Baked Lemon Donuts are the sunshine in dessert form, bursting with zesty flavors and soft, fluffy textures that practically dance on your taste buds. Imagine biting into a donut that tastes like a warm hug from the sun itself, where each morsel is an explosion of tangy sweetness that makes you feel like you’re strolling through a citrus orchard.
Now, picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the aroma of freshly baked treats wafts through your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen. Laughter fills the air as you share these delightful donuts with family and friends. Whether it’s brunch or just because you deserve a treat (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), these Baked Lemon Donuts promise to elevate any occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Baked Lemon Donuts are easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
- The vibrant lemon flavor pairs perfectly with a light glaze that looks as good as it tastes.
- They’re versatile enough for breakfast or dessert and can be enjoyed any day of the week!
Ingredients for Baked Lemon Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most baking recipes, it provides the structure needed for fluffy donuts.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps your donuts rise and achieve that light texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that irresistible glaze.
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Eggs: Essential for binding ingredients together, giving moisture and richness to your donuts.
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Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness; use buttermilk for an even tangier flavor!
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Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show, providing that delightful zesty flavor that brightens up every bite.
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Lemon Zest: Enhances the lemon flavor with its aromatic oils; don’t skip this part!
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; it’s like a secret weapon in baking!
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Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making a sweet glaze that drizzles beautifully over your donuts.
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) and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. Your pan is about to become a magical portal to donut heaven.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until combined. This will ensure your donuts have all their magical powers intact before they hit the oven.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in whole milk, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. This mixture should smell so good you may want to drink it straight!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix or your donuts will turn into rubbery circles of disappointment!
Step 5: Fill Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan about two-thirds full. Give yourself some grace here – messy is just part of the fun!
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before removing them from the pan—this is where patience pays off!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with powdered sugar glaze for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy these delightful Baked Lemon Donuts fresh out of the oven—or save some for later (if you can resist).
You Must Know
- These delightful baked lemon donuts are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a breeze to make.
- With their zesty flavor and fluffy texture, they’ll brighten up any morning or afternoon snack time.
- Plus, they’re healthier than their fried counterparts!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the donut pan. Mix your dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ones. Pour the batter into the pan and then bake until golden brown. Let them cool before indulging in these scrumptious baked lemon donuts.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend or add poppy seeds for a fun twist. Drizzle a lemon glaze on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. The options are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked lemon donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them individually and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fluffy donuts, don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to avoid uneven baking.
- Experiment with different citrus zest to elevate flavors beyond lemon.
Sometimes, I whip up these baked lemon donuts for brunch gatherings, and friends keep asking for the recipe—proof that they’re a hit every time!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Baked Lemon Donuts?
To make delicious baked lemon donuts, you will need several simple ingredients. Start with all-purpose flour, which provides the base for the donuts. Next, gather baking powder and baking soda to help them rise. For flavor, don’t forget fresh lemon juice and lemon zest; these will give your donuts that bright citrus taste. You will also need sugar for sweetness, eggs for binding, milk for moisture, and melted butter for richness. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor. With these ingredients on hand, you can create a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!
How long do Baked Lemon Donuts take to bake?
Baked lemon donuts require only a short amount of time in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing your batter. Once you have filled your donut pan with the batter, bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden color when done. To check if they are ready, insert a toothpick into the center of one donut; it should come out clean. These quick-baking delights make for an easy yet impressive snack or breakfast option.
Can I make Baked Lemon Donuts gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily adapt baked lemon donuts to be gluten-free by using a suitable flour substitute. Consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix available in stores. The key is to ensure that the gluten-free blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the elasticity of traditional flour. Follow the rest of your recipe as usual, adjusting baking times if necessary since gluten-free flours may behave differently in baking. Enjoy this delightful treat without worrying about gluten sensitivity!
How can I store Baked Lemon Donuts?
To maintain the freshness of your baked lemon donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them by wrapping each donut individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you’ll always have a tasty treat on hand!
Conclusion for Baked Lemon Donuts:
In summary, baked lemon donuts are an easy and delightful treat that brings sunshine into any day. By using fresh ingredients like lemon juice and zest, you create a refreshing flavor profile that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. The baking process is quick and straightforward, taking only about 10 to 12 minutes once prepared. Whether you opt for traditional all-purpose flour or choose to go gluten-free, these donuts cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste. Store leftovers properly to enjoy their goodness throughout the week and share with friends and family for a delightful experience they won’t forget! Enjoy making your batch of baked lemon donuts today!
Baked Lemon Donuts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 12 donuts
Description
Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat that infuse your mornings with sunshine! These fluffy, zesty donuts are made with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. Topped with a light glaze, each bite offers a burst of tangy sweetness that will leave you wanting more. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these donuts are a must-try for any dessert lover!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- Whole Milk
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest
- Vanilla Extract
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and lemon zest.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill the donut pan two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown; let cool before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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