There’s something undeniably special about the bright, zesty flavor of lemon baked into a soft, pillowy donut. These Baked Lemon Donuts bring just the right balance of tangy citrus and sweet indulgence, making them the perfect treat for any time of the day.
Picture this: a golden, fluffy donut with a hint of vanilla and a burst of fresh lemon, topped with a luscious lemon glaze that melts in your mouth. Trust me, these little beauties are about to become your new favorite homemade treat. And the best part? No frying required—just a simple bake that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma!
Why You’ll Love Baked Lemon Donuts
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning treat, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a special occasion, these donuts fit the bill. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Bright and Refreshing: The perfect balance of sweet and citrusy makes these donuts an absolute delight.
- No Frying Needed: Skip the oil and mess—these donuts are baked, making them a lighter option.
- Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, just simple ingredients that come together in no time.
- Soft and Fluffy: The texture is light, airy, and oh-so-soft, thanks to a perfect blend of ingredients.
- Perfectly Glazed: A tangy lemon glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine.
Ingredients in Baked Lemon Donuts
Here’s what makes these donuts so delicious:
- Flour: The base of the donuts, providing structure and softness.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The key to fluffy, airy donuts.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: The stars of the show, bringing bright, citrusy flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a light texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture for a soft, tender bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and depth to complement the lemon.
- Butter: Keeps the donuts rich and flavorful.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these dreamy, lemony treats:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Make the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more juice for a thinner glaze.
Glaze and Serve
Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set, then enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Lemon Donuts
These donuts are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with these serving ideas:
- With Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or blueberries adds a fresh, fruity touch.
- Paired with Coffee or Tea: The perfect companion to your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
- With Extra Lemon Zest: A sprinkle on top enhances the citrus flavor.
- As a Dessert Platter: Serve with a variety of glazes, like vanilla or berry, for a fun mix-and-match experience.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead: These donuts stay fresh for up to two days in an airtight container.
- Glaze Variations: Try a vanilla glaze or even a white chocolate drizzle for a twist.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unglazed donuts and glaze them fresh when ready to serve.
- Use a Piping Bag: For an even, mess-free batter distribution in the donut pan.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a more tart donut, reduce the sugar slightly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.
Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A2: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Q3: How do I store these donuts?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze baked lemon donuts?
A4: Absolutely! Freeze unglazed donuts for up to three months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Q5: How do I make these donuts dairy-free?
A5: Swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
Q6: Can I bake these in a muffin tin instead?
A6: Yes! Adjust the baking time to 15-18 minutes for delicious lemon muffins.
Q7: Why are my donuts dry?
A7: Overbaking can cause dryness. Check them a minute or two before the recommended time.
Q8: Can I add poppy seeds to this recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon-poppy seed twist.
Q9: What other glazes can I use?
A9: Try a vanilla, berry, or even a honey glaze for a different flavor experience.
Q10: Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?
A10: A donut pan is best, but you can also use a muffin tin and cut out the center after baking.
Final Thoughts
Baked Lemon Donuts are the perfect combination of fresh, zesty, and sweet. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, they’re guaranteed to brighten your day. So go ahead—bake a batch, glaze generously, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Baked Lemon Donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6–7 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Lemon Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re an easy and delicious homemade treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Choose from lemon sugar, lemon glaze, or powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch. A must-try for lemon lovers!
Ingredients
Lemon Donuts:
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Lemon Sugar:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 6-count donut pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center.
- Add lemon juice, buttermilk, and egg to the well, then whisk until combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
- Let cool for 4-5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Topping Options:
- Lemon Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Dip cooled donuts in the glaze and let set.
- Lemon Sugar: Mix sugar and lemon zest. Brush donuts with melted butter, then dip in lemon sugar.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust cooled donuts lightly with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add ½ tsp lemon extract to the batter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg