Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Lemon Donuts are the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The light and fluffy donuts are infused with lemon juice, which pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy lemon glaze. The optional toppings like chopped nuts and granola add crunch and texture, making each bite even more delightful. Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast or a dessert to share, these donuts are a refreshing twist on a classic.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup granola
For the Garnish:
- Fresh lemon slices (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Donuts
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and lemon juice. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
Spoon the donut batter into a greased donut pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or lemon juice if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Donuts
Once the donuts are baked and slightly cooled, dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s well coated.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the donuts with chopped nuts, granola, and fresh lemon slices. You can also dust with a little extra powdered sugar for added sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy the light, citrusy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings (approximately 6-8 donuts depending on the size of the pan)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Infusion: Add a handful of fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg or chia egg to replace the egg for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warming flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the donuts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice provides a brighter and fresher flavor.
2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead, though the shape will be different. You may need to adjust the baking time.
3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Can I add more lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Adding 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter will enhance the lemon flavor, making the donuts even more fragrant.
6. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
7. Can I use other types of sugar for the glaze?
You can substitute powdered sugar with other types of sugar, but it may affect the consistency of the glaze. Powdered sugar is best for a smooth, creamy glaze.
8. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed, but the texture may be slightly different.
9. How can I make the donuts fluffier?
To make the donuts fluffier, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter, and be sure to measure the flour accurately (spoon and level method). You can also use cake flour for a lighter texture.
10. Can I serve these donuts with a different topping?
Yes, you can serve these donuts with other toppings like melted chocolate, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Donuts are a perfect balance of light and sweet, with a refreshing burst of lemon that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With a simple glaze and fun toppings like granola, chopped nuts, and fresh berries, these donuts make for a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these baked lemon donuts are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Baked Lemon Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 6-8 donuts)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Lemon Donuts are light and fluffy, with a refreshing lemon flavor. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, chopped nuts, granola, and fresh lemon slices, these donuts offer the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy goodness.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1/4 cup lemon juice (for glaze)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
1/4 cup granola
Fresh lemon slices (optional)
Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, softened butter, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they are well coated.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, granola, fresh lemon slices, and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the light, citrusy goodness!
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg or chia egg as a replacement.
For a different twist, try adding a handful of berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
