These Baked Lemon Donuts are the perfect way to brighten up your morning with a burst of citrusy goodness! Light, fluffy, and full of fresh lemon flavor, they’re easy to make and baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option for your sweet tooth. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan to ensure the donuts don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed for fluffy donuts.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Make sure the melted butter is slightly cooled before adding to avoid cooking the egg.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about ⅔ full to allow room for the donuts to rise as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy them as is, or glaze them for extra sweetness.
Optional Lemon Glaze:
For an extra zesty finish, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and a bit of lemon zest. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, then set them on a wire rack to let the glaze harden.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: These donuts are deliciously fresh, but they can also be enjoyed the next day. Pair them with your morning coffee or a glass of cold milk for a refreshing treat.
- Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If glazed, store them in a single layer to avoid sticking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and glaze just before serving for the best results.
Helpful Notes:
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
- Using a Piping Bag: If you have a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the tip cut off), you can pipe the batter into the donut pan more easily and evenly.
- Zesty Flavor: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds a fresh, intense lemon flavor that complements the tangy lemon juice.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Martha Stewart: “Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The bottled kind won’t give you the same brightness and zest.”
- Ina Garten: “When baking with zest, gently rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the essential oils for a more aromatic dough.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! You can bake the batter in a muffin tin for lemon donut muffins. Adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes. - Can I add a glaze to the donuts?
Yes, a simple lemon glaze or even a vanilla glaze works beautifully. You can also dust the donuts with powdered sugar for a lighter option. - How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the pan well with nonstick spray or butter helps ensure easy removal. You can also use a silicone donut pan, which makes it easier to pop them out. - What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mix of milk and lemon juice or vinegar, or use yogurt thinned with a little water. - Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the donuts right after mixing for the fluffiest results. However, you can prep the dry ingredients ahead of time and mix in the wet ingredients when you’re ready to bake. - How do I make sure the donuts are fluffy?
Be sure not to overmix the batter, as it can make the donuts tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
These Baked Lemon Donuts are light, zesty, and perfectly sweet, making them an easy and refreshing treat that will brighten up any morning or dessert spread. Enjoy!
