Delicious Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes for a Sweet Treat

I still remember the first time I made Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes in my cozy kitchen—it was one of those mornings when the sun was just peeking through the curtains, and the smell of sweet blueberry and rich maple syrup filled the air. There’s something about the combo of the tangy sourdough and the juicy burst of blueberries in these donut holes that instantly became my family’s latest favorite treat. Honestly, Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes changed my whole approach to sourdough baking because it balances the rustic charm of sourdough with a fun fruity twist that even my kids can’t get enough of.

The journey to perfect this Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe wasn’t without its hiccups, though. I had a few moments where my donut holes came out a tad too dense or the maple syrup glaze turned runny, which led to some soggy edges—a definite kitchen “oops.” But through trial and error, I found the sweet spot for sourdough donut recipe timing and a glaze thickness that clings just right. You know how it goes, right? Sometimes getting those donut holes with fruit to be just perfect feels like chasing a moving target, but that’s where all the fun and learning happens.

Fitting this Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe into my busy family schedule has been surprisingly easy. The magic is in the prep and letting the sourdough do its fermenting work while I tackle morning chaos—homework, breakfast, and endless coffee refills. They’re perfect for weekend breakfasts or even an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. I first stumbled upon this idea when I wanted to combine my love for sourdough baking with homemade blueberry donuts — and haven’t looked back since. These Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes give me that “homemade comfort” feeling that I want to pass on, all wrapped up in a bite-sized, shareable treat.

In my kitchen, I believe food should be nourishing but joyful and easy to share. These donut holes capture just that, balancing a little whimsy with wholesome goodness. If you’re ready to have fun with your sourdough baking and try something delicious that your whole family will adore, I’m excited to share this Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe with you—let’s get to it! And while we’re at it, you may also want to peek at my Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Sweet Rolls for another fruity sourdough treat your family will love.

What You’ll Need for This Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making perfect Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes. I always use fresh, ripe blueberries because they bring the perfect burst of flavor to these donut holes with fruit. For the sourdough base, I prefer using a well-fed, active sourdough starter—that’s been a game-changer in my sourdough baking adventures.

Top down view of raw ingredients for Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes on a marble surface

Here’s a reliable list of what you’ll want, all in one spot:

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour, depending on your preference)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (adds richness and tang)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (frozen works too, just thaw and drain)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for maple syrup glaze)
  • 3-4 tbsp pure maple syrup (for the glaze)

When making Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes, you can find fresh blueberries in the produce aisle year-round, but I recommend buying them in season or from local farmers’ markets when possible for the best taste and price. For the maple syrup glaze, I stick with pure maple syrup—not maple-flavored syrup—because it gives the genuine, warm sweetness that perfectly complements the blueberry donuts.

Here’s a Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes trick I learned: gently fold the blueberries last and try not to overmix so the batter stays light and airy. Also, if you’re short on time, prepping your sourdough starter ingredients a day ahead helps speed things up the next morning. For cost-saving tips, I often buy butter and buttermilk in bulk when on sale and freeze portions for later use. Leftover ingredients like sourdough starter can be refrigerated and refreshed for your next sourdough baking project, too!

For more tips on ingredient prep and sourdough baking essentials, check out this nifty 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes guide—it’s great for understanding fruit-based donut holes basics that apply here as well.

Let’s Make This Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes Together

Ready for a fun kitchen adventure? Making these Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes is a joy, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step!

  1. Mix the dry ingredients first: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps make sure your donut holes with fruit bake evenly.
  2. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat your egg and mix in the active sourdough starter, buttermilk, and melted butter. I learned the hard way with Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes that your wet ingredients need to be room temperature so the batter blends smoothly—otherwise, lumps can sneak in.
  3. Gently fold wet into dry: Pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined. Your batter will be thick but soft. Don’t overmix! Then, carefully fold in the fresh blueberries so they stay intact.
  4. Heat the oil: In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature—too hot and your Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes will burn on the outside, too cool and they soak up oil.
  5. Fry your donut holes: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop little rounds of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd! Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. These donut holes should smell heavenly — like a cross between blueberry muffins and toasted maple.
  6. Drain on paper towels: Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to soak up excess oil. While your Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes are cooling, mix up your maple syrup glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
  7. Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup together until smooth. Adjust to your sweetness preference—thicker glaze sticks better, thinner glaze drips nicely.
  8. Dip and enjoy! Dip each donut hole into the glaze, then set on a wire rack to let the glaze set for a few minutes. This final step brings the sweet, tangy joy that has everyone reaching for just one more.

While the Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes cook, I usually tidy up the kitchen or prep coffee for the family—a little multitasking magic. I also keep an eye to make sure our blueberries don’t burst too much; a few smashed berries are fine—they add a lovely color pop to the glaze.

If you want some troubleshooting inspiration or tweaks for getting your Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes just right, Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes — Well Made by Kiley is a wonderful resource I often revisit.

Also, if your batter feels too runny or thick, check out this handy post about Blueberry gooeyballs with fresh blueberries for similar recipes and tips.

How I Love to Serve This Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes

Serving these Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes is almost an event in itself. My family can’t get enough when I plate them alongside a steaming mug of chai or hot chocolate on chilly mornings. I love that they’re bite-sized, making them perfect for just about any occasion—from weekend breakfast to casual brunches and even special holiday gatherings.

Slight angle close-up of finished comforting Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes

My go-to accompaniments for these donut holes with fruit are fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt. I’ve found that the tartness of plain yogurt balances the maple syrup glaze beautifully, and a side of fresh fruit feels light yet complementary. For a brunch spread, pairing these with scrambled eggs or a light smoked salmon platter adds some savory balance.

This Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe also makes a wonderful crowd-pleaser at holiday parties or potlucks. They’re easy to transport, and friends always comment on the unique tang from the sourdough batter paired with the fruity blueberry bursts. The presentation can be extra charming if you arrange them on a tiered stand, dusted lightly with extra powdered sugar or drizzled again with maple syrup glaze. It makes that morning feel cozy and special.

If you happen to have extra Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes, here’s a family secret: gently toast leftover donut holes the next day and serve with a smear of cream cheese or jam. They almost taste like they’re freshly made!

For something seasonal, I’ve experimented with swapping blueberries for cranberries in the fall or mixing a few lemon zest shreds into the batter for a fresh spring twist. You might also enjoy checking out my other fruity sourdough treats like the Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Rolls or the wonderfully fragrant Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka.

Your Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes Questions Answered

I’ve gotten a lot of questions from readers and friends about making these Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes, so here are some of the most common ones I’m happy to answer!

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries for Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work fine—just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the batter runny. I’ve done this on busy days and the donut holes still come out delicious.

Q2: What if my sourdough starter isn’t very active?
If your sourdough starter doesn’t bubble much, your donut holes might not rise as much. Try feeding your starter the night before to boost activity. Sometimes, a slightly less active starter still works fine because the baking powder and soda give an extra lift.

Q3: How do I avoid greasy Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes after frying?
Don’t overcrowd the oil, maintain the right temperature, and drain well on paper towels. I learned the hard way that dipping them into glaze when still greasy makes it slide off—let them cool a bit first.

Q4: Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?
You can! Baking will make softer, cakier donut holes but they won’t have the same crisp edges. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch. My friend Kiley’s recipe includes some great baking tips over on Well Made By Kiley.

Q5: Is there a gluten-free option for this Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe?
I haven’t perfected a gluten-free version myself, but readers have tried with mixed gluten-free flours and had success scaling back the fruit slightly. I recommend starting with a blend meant for baking to get similar texture.

Q6: How long can I store the glazed Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes?
Best if eaten within 1-2 days. Store in an airtight container at room temperature; refrigeration tends to make them dense. Leftovers can be gently reheated or toasted for a fresh taste.

Q7: Any tips for mixing the maple syrup glaze?
Yes! If your glaze feels too thick for dipping, add a teaspoon of warm water. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar slowly. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

If you’re curious about other creative takes on fruity donut holes, this amazing community recipe for Blueberry gooeyballs is definitely worth a look.

My Final Thoughts on This Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes

This Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe holds a special place in my heart because it captures the joy of sourdough baking while being utterly kid-friendly and shareable. It marries the tangy notes from the sourdough with the sweet, juicy blueberries and the rich maple syrup glaze in a way that has become our kitchen’s comforting go-to. It’s been wonderful to watch my family’s faces light up over these donut holes with fruit, whether for a simple weekend breakfast or a festive brunch.

My Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes Pro Tips:

  • Use an active, bubbly sourdough starter for the best rise and flavor.
  • Fold in blueberries gently to keep them whole and juicy.
  • Keep your frying oil at a steady 350°F for crispy outsides without greasy insides.

Over the years, we’ve played around with a few tasty variations—from adding lemon zest for a bright, fresh pop to swapping out blueberries for cherries or even raspberries when in season. My kids adore the lemon twist version, while my husband swears by the classic blueberry with the maple syrup glaze.

If you’re new to sourdough baking or just looking for a fresh way to enjoy donut holes with fruit, give this Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes recipe a try and make it your own. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat and special enough to serve to guests. I hope your kitchen fills with the joyful smells and cozy warmth that this recipe always brings us.

For more sourdough inspiration, don’t forget to check out my other recipes like Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Sweet Rolls or the Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Rolls. Happy baking, friend, and enjoy every bite of your Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes!

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Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes

Freshly prepared Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes on white plate

These Maple Blueberry Sourdough Donut Holes combine tangy sourdough with sweet maple glaze and juicy blueberries for a deliciously unique treat perfect for breakfast or snack time.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 20 donut holes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 teaspoons milk (optional, to thin glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
  5. Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
  8. Fry the donut holes for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup, adding milk to reach desired glaze consistency.
  11. Dip the warm donut holes into the maple glaze or drizzle over the top.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the donut holes after glazing.

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