Baked Blueberry Sourdough Donuts

Name: Baked Blueberry Sourdough Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup active sourdough starter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 cup fresh blueberries

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Baked Blueberry Sourdough Donuts! They are not only delicious, but they also offer a unique twist with the tanginess of sourdough combined with the sweetness of ripe blueberries. Each bite is a soft, fluffy delight bursting with flavor. I find that using active sourdough starter adds a distinctive taste that elevates these donuts to the next level. It's incredible how simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful treat for breakfast or a snack any time of day.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-25T16:57:27.876Z

Whenever I'm in the mood for something sweet, I gravitate towards these Baked Blueberry Sourdough Donuts. The combination of the sourdough starter with fresh blueberries creates a texture that’s both fluffy and slightly tangy, which I absolutely love. It’s a fun way to use leftover sourdough starter, and they come together so effortlessly!

One tip I've learned is to fold the blueberries gently into the batter to avoid breaking them up. This helps maintain the integrity of the blueberries and ensures that each donut has beautiful, whole pieces of fruit in every bite. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Why You'll Love These Donuts
Soft and fluffy texture with a delightful tang
Bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite
A healthier alternative to fried donuts

The Magic of Sourdough

The fermentative qualities of an active sourdough starter contribute to the unique flavor profile of these donuts. The tanginess from the sourdough not only enhances the sweetness of the blueberries but also helps create a wonderfully soft and fluffy texture. This is due to the natural acidity in sourdough, which can act as a tenderizing agent, allowing the donuts to rise beautifully in the oven.

Using an active starter is crucial. If your starter has been fed within the last 4-6 hours, it's at its peak activity. This ensures that the donuts will have enough lift and a well-developed flavor. If your starter is too old or has not been fed recently, the donuts may turn out denser and less flavorful.

If you don't have a sourdough starter, you can make a quick substitution with a mixture of yogurt or buttermilk combined with a touch of vinegar. However, this will alter the flavor slightly, so be prepared for a different taste experience!

Perfecting the Doughnut Texture

The key to a light and fluffy donut is in the mixing technique. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, it's essential to mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough donuts because it develops gluten in the flour. I typically use a spatula to gently fold the batter rather than a whisk to avoid this issue.

When folding in the blueberries, be extra gentle. Pressing too hard can break them and turn your batter a purple hue, which can be visually unappealing. Ideally, you want to keep the berries whole, giving lovely bursts of flavor in every bite.

With the baking time, keep a close eye on your donuts in the last few minutes. They should turn golden brown at the edges, and a toothpick test should come out clean. If you bake them too long, they may dry out, so checking them around the 15-minute mark is wise.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start making your donuts:

Donut Ingredients

1 cup active sourdough starter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup fresh blueberries

Make sure to have everything you need ready to create these delightful donuts.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your donuts:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, eggs, milk, and melted butter until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them.

Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy!

Enjoy your soft, flavorful donuts with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use fresh blueberries and avoid over-mixing the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients.

Storing and Serving

These baked donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong their freshness, consider freezing them. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months.

To serve, you can dust the donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes for a beautiful presentation. For a more decadent option, consider topping them with a cream cheese frosting or making a berry compote to serve on the side.

I also love to pair these donuts with a cup of coffee or tea. The slight tang of the donuts complements warm beverages nicely, making them the perfect snack for any time of day.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients! Instead of blueberries, you could use raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even chocolate chips. Each of these will impart a unique flavor to your donuts. If you opt for a tart fruit like raspberries, consider adding a little more sugar to the batter to balance the flavors.

If you want to incorporate spices into your donuts, a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity. Mix these spices into the dry ingredients for an aromatic difference. You can even add a zest of lemon or orange to the wet ingredients for a refreshing citrus twist.

One of my favorite variations is to add a swirl of fresh blueberry puree into the batter before baking. It results in a beautiful marbled effect and bursts of flavor that elevate the standard blueberry muffin experience to new heights!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

→ What can I use instead of sourdough starter?

You can replace the sourdough starter with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a different flavor and texture.