Description
Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze are the perfect combination of light, fluffy texture and a tangy citrus punch. These soft, baked donuts are infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, giving them a refreshing, bright flavor. Topped with a sweet and tart lemon glaze, these donuts are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked for a lighter option without compromising on flavor. They’re easy to make, deliciously zesty, and sure to brighten your day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more to reach desired consistency)
Ingredient Highlights
- Lemon Zest: The zest adds a vibrant lemon flavor without being overly tart, giving the donuts a refreshing citrusy taste.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes these donuts tender and moist, contributing to their soft, fluffy texture.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is used both in the batter and in the glaze to infuse a tangy brightness.
- Butter: The melted butter provides richness and ensures the donuts have a delicate crumb.
Instructions
Prepare the Donut Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- 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:
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Set the glazed donuts on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g