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
Units
Scale
- 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