Are you craving something sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious? Look no further than these Baked Lemon Donuts! Perfectly soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these donuts are a treat for all ages. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these lemon donuts will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These baked lemon donuts come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Healthier Alternative: By baking instead of frying, you reduce the fat content without sacrificing any of the flavor.
- Versatile: You can enjoy these donuts plain, or add a glaze or powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and juice gives these donuts a fresh, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine and Fill
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
5. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While the donuts cool, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Lemon Donuts
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Stir until just combined for the fluffiest results.
- Cool Before Glazing: Make sure your donuts are completely cool before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
Variations
- Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful texture and flavor twist.
- Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Fold in a handful of fresh blueberries for a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these donuts gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the bright, fresh taste of lemons with a light, fluffy texture. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a zesty lemon glaze, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, why not whip up a batch today and indulge in the sweet and tangy goodness?
Serving and Storage Tips for Baked Lemon Donuts
Serving Tips
- Best Served Fresh: Baked Lemon Donuts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, still slightly warm. The texture is light, and the lemon flavor is vibrant when served fresh.
- Pair with Beverages: Serve these donuts with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a delightful treat. The citrusy notes of the donuts complement both hot and cold beverages.
- Decorative Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, you can garnish the glazed donuts with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This not only adds a decorative touch but also enhances the lemon flavor.
- Brunch Spread: Include these lemon donuts in a brunch spread with other baked goods, fresh fruit, and yogurt. Their zesty flavor provides a refreshing contrast to richer, heavier items.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: Store baked lemon donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep them soft and moist. If glazed, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the donuts for longer, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration may slightly dry out the donuts, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts. Place the cooled, unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: To refresh the donuts, warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore some of their original softness.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Baked Lemon Donuts at their best, whether you’re indulging in them immediately or saving them for later.
1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan instead. Simply fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter, and bake as directed. You won’t get the traditional donut shape, but the flavor and texture will be just as delicious.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. The natural oils from fresh lemons give these donuts a vibrant, zesty taste that’s hard to replicate with bottled juice.
3. How can I make these donuts dairy-free?
To make these donuts dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute. Additionally, replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
4. Why are my donuts dense instead of light and fluffy?
If your donuts turned out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. When mixing the ingredients, stir until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Also, be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping it directly from the bag, which can pack in too much flour.