Baked Lemon Donuts

Baked Lemon Donuts are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. These light and fluffy donuts are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, and they’re simple to make in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine Mixtures: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Let cool for a few minutes before removing the donuts from the pan.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 donuts (depending on the size of your pan)

Variations

• Glazed Donuts: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled donuts for added sweetness.
• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon poppy seed variation.
• Fruity Twist: Incorporate blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity addition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
   Yes, you can use regular milk, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. For a buttermilk substitute, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. What type of donut pan should I use?
   A standard donut pan works best. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin, but the texture will be different.
3. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. How can I tell when the donuts are done?
   The donuts should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
5. What if I don’t have lemon juice?
   You can use other citrus juices like lime or orange, but the flavor will change.
6. Can I add icing on top?
   Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze or even chocolate icing would be delicious.
7. How many donuts does this recipe make?
   This recipe yields about 6 standard-sized donuts, but may vary based on your pan.
8. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
   Yes, you can use lemon extract, but reduce the quantity to about 1/4 teaspoon, as it’s more concentrated.
9. How should I store leftover donuts?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
10. Can I bake these in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare and bake them ahead of time. Just store them properly and warm them before serving.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Donuts are a fresh, delightful treat that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their zesty flavor and light texture, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed plain or glazed, they make for a sweet addition to breakfast or a snack any time of the day.

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