Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts

Name: Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

Highlighted under: Sweet Homemade Goodness

I absolutely love whipping up these Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts! They are not only visually gorgeous with their vibrant blueberry color but also incredibly delicious with just the right amount of tartness from the lemon glaze. The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, which adds a little lightness to each bite. Trust me, once you try these donuts, you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation!

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-16T01:17:37.263Z

When I first tried my hand at making donuts, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was! I wanted to create something unique, so I experimented with blueberries and lemon glaze. The result was a batch of donuts that not only looked stunning but also had a flavor that made me want to go back for seconds. I found that using fresh blueberries really elevates the taste and adds a lovely burst of fruitiness in every bite.

One of the best tips I can share is to let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing that zesty punch from the lemons. Plus, it makes for a visually appealing donut with a glossy finish that catches the eye. These donuts truly are a fantastic treat, whether for a special occasion or just because!

Why You'll Love These Donuts
Fresh blueberries provide bursts of flavor in every bite.
Zesty lemon glaze adds a perfect touch of brightness.
Baked, not fried, for a lighter, yet indulgent treat.

The Role of Blueberries

Using fresh blueberries in this recipe is essential for achieving the right burst of flavor. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon glaze, creating a balanced taste that elevates each bite. When folding in the blueberries, do so gently to prevent them from breaking apart and turning the batter blue. This preserves the visual appeal of the donuts, allowing those delightful pockets of fruit to shine through.

If you’re short on fresh blueberries, you can substitute them with frozen berries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first. Frozen blueberries tend to release more moisture which can affect the batter's consistency, so adjusting the flour slightly may be needed to maintain the right texture of the donuts.

Mastering the Lemon Glaze

The lemon glaze is a crucial element that brings brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of these donuts. When mixing the glaze, start with the powdered sugar and lemon juice, whisking until smooth. I recommend adding milk gradually, as it helps control the glaze's consistency. Aim for a glossy, pourable texture that clings lightly to the donuts without dripping off completely. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk; too thin, simply incorporate more powdered sugar.

You can also customize the glaze by experimenting with different citrus juices or adding a splash of vanilla extract for added depth. A pinch of salt can also enhance the sweetness, creating a more balanced flavor in your glaze.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started!

For the Donuts

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 cup fresh blueberries

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your donuts!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the donuts spring back when touched and are lightly golden.

Cool and Glaze

Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, adding milk until desired consistency is achieved.

Glaze the Donuts

Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Let them set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts!

Pro Tips

For an even more intense lemon flavor, add a touch more lemon zest to the glaze. Additionally, if you have leftover glaze, it makes a wonderful topping for pancakes or waffles!

Make-Ahead Tips

These donuts are perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks. You can whip up the batter the night before and refrigerate it in the donut pan to save time in the morning. Just remember to allow the batter to sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before baking to ensure a consistent rise.

If you have leftover donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can extend their freshness by freezing them. Simply place unglazed donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, and they will last up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your donuts come out dense, it's likely due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will yield a light, fluffy texture. Additionally, make sure your leavening agents are fresh and active for proper rising during baking.

On the other hand, if the donuts turn out too dry, consider reducing the baking time slightly or checking for doneness a couple of minutes earlier than recommended. Remember, every oven behaves differently; the donuts are done when they spring back upon being touched and have a light golden color on the edges.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained well before adding to the batter.

→ How should I store leftover donuts?

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.