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If you’ve ever dreamed of a bright, citrusy treat that feels like sunshine in every bite, then you’re going to fall in love with this Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe. These donuts have just the right balance of soft, tender crumb and zesty lemon flavor, coated in a sweet lemon sugar that adds a delightful sparkle with every nibble. Baked rather than fried, they’re a lighter, irresistibly fresh way to enjoy a classic comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and overall experience of these donuts. From the tang of fresh lemon to the richness of melted butter, every ingredient is essential.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the donuts their soft but structured texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the donuts rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and adds a slight lift for lightness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the dough’s richness.
- ½ cup whole milk (or substitute): Moisturizes the batter for a tender bite.
- â…“ cup melted butter (or oil): Adds richness and moisture, giving the donuts their satisfying mouthfeel.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The star of the show—fresh lemon brightens the flavor with citrusy zing.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Lightly grease your donut pan to ensure the baked donuts release easily after cooking—this step saves you a lot of frustration later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination of leaveners and seasonings is what allows your donuts to rise perfectly and taste balanced.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and freshly grated lemon zest and juice until smooth and well blended. The freshness of lemon here starts infusing the batter with that unmistakable citrus aroma.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones, then gently fold the batter until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This delicate mixing keeps the donuts light and tender.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity in the donut pan about two-thirds full. This ensures the donuts rise to the perfect height without overflowing, creating those beautiful, classic donut shapes.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the donuts are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before handling—they’re still delicate!
Step 7: Coat with Lemon Sugar
While your donuts cool, prepare a coating by mixing granulated sugar with a bit more lemon zest. Roll each donut gently in this mixture, letting the sugar stick to the warm surface and infuse extra zing and sparkle, creating that signature finish that makes this Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely presentation and extra burst of brightness, sprinkle a bit of finely grated lemon zest or even a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. A thin drizzle of glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar can add a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad to tie in the lemon flavor and keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a couple of these lemon sugar baked donuts on a pretty plate and thread a ribbon around the stack to gift to friends or family—it’s a charming, edible gift! Or serve them skewered with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a colorful display that doubles as a finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 2 days while maintaining their soft texture and lemony flavor. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigeration but be aware they might lose a bit of tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts to enjoy later! Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh your frozen or leftover donuts, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will bring back the soft texture and revive the slightly crisp lemon sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use oil instead of butter in this Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Using oil instead of butter will still yield moist donuts, though the flavor will be slightly different—oil offers a more neutral taste, while butter adds richness and a little depth.
What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I bake these as muffins?
You can definitely bake this batter as muffins if you don’t have a donut pan. Adjust baking time to about 15–18 minutes and fill the muffin tins about two-thirds full. The flavor remains just as delightful!
How fresh does the lemon zest need to be?
Freshly grated lemon zest makes a big difference in flavor intensity. Pre-packaged zest tends to be less aromatic, so for the brightest lemon punch, always zest fresh lemons just before mixing your batter and sugar coating.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, you can make these donuts gluten-free. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The simple, sweet, and citrusy donuts are perfect for kids, and baking instead of frying makes them a bit healthier. Just watch the lemons’ tartness if your little ones prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe is one of those magical treats that makes your kitchen smell like happiness and your taste buds dance with delight. Whether for breakfast, a teatime snack, or a charming party addition, these donuts are easy to make and utterly crave-worthy. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to when you want something sweet, bright, and effortlessly delicious.
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Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these light and zesty Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, which combine a tender cake-like texture with a bright lemon flavor and a sweet sugary coating. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, these donuts are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter indulgence that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided as 1 cup for batter, additional for coating)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or substitute)
- â…“ cup melted butter (or oil)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Coating
- Granulated sugar (for rolling after baking)
- Lemon zest (mixed with sugar for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal post-baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even leavening and sweetness distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully blended to incorporate the lemon flavor uniformly.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients carefully and fold gently with a spatula just until combined — avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender and light.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts turn golden brown and springs back lightly when touched, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Coat: Remove from oven and let the donuts cool slightly on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the coating by mixing granulated sugar with lemon zest, then gently roll each warm donut in the mixture to coat evenly for a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and melted butter with a neutral oil.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense donuts; fold just until ingredients are combined.
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice is key to getting the vibrant lemon flavor.
- Make sure to grease the donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
