Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Introduction

Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are a light, airy treat bursting with fresh citrus and juicy blueberries. These baked donuts are a healthier alternative to fried ones, yet they still deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries is a classic that never goes out of style, and the donut batter is so easy to whip up.

I first made these donuts when I was looking for a way to enjoy a sweet breakfast without feeling too guilty, and they quickly became a go-to recipe. The lemon glaze on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tang, making each bite even more irresistible. The donuts are soft and moist, with just the right balance of fruity freshness and citrusy zing.

Whether you’re starting your day or enjoying a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts are sure to brighten your day. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a snack, or even as a light dessert after dinner.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast
• Brunch gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Weekend treats
• Lemon and berry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Here’s why Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts will become your go-to recipe:

• Fluffy and Light Texture: These donuts are baked instead of fried, making them lighter but still soft and fluffy.
• Refreshing Lemon Flavor: The tangy lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing, citrusy bite that pairs perfectly with the sweet blueberries.
• Juicy Blueberries: The fresh blueberries add bursts of natural sweetness in each bite.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these donuts are quick and easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can easily make these donuts gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, making them suitable for more dietary needs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk of choice)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
• For the Lemon Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Lemon Zest and Juice: The combination of lemon zest and juice brings a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries add pops of juiciness and a burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk adds tenderness and moisture to the donut batter, making the donuts soft and fluffy.
• Butter: The melted butter helps create a rich texture and flavor in these donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts:

Prepare the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring the wells are coated well.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the donuts remain light and fluffy.
5. Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them up too much. If using frozen blueberries, coat them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about ¾ of the way full. Smooth the tops with a spoon if needed.

Bake the Donuts:

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The tops of the donuts should be lightly golden.
8. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

9. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops of each donut into the lemon glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donuts back on the wire rack to set.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are perfect for serving in a variety of ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these donuts alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a light breakfast or brunch spread.
• As a Snack: These donuts are perfect for a midday snack with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage.
• For a Special Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a special celebration, these donuts make a great addition to any dessert table.
• Gift Giving: Package these donuts in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Additional Tips for Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Blueberries: If possible, use fresh blueberries for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen blueberries, be sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in dense donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Grease the Donut Pan Well: Make sure to grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent the donuts from sticking.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
• Don’t Skip the Glaze: The lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch and extra burst of lemon flavor that makes these donuts irresistible.

Recipe Variations for Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts:

• Blueberry Lemon Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the lemon glaze for a tangy cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Donuts: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a bit of crunch and a more complex flavor.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
• Vegan Lemon Blueberry Donuts: Substitute dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg to make these donuts vegan-friendly.
• Lemon Raspberry Donuts: Swap the blueberries for fresh raspberries for a different berry flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
• Lemon Coconut Blueberry Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist on these classic donuts.
• Lemon Blueberry Donut Holes: Use the same batter to make donut holes instead of traditional donuts for a fun, bite-sized treat.
• Lemon Blueberry Donuts with Streusel Topping: Add a crumbly streusel topping to the donuts for extra texture and sweetness.
• Lemon Blueberry Donuts with White Chocolate Chips: Fold in some white chocolate chips along with the blueberries for extra sweetness.
• Lemon Blueberry Donuts with Almond Glaze: Swap the lemon glaze for an almond-flavored glaze to complement the blueberries.

Freezing and Storage for Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked, unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts easier:

• Donut Pan: A donut pan is essential for shaping these baked donuts.
• Whisk: A whisk is perfect for mixing the dry ingredients and the glaze.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack allows the donuts to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
• Small Bowl for Glaze: A small bowl is helpful for mixing the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions for Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
   Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before glazing the donuts.
3. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
   If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make these as muffin-style cakes instead. The baking time may be slightly longer, so be sure to check for doneness.
4. Can I freeze these donuts after glazing them?
   It’s best to freeze the donuts unfrosted, as the glaze may not freeze well. Frost them after thawing.

Print

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are the perfect combination of light, fluffy texture and refreshing citrus flavor, enhanced by the natural sweetness of blueberries. With a simple lemon glaze to top them off, these donuts are not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a gathering, these donuts are sure to impress and satisfy every craving.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to enjoy, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat during the day. These donuts will add a burst of flavor to any occasion, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

I’d love to see how your Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!