Picture this: tender, buttery muffins dusted with clouds of powdered sugar and hiding a bright surprise of luscious jam inside—these Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins are the treat every breakfast lover dreams about! With all the charm of a bakery-style donut (without the mess of frying) and the cozy simplicity of a muffin, they’re perfect for brunch gatherings, lazy weekend breakfasts, or that afternoon pick-me-up. Every bite is soft, fluffy, and tangy-sweet, with the raspberry jam providing a burst of juicy flavor that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re after a baked treat that always brings a smile, Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins will be your new go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples can create something as delightful as these Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins. Each ingredient truly shines—bringing flavor, color, and that classic donut-muffin texture. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip a thing:

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this gives the muffins their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar: Brings that essential sweet balance and helps the tops become golden.
Eggs: Add structure and moisture, keeping the muffins fluffy instead of dry.
Whole milk: Ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that hugs the jam perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, bakery-worthy aroma and enhances every bite.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy but soft muffin base.
Baking powder: Provides the lift, ensuring those perfectly domed muffin tops.
Salt: A little goes a long way to balance out the sweetness and enhance flavor.
Raspberry jam or preserves: The sweet, tangy heart of these muffins—go seedless if you prefer a smoother center.
Powdered sugar: That dreamy, snowy finish turns every muffin into something truly special.

How to Make Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

Let’s get things started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a standard muffin tin and either line it with paper liners for easy cleanup or give each cup a light greasing so nothing sticks. This step sets you up for muffin magic, ensuring easy release and perfectly golden-baked bottoms.

Step 2: Mix Muffin Batter

Cream the butter and sugar together until they’re incredibly light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like—it’s worth taking a few extra minutes here for the best texture. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, letting each disappear fully before adding the next. Stir in the milk and vanilla for a fragrant, smooth batter. In another bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt together, then add these dry ingredients to the wet in batches, mixing gently. You want everything just combined; overmixing leads to tough muffins, and nobody wants that!

Step 3: Fill Muffin Cups

Here’s where the Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins earn their name. Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup, just enough to cover the bottom. Drop 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of raspberry jam right in the center of each—they’ll be your gooey surprise later. Top each with another tablespoon of batter, spreading it carefully to cover and gently sealing around the edges. This keeps the jam right where you want it: snug inside each muffin.

Step 4: Bake

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden tops and a tester (inserted just off-center, so you avoid the jam!) that comes out clean. Let the muffins rest in the tin for five minutes to finish setting up, then transfer to a cooling rack so the texture stays light and airy—not soggy.

Step 5: Finish with Sugar

Once your Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins are just cool enough to handle, sift a generous amount of powdered sugar all over their tops. The sugar melts just slightly, creating a classic donut-shop look and an irresistible sweet note.

How to Serve Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins

Garnishes

Dress up your Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins with a little extra flair: after dusting with powdered sugar, consider a tiny drizzle of raspberry glaze or even a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberry crumbs for extra color and tang. Fresh raspberries perched on the side or a sprig of mint instantly elevates presentation for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with creamy Greek yogurt, a bowl of mixed berries, or a steaming cup of coffee for breakfast heaven. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light frittata to balance the sweet with savory. If you’re making these for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream turns each Raspberry Filled Donut Muffin into an irresistible sundae.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a brunch party? Pile these beautiful Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins high on a cake stand with edible flowers or raspberry swirls. Or, arrange them in cute bakery boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a crowd, slice open warm muffins and let guests add their own extra jam and a dusting of sugar—it’s a DIY donut bar that gets everyone smiling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If any Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins survive the first day (no judgment if they don’t!), simply pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and moist for 2 to 3 days. To keep them even fresher a touch longer, store them in the fridge, but allow them to come back to room temperature or warm slightly before eating for maximum softness.

Freezing

These muffins freeze like a dream! Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or microwave gently—in just minutes, they taste bakery-fresh again.

Reheating

Pop a muffin in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive the just-baked texture and warm that jammy center, or place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Either way, dust with a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving, and it’ll be like you just made Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins from scratch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam gives these muffins their signature tart-sweet punch, you can mix things up with strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd. Each brings a unique twist, and the method stays the same.

Do I need to use paper liners or can I bake them directly in the pan?

You can do either, but paper liners make cleanup a snap and help with easy removal. If baking directly in the pan, just remember to grease each cup really well—especially around the edges where jam can stick.

My muffins came out dense—what did I do wrong?

Dense muffins usually mean too much mixing or too much flour. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined and measure your flour by gently spooning it into the cup, then leveling off. Creaming butter and sugar really well at the start also helps give you a soft, cakey crumb.

Can I make Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins dairy free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative (like Earth Balance) and use your favorite plant-based milk. Just be sure to pick unsweetened varieties, so your muffins don’t get too sweet from added sugars.

What’s the best way to dust with powdered sugar so it looks nice?

Wait until the muffins are cool to the touch, then use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to scatter powdered sugar evenly over the tops. Doing this while they’re warm but not hot helps the sugar stick but not melt away completely, giving you that gorgeous donut-shop finish!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Raspberry Filled Donut Muffins, you’re in for a genuine treat. These little beauties bring sunshine to any morning, a spark of joy to brunch tables, and grins to all who taste them. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a beloved favorite in your home—give them a try and watch everyone reach for seconds!