Oh, hello there, my lovely fellow home cooks!
Today, I’m excited to share a recipe close to my heart: these incredible Baked Lemon Donuts.
They’re a burst of sunshine, truly!
I remember discovering this recipe on a particularly hectic Tuesday.
My kids were clamoring for a treat, and I needed something quick.
These Baked Lemon Donuts were my delicious answer.
They’re not just easy; they’re a pure joy to make.
Imagine a tender, cake-like donut, kissed with bright lemon flavor.
Then, it’s draped in a sweet, tangy glaze.
It’s the perfect little pick-me-up for any day.
Plus, they’re baked, which feels a bit lighter, doesn’t it?
You’ll absolutely adore these zesty delights.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Donuts
You’ll absolutely adore these Baked Lemon Donuts, trust me.
They are incredibly simple to whip up, even on a busy morning.
The whole process is so quick, from mixing to baking.
Plus, the bright, zesty taste is simply irresistible.
They bring a little sunshine to your kitchen.
It’s a healthier treat too, since they’re baked, not fried.
Your family will ask for them again and again!
Ingredients Baked Lemon Donuts
Let’s talk ingredients for these amazing Baked Lemon Donuts.
You’ll find the precise measurements further down, ready for printing!
Pantry Staples for Baked Lemon Donuts
First up, we need some all-purpose flour.
It gives our donuts their wonderful structure.
Then, granulated sugar adds just the right sweetness.
Baking powder ensures a lovely, light rise.
A little salt balances all those flavors beautifully.
Milk makes our batter moist and tender.
Melted unsalted butter adds richness and a delicate crumb.
One large egg binds everything together perfectly.
Finally, vanilla extract brings a warm, comforting note.
The Zesty Stars: Fresh Lemon
Now, for the true stars of our Baked Lemon Donuts!
Fresh lemon juice provides that essential tangy kick.
Don’t forget the lemon zest; it holds so much vibrant citrus oil.
These two give our donuts their signature bright flavor.
Always use fresh lemons for the best results.
It truly makes all the difference.
Glaze Essentials for Baked Lemon Donuts
For that dreamy glaze, we need powdered sugar.
It dissolves easily, creating a smooth, sweet coating.
More fresh lemon juice makes the glaze wonderfully tangy.
You can even add a bit more lemon zest for extra zing.
This glaze ties everything together perfectly.
Print
Baked Lemon Donuts: Zesty Delights in Every Bite!
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and a soft, cake-like texture. They are a healthier alternative to fried donuts, making them a great option for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. You can also use a piping bag for easier filling.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until smooth. Add more lemon juice if you prefer a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your zesty Baked Lemon Donuts!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough donuts.
- Ensure the donuts are completely cool before glazing, otherwise, the glaze will melt.
- For an extra pop of flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the batter.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Check out Croissant Sourdough Bread Recipe
How to Make Baked Lemon Donuts
Let’s get baking these delightful Baked Lemon Donuts!
It’s simpler than you think, truly.
Preparing Your Donut Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Then, lightly grease and flour your donut pan.
This prevents sticking and ensures easy release.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients for Baked Lemon Donuts
Grab a large bowl for this step.
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Combining Wet Ingredients for Baked Lemon Donuts
In a separate medium bowl, whisk up the wet ingredients.
Combine milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
Don’t forget that lovely lemon zest!
Gently Folding Batter for Baked Lemon Donuts
Now, pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined; a few lumps are totally fine.
Overmixing makes for tough donuts, so be gentle.
Filling Your Donut Pan with Ease
Spoon the batter into each donut cavity.
Fill them about two-thirds full.
A piping bag makes this step super neat!
Baking Your Golden Baked Lemon Donuts
Slide that pan into your preheated oven.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
They should spring back when lightly touched.
Cooling for Perfection
Remove the donuts from the oven promptly.
Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Crafting the Zesty Lemon Glaze
While donuts cool, make the magic happen.
Whisk powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
Add more juice for a thinner glaze, or sugar for thicker.
Glazing Your Baked Lemon Donuts to Perfection
Once donuts are fully cool, it’s glaze time!
Dip each donut into the zesty glaze.
Let excess drip off, then place back on the rack to set.
Enjoy your homemade Baked Lemon Donuts!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix your batter; it makes for tough donuts.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
- Use a piping bag for neat, easy filling of the donut pan.
Achieving the Perfect Texture for Baked Lemon Donuts
- Mix ingredients until just combined, no more.
- Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a chewy, not cakey, donut.
- Don’t overcrowd your donut pan when baking.
Zest and Juice Tips for Baked Lemon Donuts
- Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Zest your lemons before juicing them.
- Roll lemons on the counter before juicing for more yield.
Storage Secrets for Baked Lemon Donuts
- Store cooled, glazed donuts in an airtight container.
- They stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them unglazed, then glaze after thawing.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes baking these Baked Lemon Donuts a breeze.
But don’t worry if you don’t have everything; I’ve got alternatives!
Essential Tools for Baked Lemon Donuts
- A donut pan is truly key for their shape.
- Mixing bowls, one large and one medium, are a must.
- A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
- A wire cooling rack is perfect for setting the glaze.
Handy Alternatives
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin instead for donut holes.
- A sturdy spoon can substitute for a whisk in a pinch.
- If you lack a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with a snipped corner works.
- A regular kitchen rack can cool donuts, just space them out.
Variations
One of my favorite things about baking is experimenting.
These Baked Lemon Donuts are super versatile.
Gluten-Free Baked Lemon Donuts
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
- The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Dairy-Free Baked Lemon Donuts
- Substitute regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk.
- Almond milk or oat milk work wonderfully here.
- Use a plant-based butter alternative instead of dairy butter.
Adding Extra Flavors to Baked Lemon Donuts
- Try adding a pinch of ground cardamom to the batter.
- A teaspoon of poppy seeds gives a classic lemon-poppy seed twist.
- Fold in a few fresh blueberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
Decorative Touches for Baked Lemon Donuts
- Sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on the wet glaze.
- A tiny bit of extra lemon zest on top looks beautiful.
- You can even drizzle with melted white chocolate for elegance.
Looking for inspiration? Try Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Lemon Donuts are delightful on their own.
But they truly shine with the right companions!
Perfect Pairings for Baked Lemon Donuts
- Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- A glass of iced lemon water enhances the citrus notes.
- They’re wonderful alongside fresh berries for breakfast.
- A small dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Lemon Donuts
- Arrange them on a pretty tiered serving tray.
- Dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a snowy look.
- Garnish with a thin slice of fresh lemon or a mint sprig.
- Place them in small paper liners for individual servings.
FAQs about Baked Lemon Donuts
You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers!
Let’s dive into some common queries about these delightful Baked Lemon Donuts.
Can I make Baked Lemon Donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare these Baked Lemon Donuts ahead!
They stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature in an airtight container.
For best results, I often bake them the day before.
Then, I glaze them just before serving.
What makes Baked Lemon Donuts different from fried donuts?
The main difference lies in how they’re cooked.
Fried donuts are submerged in hot oil, making them crispier.
These Baked Lemon Donuts are baked in the oven.
This gives them a softer, cake-like texture, and they’re lighter.
They absorb less fat too, which is a nice bonus!
How do I store leftover Baked Lemon Donuts?
Storing your leftover Baked Lemon Donuts is easy.
Place them in an airtight container.
Keep them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them unglazed for up to a month.
Thaw at room temperature, then glaze and enjoy!
Can I use bottled lemon juice for Baked Lemon Donuts?
While you certainly can use bottled lemon juice, I don’t recommend it.
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a much brighter flavor.
The zest contains essential oils that elevate the lemon taste.
For truly zesty Baked Lemon Donuts, fresh is always best.
My Baked Lemon Donuts are dry; what went wrong?
Oh no, dry donuts are a bummer!
Often, dry Baked Lemon Donuts happen from overmixing the batter.
Overmixing develops too much gluten, making them tough and dry.
Another culprit could be overbaking; they cook quickly!
Bake just until golden and springy to the touch.
Final Thoughts
Making these Baked Lemon Donuts always brings a smile to my face.
There’s something so comforting about the aroma of fresh lemon baking.
It fills my kitchen with pure joy and anticipation.
These donuts are more than just a sweet treat.
They’re a little moment of sunshine in a busy day.
Sharing them with loved ones is truly special.
I hope you find as much delight in them as I do.
Happy baking, my friends!
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