Lemon-filled doughnuts are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a balance of sweetness and tartness. These light, fluffy doughnuts are filled with tangy lemon curd and dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful, refreshing dessert or snack. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these sweet treats from scratch, offering a burst of citrus flavor with every bite.

The doughnuts themselves are soft and tender, with the lemon zest adding a subtle fragrance that perfectly complements the lemon curd filling. Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are lighter but still have the perfect texture. The lemon curd, with its velvety smoothness, adds a rich and zesty contrast to the sweetness of the doughnut. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, lemon-filled doughnuts offer the ideal combination of indulgence and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Burst of Flavor

The zesty lemon curd filling combined with lemon zest in the doughnuts creates a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the doughnut.

2. Baked, Not Fried

These doughnuts are baked, making them lighter and less greasy than traditional fried doughnuts, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!

3. Simple Ingredients

Made with basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, this recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for beginners.

4. Quick to Make

With a preparation and cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can have fresh, homemade doughnuts ready to enjoy in no time.

5. Versatile Treat

These doughnuts can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast, a delicious dessert, or even a light snack, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Vegetable oil
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest
Lemon curd
Powdered sugar for dusting

Variations

Other Fillings: You can fill these doughnuts with other delicious fillings such as raspberry jam, vanilla custard, or chocolate ganache.
Glaze: If you prefer a glazed doughnut, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top instead of dusting with powdered sugar.
Flavored Dough: Experiment with different citrus flavors, such as orange or lime zest, to create unique flavor combinations.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Pour the doughnut batter into a piping bag and pipe the batter into a greased doughnut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.

Step 5: Bake the Doughnuts

Bake the doughnuts in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Cool the Doughnuts

Allow the doughnuts to cool completely on a wire rack before filling them with lemon curd.

Step 7: Fill and Dust

Once the doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag to fill each doughnut with lemon curd. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do Not Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until it’s combined to ensure soft, tender doughnuts.
Check for Doneness: Test the doughnuts by lightly pressing the center. If they spring back, they’re done; if they leave an indentation, bake a bit longer.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
Grease the Pan Well: Make sure to grease the doughnut pan generously to prevent the doughnuts from sticking.
Chill Lemon Curd: For an even firmer filling, chill the lemon curd before using to fill the doughnuts.

How to Serve

These lemon-filled doughnuts are best served fresh, but they’re also delicious when enjoyed slightly chilled. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack or serve them as a refreshing dessert after a meal. The combination of the soft doughnut and the rich, tangy lemon filling will have everyone coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover doughnuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The doughnuts are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfilled doughnuts for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then fill with lemon curd and dust with powdered sugar.

Reheating

To refresh your doughnuts, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before filling and serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd for a quicker version of this recipe, but homemade lemon curd will give a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

2. Can I fry these doughnuts instead of baking?

This recipe is specifically designed for baked doughnuts. If you choose to fry them, the texture and flavor may differ, and adjustments in cooking time will be needed.

3. Can I make the doughnuts in advance?

While these doughnuts are best served fresh, you can prepare the doughnuts a day ahead, then fill and dust them with powdered sugar just before serving.

4. What can I use instead of a doughnut pan?

If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can use a muffin tin and pipe the batter into the center to create doughnut-like shapes.

5. How do I make the doughnuts lighter?

Be sure to use the proper ratio of wet to dry ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter to ensure the doughnuts are light and airy.

6. Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these doughnuts gluten-free.

7. Can I make these doughnuts vegan?

To make the doughnuts vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a non-dairy milk and vegetable oil.

8. How long will the doughnuts stay fresh?

The doughnuts are best consumed within 24-48 hours. If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 2 days.

9. Can I fill these doughnuts with other fillings?

Absolutely! You can fill them with chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or custard for a different twist.

10. Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?

Yes, a lemon glaze or glaze of your choice would work beautifully on these doughnuts for an added sweetness.

Conclusion

These lemon-filled doughnuts are a delightful, citrus-infused treat that’s sure to brighten up your day. With their soft, fluffy texture and tangy lemon curd filling, they make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are a lighter alternative to traditional doughnuts but are just as delicious. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends, these lemon-filled doughnuts are a sweet, refreshing way to indulge.