Lemon Baked Donuts

Lemon Baked Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. These easy-to-make donuts have a light, cake-like texture and are topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, these baked donuts are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Refreshing Flavor: Made with fresh lemon juice and zest for a natural citrus boost.
• Baked, Not Fried: A lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts.
• Soft & Fluffy Texture: Moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no deep-frying required!

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

1. Prepare the Donuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

2. Bake the Donuts

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
2. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
2. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Stir 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds into the batter.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Sweet: Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar after glazing.
• Berry Lemon Donuts: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
• Lemon Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the glaze for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh.

FAQs

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes to make lemon donut muffins.

How do I prevent dry donuts?

Measure the flour correctly and avoid overmixing the batter. Buttermilk also keeps them moist.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk or oat milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

What’s the best way to apply the glaze?

Dip the donuts directly into the glaze or drizzle it on top with a spoon.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

For an extra lemony kick, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract to the batter.

Conclusion

Lemon Baked Donuts are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, these soft, citrusy donuts are sure to brighten your day. Try them out and enjoy a burst of fresh lemon flavor in every bite!

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