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Tangy Lemon Donuts Recipe

Tangy Lemon Donuts Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

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

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
  • 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)

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