewer halves on festive sticks for a playful dessert platter. The stunning color of the blueberry glaze will make any presentation pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge to prevent the fruity glaze from getting sticky.
Freezing
To freeze, place unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. The glaze can be made fresh and added after thawing for best texture and shine.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, gently warm donuts in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If frozen, bring them to room temperature first, then glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain the frozen blueberries first, then cook as directed. You may need to cook off a little extra liquid, but the flavor will still be bright and delicious.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No problem! You can use a muffin tin instead, just fill each cavity about halfway. They’ll bake up like sweet little donut muffins—just as tasty and easy to glaze.
Can I substitute the vanilla bean paste?
If you don’t have vanilla bean paste on hand, add another teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean. The flavor will be lovely, though you may miss those pretty flecks.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, whisk in tiny splashes of blueberry juice or water until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency.
Are Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the colorful glaze and delicate sweetness, and since there’s no frying involved, you can let little helpers join in for the glazing and decorating fun.
Final Thoughts
These Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze feel like a joyful celebration with every bite. If you’re looking to surprise someone (or treat yourself) with a batch of something truly special, give this recipe a try—you just might find a new favorite to share for years to come.
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Vanilla Bean Cake Donuts with Blueberry Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of vanilla bean cake donuts topped with a luscious blueberry glaze for a sweet treat that will surely brighten your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1–1/4 cups white sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Blueberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Fold in the dry ingredients until well combined. Pipe batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Prepare Blueberry Glaze: Cook blueberries with water in a saucepan. Strain and mix with powdered sugar to create a glaze.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dunk cooled donuts into the blueberry glaze and let set for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the blueberry glaze.
- Ensure donuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Vanilla Bean, Cake Donuts, Blueberry Glaze, Dessert Recipe
