If you’re looking for a light, zesty, and healthier twist on the classic donut, these baked lemon donuts are the perfect solution! Soft, fluffy, and infused with the bright flavors of fresh lemon zest and juice, these donuts are a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a mid-afternoon snack. The combination of lemon’s citrusy tang and the subtle sweetness of the donut base makes them an irresistible choice. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a slightly lighter alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating yourself, or serving them at a special gathering, these baked lemon donuts will surely impress. So, preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in a fresh, bright, and delicious homemade donut experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice added)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
- In another bowl, beat the egg and then add in the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the donut’s texture.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy these delightful baked lemon donuts as a fresh, tangy snack or dessert!
These baked lemon donuts are not only easy to make but also offer a guilt-free way to indulge in a sweet and tangy treat. The combination of lemon’s bright, refreshing flavor and the soft, fluffy texture of the baked donut makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to add a bit of zest to their dessert menu. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something homemade, these donuts will not disappoint!