Baked Lemon Donuts are the perfect sweet treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut that bursts with the bright flavor of fresh lemons and is topped with a zesty glaze. savory cheese biscuits These little circles of happiness are not just desserts; they are mood boosters that promise to brighten any dull day. sweet and savory chicken. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe recipe.
I remember the first time I made Baked Lemon Donuts; it was one of those rainy days when my plans for outdoor fun had been washed away. Instead of moping around, I decided to whip up a batch of these donuts. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was so intoxicating that even the clouds outside seemed to part! Now, every time I make these delightful treats, I’m reminded of that cozy day and how some moments are best celebrated with a scrumptious bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Baked Lemon Donuts are incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, sure to please any citrus lover.
- Their sunny yellow hue makes them visually appealing and irresistible on any dessert table.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Baked Lemon Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these donuts, this flour provides structure and texture. For gluten-free options, try almond or coconut flour.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden color during baking.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the donuts rise and become fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Salt: A pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the donuts.
- Milk: Use whole milk for richness, or substitute with almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Egg: One large egg binds everything together and adds moisture to our delightful donuts.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is where the magic happens! Fresh lemon juice provides that zingy flavor we all adore.
- Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon flavor without extra liquid—what’s not to love?
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a moist texture; feel free to use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
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 lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray so those donuts slide out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture forms the base of our fluffy donuts.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. This is where all that deliciousness starts coming together!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold everything together until just combined—no need to overmix; we want those donuts light and airy!
Step 5: Fill Donut Pan
Using a piping bag or spoon, carefully fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter. Remember not to overfill—nobody wants volcano donuts!
Step 6: Bake
Place your filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Once baked, let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. Drizzle with an easy lemon glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice for that irresistibly sweet finish.
Transfer these delightful baked lemon donuts onto plates and watch as everyone fights over who gets the last one! Enjoy every tangy bite while reminiscing about those rainy days turned sunny thanks to these cheerful treats!
You Must Know
- These delightful baked lemon donuts are not just a treat; they are the perfect balance of sweetness and zest.
- With minimal fuss, you can whip them up in no time, making your mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve donut perfection, start by preheating your oven, then whisk together dry ingredients while melting butter. Mix wet ingredients separately before combining everything. Pour into the donut pan and bake till golden brown—easy peasy!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Want extra zing? Toss in some poppy seeds or a hint of vanilla extract for a flavor boost. The options are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store these baked lemon donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain that fluffy freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your baked lemon donuts even fluffier, ensure your baking powder is fresh; expired leavening agents might ruin the fun.
- Consider letting your eggs reach room temperature for better mixing results.
- Lastly, don’t skip the glaze—it adds that perfect finishing touch!
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing these baked lemon donuts with friends during a weekend brunch—everyone raves about how light and zesty they are!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Baked Lemon Donuts?
To make delicious Baked Lemon Donuts, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. These ingredients combine to create a light and fluffy texture with a zesty lemon flavor. For optional toppings, consider using powdered sugar or a lemon glaze to enhance the taste. Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can lack the vibrant taste that makes these donuts special. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe.
How long does it take to bake Baked Lemon Donuts?
Baked Lemon Donuts typically take about 12 to 15 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to keep an eye on them as baking times can vary based on your oven’s characteristics. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean when they are perfectly baked. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can I make Baked Lemon Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make Baked Lemon Donuts ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing them for up to three months. If freezing, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
What variations can I try with Baked Lemon Donuts?
There are several delightful variations you can try with Baked Lemon Donuts. You might add poppy seeds for texture and flavor or incorporate blueberries for added sweetness. Another option is to drizzle a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top for extra zing. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange to create unique flavors while keeping that refreshing citrus essence.
Conclusion for Baked Lemon Donuts:
In conclusion, baked lemon donuts offer a delightful combination of lightness and zesty flavor that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation methods, these treats are both accessible and satisfying. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, they bring joy with every bite. chocolate muffins for dessert zesty glazed muffins recipe Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe with various toppings or mix-ins to cater to your taste preferences. Enjoy making these delicious baked lemon donuts!
Baked Lemon Donuts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the lightness of fluffy donuts with the zesty flavor of fresh lemons. These easy-to-make donuts are topped with a sweet lemon glaze, making them an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cheerful treats will brighten your day and impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or almond)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown; cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (40g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
