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!
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
2. Bake the Donuts
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Lemon Glaze
- 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.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
- 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!
PrintLemon Baked Donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Baked Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor! Baked instead of fried, they’re a lighter and refreshing treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, they are irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 3: Bake the Donuts
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Adjust with more lemon juice if needed.
- Step 5: Glaze & Serve
- Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and place back on the wire rack. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin and bake for a few extra minutes.
- Make it extra lemony: Add ½ teaspoon of lemon extract for a stronger flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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