Irresistible Baked Lemon Donuts: A Zesty Treat Recipe

The moment you take a bite of a Baked Lemon Donut, your taste buds will tango with joy. Picture this: a soft, fluffy donut that melts in your mouth, with a zesty lemon glaze that dances on your tongue like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist. Trust me; these donuts are not just treats; they’re little bites of sunshine.

Now, let’s rewind to my very first encounter with these delightful circles of happiness. It was a rainy Saturday morning when my friend decided to host an impromptu brunch. As the clouds grumbled outside, we whipped up these Baked Lemon Donuts and transformed our gloomy day into a sunny celebration. breakfast sandwich option The taste? Pure euphoria! These beauties are perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or even as an afternoon snack (because who doesn’t need a pick-me-up?). Get ready for an explosion of flavor that’ll make you want to bake another batch right after finishing the first!

Ingredients for Baked Lemon Donuts

For more inspiration, check out this easy air fryer cookies recipe.

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking that gives structure; be sure to sift it for lightness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps create that desirable crust.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent makes the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess, but feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk.
• Eggs: One large egg binds everything together and adds richness to the batter.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Zesty goodness that infuses flavor; use freshly squeezed lemons for best results.
• Zest from One Lemon: Adds an extra punch of citrusy aroma and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances overall flavor depth; go for pure vanilla extract if possible.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth texture—what's not to love?
• More Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and keeps things fresh!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Lemon Donuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty donut pan and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray so your donuts don’t stick like bad habits.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until they are blended like old friends at a reunion. No clumps allowed!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the milk, egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until it's all mixed up—think smooth sailing here.

Step 4: Unite Both Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl like you're combining two superhero teams—mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want fluffy donuts here!

Step 5: Fill Your Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon (your choice), fill each donut cavity about halfway. This allows them room to rise without overflow—like giving them space at a crowded party.

Step 6: Bake & Cool

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown. Once done, let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze Time!

Mix powdered sugar with more lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Dip each cooled donut face-down into the glaze so they get fully coated in their lemony goodness!

Transfer them back onto the rack and let excess glaze drip off—this is where the magic happens!

Serve these lovely Baked Lemon Donuts warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea. They’ll transform any mundane moment into something extraordinary—trust me!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and greasing the donut pan. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl while whisking together the wet ingredients in another. Combine them quickly, pour the batter into the pan, and bake until golden brown for perfectly fluffy donuts.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out lemon zest for orange zest if you're feeling adventurous. Add blueberries or poppy seeds for a fun twist! You can also experiment with different glazes or toppings to give your Baked Lemon Donuts a personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain their soft texture, or enjoy them cold – they’re delicious either way!

I once brought these Baked Lemon Donuts to a family brunch, and they disappeared faster than I could say “lemon zest.” My relatives insisted on taking some home, which made me feel like I was running a donut bakery!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Baked Lemon Donuts?

To make Baked Lemon Donuts, you will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, milk, unsalted butter, and fresh lemon juice. The zest of a lemon adds extra flavor and aroma. For a sweet glaze, you might use powdered sugar combined with more lemon juice. These ingredients work together to create moist and flavorful donuts that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

How long do Baked Lemon Donuts last?

Baked Lemon Donuts can last up to three days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to extend their freshness, consider refrigerating them. They can last up to a week in the fridge. cozy banana bread alternative However, for the best taste and texture, it's advisable to enjoy them fresh. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them for up to three months in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I make Baked Lemon Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make Baked Lemon Donuts gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately if your mix does not include it. This will help achieve the right texture without compromising flavor. Additionally, always check other ingredients like baking powder and sugar for any hidden gluten.

How do I store Baked Lemon Donuts?

To store Baked Lemon Donuts effectively, place them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent sticking. If you live in a humid environment, consider wrapping each donut in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This method helps maintain moisture while preventing the donuts from becoming stale.

Conclusion for Baked Lemon Donuts:

Baked Lemon Donuts offer a delightful twist on traditional donuts with their zesty flavor and moist texture. By using simple ingredients such as flour, eggs, and fresh lemons, you can create a treat that's both delicious and easy to prepare. pairing with cinnamon chips Remember to store your donuts properly to enjoy them longer or even freeze them for later indulgence. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these baked delights are sure to brighten your day!

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Baked Lemon Donuts

Print Recipe

Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat that combines a soft, fluffy texture with a zesty lemon glaze. These easy-to-make donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these delicious circles of sunshine in no time. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a refreshing burst of flavor that will brighten your day.

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 6 donuts 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fill each donut cavity halfway with batter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown; cool for five minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
7. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Dip cooled donuts face-down into the glaze.

• Author: Selena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For a fun twist, substitute lemon zest with orange zest or add blueberries or poppy seeds to the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.