Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. These light and fluffy donuts are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, and they’re simple to make in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine Mixtures: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cool for a few minutes before removing the donuts from the pan.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 6 donuts (depending on the size of your pan)
Variations
- Glazed Donuts: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled donuts for added sweetness.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon poppy seed variation.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity addition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.
10 FAQs
- Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. For a buttermilk substitute, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. - What type of donut pan should I use?
A standard donut pan works best. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin, but the texture will be different. - Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - How can I tell when the donuts are done?
The donuts should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - What if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can use other citrus juices like lime or orange, but the flavor will change. - Can I add icing on top?
Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze or even chocolate icing would be delicious. - How many donuts does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 standard-sized donuts, but may vary based on your pan. - Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use lemon extract, but reduce the quantity to about 1/4 teaspoon, as it’s more concentrated. - How should I store leftover donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness. - Can I bake these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and bake them ahead of time. Just store them properly and warm them before serving.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Donuts are a fresh, delightful treat that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their zesty flavor and light texture, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed plain or glazed, they make for a sweet addition to breakfast or a snack any time of the day.
PrintBaked Lemon Donuts
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
Light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor, these baked lemon donuts are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Enjoy them plain or drizzle with a tangy lemon glaze for an extra touch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine Mixtures: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
- For a delightful lemon glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled donuts.
- These donuts freeze well; just warm them up in the microwave for a quick treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes