Zesty Baked Lemon Donuts Recipe: Bright & Fluffy Treats!

Sweet and zesty bakery magic comes alive with these tangy lemon donuts that dance between delicate crumb and bright citrus notes.

Sunshine bursts through every soft, golden bite of homemade goodness.

The perfect balance of sweet and tart creates an irresistible treat for weekend brunches or afternoon snacks.

Soft, pillowy donuts infused with fresh lemon zest promise a delightful flavor explosion.

Each carefully crafted pastry delivers a punch of citrusy brightness that awakens the senses.

Drizzled with a delicate lemon glaze, these donuts transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Bake these donuts and let their vibrant flavor transport you to a world of delectable joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Used In Baked Lemon Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for soft, tender donuts with a delicate crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust during baking.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and airy texture by helping the donuts rise evenly.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and contributes to the donuts' delicate texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the donuts.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor to the donuts.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness and structure.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and adds depth of flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty citrus notes and helps activate the baking soda.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils from the citrus peel.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy glaze with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Yellow Sprinkles, Sanding Sugar: Optional decorative elements that add a playful, festive touch.

Tools For Making Baked Lemon Donuts

• Donut Pan: 6-hole non-stick pan essential for perfectly shaped donuts.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending dry ingredients and creating lump-free mixtures.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for neatly filling donut cavities with batter.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows donuts to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Zester or Grater: Helps extract fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor.

Easy Baked Lemon Donuts Instructions

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180C (350F). Give your donut pan a quick spritz of non-stick spray or a gentle butter massage.

• Create the Dry Mix

Grab a big bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re best friends.

• Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until silky smooth.

• Marry the Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold them together gently – think of it like a delicate dance, not a wrestling match. Stop mixing as soon as everything looks incorporated.

• Fill and Bake

Scoop your batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Squeeze the mixture into donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop the pan into the oven for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Glaze and Garnish

Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl until glossy. Once donuts are cool, dunk them into the glaze. Sprinkle with yellow sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips For Fluffy Baked Lemon Donuts

• Perfect Texture Tricks: Avoid overmixing batter to keep donuts tender and light, gently folding ingredients until just combined ensures a soft, delicate crumb.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare donut batter the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for maximum convenience and minimal morning prep time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Flavor Boost Hacks: Experiment with adding poppy seeds, incorporating fresh lavender, or replacing lemon with orange zest for unique flavor twists that elevate the classic recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and replace butter with neutral vegetable oil to create a delicious dairy-free alternative that maintains moisture and richness.

Serving Up Baked Lemon Donuts

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve these lemon donuts alongside a fresh fruit salad and light mimosas for a delightful weekend brunch spread.
• Tea Party Perfection: Pair the donuts with Earl Grey tea or chamomile for an elegant afternoon snack that feels sophisticated and sweet.
• Dessert Delight: Crumble these donuts over vanilla ice cream or use as a topping for a lemon trifle to create a unique and zesty dessert experience.
• Breakfast Companion: Enjoy these donuts with a morning cappuccino or fresh orange juice for a bright and cheerful start to your day.

Best Way To Store Baked Lemon Donuts

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container inside the refrigerator, where they'll maintain freshness for 2-3 days. Line the container with paper towels to absorb extra moisture and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Room Temperature Trick: Keep unglazed donuts at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 24 hours, ensuring maximum softness and texture. Place a piece of bread inside to help retain moisture and prevent drying.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 4 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, maintaining their delightful lemony flavor and tender crumb.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare donut batter the night before and refrigerate overnight. This technique allows flavors to develop deeper complexity, resulting in more intense lemon notes when baked fresh in the morning.

Tangy Lemon Donuts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade lemon donuts sparkle with zesty citrus goodness, offering a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Delicate crumb and tangy glaze make these donuts an irresistible indulgence you’ll savor to the last crumb.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice)
• 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from ½ lemon)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 150 g (1 ¼ cups) powdered sugar
• 23 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• Yellow sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 180C (350F) and meticulously coat a 6-hole donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure effortless release.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Amalgamate flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking with precision until perfectly integrated.
3. Liquid Component Harmony: Combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a separate vessel, blending until achieving a cohesive mixture.
4. Batter Assembly: Delicately incorporate liquid ingredients into dry components, stirring with minimal manipulation to preserve the batter’s airy texture and prevent potential denseness.
5. Donut Molding: Utilize a piping bag or zip-top bag to strategically fill donut pan cavities two-thirds full, ensuring uniform distribution and aesthetic consistency.
6. Baking Transformation: Slide the prepared pan into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until donuts acquire a golden complexion and pass the toothpick test.
7. Cooling and Glazing Sequence: Rest donuts in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack; simultaneously craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
8. Final Embellishment: Once completely cooled, submerge each donut into the prepared glaze, allowing excess to cascade, and optionally dust with yellow decorative sugar for a captivating presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture, avoiding tough donuts.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test for perfect baking, ensuring it comes out clean without overbaking.
• Manage Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar and lemon juice ratio to create a smooth, pourable glaze that coats evenly.
• Temperature Control: Let donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg