Crispy Baked Lemon Donuts Recipe: Zesty Morning Joy

Whipping up delectable baked lemon donuts brings pure sunshine to your kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance through this delightful treat, promising a burst of flavor.

Sweet and tangy elements combine perfectly in every tender bite.

Soft, pillowy textures melt on your tongue with remarkable lightness.

Home bakers can easily craft these delightful pastries without complicated techniques.

Each donut provides a refreshing twist on traditional morning treats.

Jump into this simple recipe that guarantees smiles and satisfied cravings.

What to Pair with Baked Lemon Donuts in the Morning

• Brew a light roast cappuccino with smooth, creamy milk to balance the bright lemon flavors and cut through the donut's sweetness.
• Select a chamomile or lavender tea which enhances the delicate citrus notes and provides a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the donut's richness.
• Choose a crisp Moscato d'Asti or Late Harvest Riesling with subtle sweetness and floral undertones that dance beautifully with the lemon's tangy profile.
• Mix sparkling water with fresh raspberry or elderflower syrup to create a light, effervescent drink that cleanses the palate and complements the donut's citrusy essence.

Baked Lemon Donuts Flavor Ideas Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Lemon Donuts: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly option. Ensure texture remains light and fluffy by adding xanthan gum.
• Vegan Citrus Version: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter. Create dairy-free glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content. Add Greek yogurt for moisture and protein. Sprinkle with sliced almonds for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Lemon Donut Hack: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter. Top with coconut cream glaze for rich, creamy finish.

Baked Lemon Donuts FAQs for First-Time Bakers

• Are these donuts healthier than traditional fried donuts?

These baked lemon donuts are a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts. They use less oil and are baked, which significantly reduces the overall fat content while maintaining a delicious texture.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients and maintain the donut’s structure.

• How can I make the lemon flavor more intense?

To enhance the lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add a few drops of lemon extract to the wet ingredients. You can also brush the cooled donuts with a lemon glaze for an extra citrusy punch.

• What if I don't have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin to make donut muffins. Fill the cavities about 2/3 full and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What Makes Baked Lemon Donuts Stand Out

• No complicated techniques required- even baking beginners can create perfectly soft, zesty donuts that everyone will love and request again.
• Baked instead of fried, these donuts offer a lighter alternative with bright citrus flavor, making them a guilt-free snack or dessert option that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Perfect for weekend brunches, after-school snacks, or casual gatherings, these donuts bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion with minimal preparation effort.

Ingredients to Keep Handy for Baked Lemon Donuts

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the donuts, all-purpose works best for light texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden brown color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds tangy flavor, works better than regular milk.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness.
• Melted Butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor to donuts.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy flavor and aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and deepens flavor complexity.

• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Ensures donuts release easily from pan.
• Donut Pan: Specific pan shape creates classic donut form.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Helps distribute batter evenly into pan cavities.

Making Baked Lemon Donuts from Start to Finish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 180C (350F). Grab a donut pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or brush with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Step 3: Blend Liquid Awesomeness

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Dance the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing- keep it light and airy!

Step 5: Fill the Donut Playground

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tricks That Bring Out the Best in Baked Lemon Donuts

• Boost Lemon Flavor: Add extra lemon zest to intensify the citrusy punch and create a more vibrant taste profile in your donuts.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and briefly to keep donuts tender, stopping as soon as ingredients are just combined to avoid tough texture.
• Glaze Perfection: Whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice for a tangy, glossy coating that elevates the donuts' appearance and flavor.
• Make Dairy-Free: Swap buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with lemon juice to create a suitable alternative for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Storage Hack: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.

Proper Storage for Fresh Baked Lemon Donuts

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing staleness.
• Place donuts in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days if consuming quickly, away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, ensuring no moisture gets inside.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 5 minutes until slightly heated through.

Baked Lemon Donuts Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty baked lemon donuts bring Mediterranean sunshine to classic pastry lovers. Sweet-tangy glaze and delicate crumb make these treats perfect for morning indulgence or afternoon tea with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 150 g (1 ¼ cups) powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice)
• 2 large eggs
• 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 23 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Flavoring and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• Yellow sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature to 180C (350F) and prepare a 6-cavity donut mold with non-stick spray or butter coating.
2. Create a fluffy dry mixture by whisking flour, granulated sweetener, leavening agents, and seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. In a separate container, blend liquid components including buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, citrus juice, fragrant zest, and aromatic extract until achieving a harmonious consistency.
4. Gently cascade wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal agitation to prevent dense texture formation.
5. Utilize a piping mechanism or sealed bag with trimmed corner to distribute batter evenly into donut cavities, ensuring each compartment receives approximately two-thirds full volume.
6. Position the donut tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until surfaces transform into a delicate golden hue and a testing implement emerges without residual batter.
7. Allow pastries to rest within the mold for five minutes, facilitating initial stabilization, then carefully transfer to a cooling platform for complete temperature reduction.

Notes

• Zest Selection: Choose bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum citrusy flavor and aromatic punch.
• Mixing Technique: Fold wet and dry ingredients together gently to prevent tough, dense donuts by avoiding overmixing.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these donuts suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Storage Wisdom: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg