Delicious & Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts: Your Low-Point Breakfast Recipe
Imagine starting your day with a warm, fluffy donut that doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals. These delightful blueberry oatmeal donuts offer exactly that! Far from the greasy, sugar-laden treats you find at a store, these homemade versions are a beacon of guilt-free indulgence. They boast a tender, cake-like texture, bursting with sweet blueberries and the comforting goodness of oats. What’s more, they are incredibly Weight Watchers friendly, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat with minimal impact on their daily SmartPoints budget.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or need a quick grab-and-go option for busy weekdays, these donuts are a perfect fit. They are remarkably easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a donut pan. Whip up a batch the night before, and you’ll wake up to a delicious, wholesome breakfast ready to be enjoyed. Each of these scrumptious donuts is just 2 SmartPoints on both the Blue and Green Weight Watchers programs, and an even leaner 1 SmartPoint on the Purple program (points calculated without the optional icing). It’s truly a win-win: satisfying your cravings while staying on track!
Why These Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts Are a Must-Try
In a world full of tempting treats, finding options that are both delicious and healthy can sometimes feel like a challenge. These baked blueberry oatmeal donuts rise to the occasion, offering numerous reasons why they should become a staple in your kitchen:
- Weight Watchers Friendly: With just 2 SmartPoints on Blue/Green and 1 SmartPoint on Purple per donut (before icing), they are an excellent choice for those managing their weight. You can enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: From mixing to baking, the entire process takes less than 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, healthy breakfasts or snacks ready for the entire week. They store wonderfully, maintaining their fresh taste and texture.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with oats for fiber and blueberries for antioxidants, these donuts offer more nutritional value than traditional fried versions.
- Versatile & Customizable: While fantastic as is, this recipe serves as a great base for customization. Add a touch of lemon zest, different spices, or other fruits to suit your taste.
- Satisfying & Delicious: The combination of chewy oats, sweet blueberries, and a hint of cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is truly comforting and satisfying, making you forget they’re “healthy.”
Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup +1T oats
- 1/4 cup white flour
- 1 T brown sugar
- 1/4 t cinnamon
- 1 t baking powder
- 2 T unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 t vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, smaller blueberries will work best
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375F
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Mix dry ingredients together and then add your wet. Gently fold in your blueberries. The mixture will be thick.
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Fill your sprayed donut pan and bake in oven for 16 minutes. Top with vanilla icing (I use Betty Crocker- 1Tbsp) Yields 5 donuts at 2 SP blue/greeen and 1SP purple (not incl the little icing)
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Nutritional info(adapted from my fitness pal) Per donut…Calories 77… Fat 0.9g… Saturated fat 0.1g… Carbohydrates 15.4g… Fiber 2g… Sugars 3.4g… Protein 1.9g *note- nutritional info includes all ingredients so when using these numbers in your WW calculator you may get a higher point value as some of these are 0 point foods
Additional Info
Key Ingredients for Perfectly Baked Oatmeal Donuts
The magic of these healthy donuts lies in their thoughtful combination of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor:
- Oats: Not just for your morning bowl, oats provide a wonderful hearty texture and boost the fiber content, making these donuts more satisfying. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results, though quick oats can also work in a pinch for a finer texture.
- White Flour: A small amount of white flour helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the donut, ensuring it holds its shape. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: A touch of brown sugar provides sweetness and moisture, contributing to the donut’s soft crumb. Cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice that beautifully complements the blueberries and oats. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is essential for giving the donuts their rise and fluffy texture, ensuring they aren’t dense.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: A magical ingredient in healthy baking, applesauce replaces much of the oil or butter, adding natural sweetness and moisture without excess fat. It’s a fantastic way to keep these donuts light and moist.
- Almond Milk: Opting for almond milk keeps these donuts dairy-free and light. You can use any milk you prefer, such as skim milk, soy milk, or oat milk, depending on your dietary needs and SmartPoints program.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a comforting aroma and taste to the donuts.
- Fresh Blueberries: The star of the show! Fresh blueberries burst with flavor when baked. Smaller blueberries tend to distribute better in the donut batter, ensuring every bite has a wonderful fruity pop. If using larger blueberries, consider halving them to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Frozen blueberries can also be used; simply add them straight from the freezer without thawing.
Essential Equipment for Homemade Donut Success
To embark on your donut-making adventure and ensure a smooth process, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Donut Pan: This is non-negotiable for achieving the classic donut shape for baked donuts. A standard 6-cavity donut pan is perfect. Ensure it’s non-stick or properly greased.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for your dry ingredients and another for the wet. A third larger bowl might be helpful for combining.
- Whisk & Spatula: A whisk is great for thoroughly combining dry ingredients, and a spatula is ideal for gently folding in wet ingredients and blueberries without overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Baking requires precision, so accurate measuring tools are essential for the best results.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for preventing soggy bottoms and allowing air to circulate around the donuts as they cool, ensuring a perfect texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts
Making these delicious and healthy blueberry oatmeal donuts is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. While the oven heats, lightly spray your donut pan with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon of oats, 1/4 cup white flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients together, making sure there are no lumps and everything is well distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup almond milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix gently until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold in the 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries. Be gentle to avoid crushing them, especially if they are delicate. If you’re using smaller blueberries, they will distribute more evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill the Donut Pan: The donut mixture will be quite thick, which is exactly how it should be. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities. You can use a spoon or, for a cleaner method, transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe it into the molds. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 16 minutes. The donuts are ready when they are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. They should also spring back slightly when lightly touched.
- Cool and Glaze (Optional): Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before handling. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, you can top them with a light vanilla icing. For a simple icing, a tablespoon of store-bought vanilla icing (like Betty Crocker) is a quick option, or you can make a healthier one by mixing powdered erythritol with a tiny bit of almond milk and vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information: (Adapted from MyFitnessPal) Per donut (without icing): Calories 77, Fat 0.9g, Saturated fat 0.1g, Carbohydrates 15.4g, Fiber 2g, Sugars 3.4g, Protein 1.9g. Please note: Nutritional information includes all ingredients. When using these numbers in your Weight Watchers calculator, you may get a slightly higher point value if some ingredients are considered 0-point foods in your specific plan, as the calculation often averages values.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts
Achieving perfectly baked, delicious donuts is easy with a few simple tricks:
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy donuts instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Choose Small Blueberries: Smaller blueberries integrate better into the batter and are less likely to sink to the bottom of the donut. If you only have large blueberries, consider gently halving them.
- Evenly Fill Your Donut Pan: For uniformly sized and baked donuts, try to distribute the batter as evenly as possible into each cavity. Using a piping bag can help with this.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: If you plan to add any glaze or icing, ensure the donuts are entirely cool. Applying icing to warm donuts will cause it to melt and run off.
- Don’t Skip Greasing the Pan: Even if your donut pan is non-stick, a light spray of cooking oil can make a big difference in ensuring your donuts release easily and maintain their shape.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test. If it comes out clean, your donuts are perfectly baked.
Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Oatmeal Donuts
While these blueberry oatmeal donuts are fantastic on their own, they also provide a versatile base for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to find your new favorite flavor combination:
- Lemon Zest Delight: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the blueberries.
- Other Fruit Options: Replace blueberries with other small fruits like raspberries, chopped strawberries, or finely diced apples. Ensure fruits are not overly wet.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of cardamom, or a mix of pumpkin pie spice can add an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Healthier Glaze Alternatives: Instead of traditional icing, consider a simple lemon glaze made from powdered erythritol and lemon juice, or a light cream cheese glaze using reduced-fat cream cheese, sweetener, and a touch of milk.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: For a different kind of sweetness, swap half of the blueberries for a tablespoon or two of mini chocolate chips (sugar-free chips can be used for lower points).
Storing Your Delicious Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts
These homemade donuts are undeniably best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they also store well, making them ideal for meal prep throughout the week:
- At Room Temperature: Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If glazed, store in a container with a lid to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer freshness, particularly in warmer climates or if glazed, refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing for Later: These donuts freeze beautifully! Place unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts
- Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
- Yes, absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply fold them into the batter straight from the freezer. This helps prevent them from bleeding too much color into the batter. If they are particularly large, you might want to give them a quick chop.
- What if I don’t have a donut pan?
- While a donut pan gives them their characteristic shape, you can still enjoy these delicious flavors! You can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead. Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full. The baking time will be slightly longer, approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Can I make these blueberry oatmeal donuts gluten-free?
- Yes, you can! To make these donuts gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. Additionally, substitute the white flour with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Always check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
- How can I make a healthier icing for my donuts?
- For a healthier, low-point icing, you can mix powdered erythritol (or another powdered sugar substitute) with a tiny amount of almond milk and a drop of vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. Lemon juice can also be added for a tangy lemon glaze.
- Why are these donuts considered low in Weight Watchers SmartPoints?
- These donuts are low in SmartPoints primarily because they utilize wholesome, low-point ingredients like oats, unsweetened applesauce, and blueberries, which are zero SmartPoints on many WW plans. Baking them instead of frying also significantly reduces the fat content, contributing to their low point value per serving.
- Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
- It’s generally best to bake the donuts shortly after mixing the batter, as the leavening agents (baking powder) start to activate once wet ingredients are added. If you must prepare ahead, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking. However, the fresh blueberries should be folded in at the last minute.
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Your Sweet Tooth
These blueberry oatmeal donuts are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. They offer a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients, ease of preparation, and incredible taste, all while fitting seamlessly into a Weight Watchers lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, you’ll find joy in creating these soft, fruity, and perfectly spiced donuts. So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch of these delightful blueberry oatmeal donuts. Your taste buds and your wellness journey will thank you!