Baked Lemon Donuts

Bonjour, mes amis gourmands! Brighten your day with delightful Baked Lemon Donuts. Experience their zesty lemon flavor, perfectly complementing a light, airy texture.

Skip deep-frying for this healthier, guilt-free classic. Simple to make, they promise a vibrant escape. Let’s craft these sunny indulgences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Fusion: A vibrant blend of sweet and tart, these lemon donuts awaken your palate with every bite.
• Effortless Baking: Skip the messy frying; these baked donuts come together with minimal fuss and cleanup.
• Health-Conscious: Lighter and less greasy than traditional versions, making them a perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a charming afternoon snack that spreads joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hana always emphasizes quality ingredients for the best flavor and nutritional value. Opt for organic whenever possible!

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or a 50/50 blend with whole wheat pastry flour for a richer, fiber-rich texture)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (organic cane sugar works wonderfully here)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk are excellent, eco-friendly choices)
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 organic lemons, ensuring peak freshness)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (finely grated from those same organic lemons – let’s make sure no zest goes to waste!)
• ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil (like grapeseed, for a subtle flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency and zing)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for an extra burst of aromatic lemon)

Substitutions & Variations

Elevate your Baked Lemon Donuts with healthy swaps! Sub half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour for fiber. Add ground flaxseed for omega-3s.

Try poppy seeds, fresh blueberries, or a hint of ginger for delicious variations. These lemon donuts are super adaptable!

To enhance your Baked Lemon Donuts even more, consider exploring the flavors of Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts. They offer a delightful taste contrast that perfectly complements the bright zest of lemon and introduces a lovely autumn flavor to your donut repertoire. Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts

Equipment You’ll Need

• Donut pan (standard 6-cavity or mini, depending on your preference)
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (for melting coconut oil, if using solid form)
• Zester or fine grater
• Citrus juicer
• Wire rack for cooling
• Piping bag or a sturdy Ziploc bag (for easy and neat donut filling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create perfectly light and zesty Baked Lemon Donuts.

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan(s) with a little coconut oil or non-stick spray, even if they are non-stick. This ensures your beautiful Baked Lemon Donuts release perfectly every time.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Ensure there are no lumps and everything is thoroughly combined for even baking.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, melted coconut oil (or other oil), and vanilla extract until well combined and fragrant.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough lemon donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a sturdy Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. This method helps create perfectly shaped baked donuts with ease and minimal mess.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the donuts are light golden brown and spring back when gently touched. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and donut pan size, so keep an eye on them.
7. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the baked lemon donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
8. Prepare Glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner one, aiming for a pourable but not watery texture.
9. Glaze & Serve: Once the Baked Lemon Donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack for the glaze to set. Serve immediately and enjoy the sunshine in every bite!

Once you’ve mastered the steps for these zesty Baked Lemon Donuts, why not try making Baked Jelly Donuts next? This alternative will add a fruity surprise to your baking adventures, allowing you to expand your donut-making skills. Baked Jelly Donuts

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is absolutely crucial for tender donuts. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a dense, chewy texture rather than the desired light and airy crumb. Mix until just combined, even if a few streaks of flour remain.
• Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: Always use fresh, organic lemons for the best flavor. The zest contains essential oils that provide a much more potent and aromatic lemon punch than bottled juice. This single tip truly elevates your lemon donuts.
• Use a Piping Bag: While you can spoon batter into the pan, a piping bag (or a cut Ziploc bag) makes the process cleaner, faster, and ensures uniformly shaped baked lemon donuts with perfect circles.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze warm donuts, the glaze will melt and soak into the donut instead of forming a lovely, visible, and set coating. Patience is key for picture-perfect lemon donuts.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Even if your donut pan is non-stick, a light greasing ensures easy release and prevents any sticking, preserving the beautiful shape of your baked donuts. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
• Batch Baking: If you only have one donut pan, bake in batches. Ensure the pan cools slightly before greasing and refilling for the next round to maintain consistent baking temperatures.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To keep your delicious Baked Lemon Donuts fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. Once completely cooled and glazed, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, especially in warmer climates, though they might become a little firmer in texture.

For longer storage, these lemon donuts freeze beautifully. Place unglazed or glazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep for up to 1-2 months, allowing you to enjoy fresh Baked Lemon Donuts whenever the craving strikes.

To reheat, thaw frozen donuts at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. If desired, you can gently warm room temperature or thawed donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. If they were frozen unglazed, you can then prepare and apply a fresh glaze before serving. Enjoying these versatile baked lemon donuts couldn’t be easier!

It’s important to keep your Baked Lemon Donuts fresh, and for that, check out tips on storing delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. They share great ideas on how to keep treats tasting their best, ensuring every bite of your donuts remains delightful. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

What to Serve With This Recipe

These bright and zesty Baked Lemon Donuts are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience to a truly memorable moment. Since my philosophy centers on balance and vibrant plant-based eating, here are some healthy, creative suggestions:

• Fresh Berry Medley: A colorful bowl of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tart donuts, adding antioxidants and natural sweetness.
• Light Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and more fresh berries for a wholesome, protein-rich side that complements the citrus notes of the lemon donuts.
• Herbal Tea or Infused Water: A delicate herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, provides a soothing counterpoint. Alternatively, a pitcher of water infused with cucumber and mint offers a refreshing, hydrating option.
• Small Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: For a truly unexpected but brilliant pairing, a light arugula or spinach salad with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette can cut through the sweetness of the donut, making it a surprisingly balanced brunch offering. It’s all about playing with flavors!
• Roasted Fruit Compote: A warm, gently spiced compote made from apples or pears can add a comforting, warm element that complements the brightness of the baked lemon donuts beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these Baked Lemon Donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! For gluten-free Baked Lemon Donuts, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully delicious, offering a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.

How can I make the lemon flavor even more intense?

To amplify the lemon flavor in your baked donuts, you can do a few things. Increase the amount of lemon zest in the batter, as zest carries the most potent lemon oil. You can also add a tiny drop of pure lemon extract (not artificial flavoring) to the batter. For the glaze, use slightly more lemon juice and zest, and perhaps even a pinch of citric acid for a super tart kick!

What is the best way to fill the donut pan without a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, a large, sturdy Ziploc bag works perfectly. Just snip off one corner about half an inch wide. Alternatively, you can use two spoons: one to scoop the batter and the other to gently scrape it into the donut cavities. It might be a bit messier, but it still gets the job done for your lovely lemon donuts!

Baked lemon donuts are a delightful twist on the traditional donut, combining the zesty flavor of fresh lemons with a light, airy texture. These treats are often baked instead of fried, making them a healthier alternative for dessert or breakfast. Learn about different variations and recipes for this delicious treat on doughnuts.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Lemon Donuts are more than just a treat; they’re a burst of sunshine, a simple joy that proves wholesome can be incredibly delicious. Embrace the zest, savor the lightness, and share these vibrant creations with loved ones. It’s a small act of self-care and a celebration of plant-based delight.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Approximate values, calculated for one donut without glaze, based on 12 servings)

Baked Lemon Donuts

Delightful Baked Lemon Donuts with zesty lemon flavor and a light, airy texture. A healthier, guilt-free classic that is simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for glaze)

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together plant-based milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and fill the donut pan cavities two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 10-14 minutes until golden brown and springy.
7. Allow the donuts to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. While cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice.
9. Once cooled, dip the donuts into the glaze and let set.

Notes

Use fresh, organic lemons for the best flavor. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.