Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts Recipe
If you have a soft spot for treats that dance on the edge of fruity freshness and sweet indulgence, these Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a tender, airy donut that’s just the right amount of cakey, followed by a bright, citrus glaze that perfectly balances sweetness with a zesty punch. These baked delights are not only simple to whip up but also bring a sunshine-infused twist to your dessert table or afternoon snack. Whether you’re baking for a cozy brunch or an after-dinner treat, these Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts are guaranteed to lift your spirits with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a joy because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color for these delightful Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts.
- 250 g flour: The foundation for structure and that tender crumb every donut should have.
- 60 g sugar: Adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the fresh lemon notes.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures your donuts rise to light perfection.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and helps with browning.
- 125 ml milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: The star ingredient that infuses every bite with bright citrusy aroma and flavor.
- 50 g butter: Adds richness and a buttery softness that makes these donuts so irresistible.
- Glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice): The finishing touch that gives the donuts a shiny, sweet, and tangy coating.
How to Make Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C so it’s perfectly heated by the time your batter is ready. This ensures even baking and a light texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. This combination of leaveners is key to your donuts’ fluffy rise and tenderness.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, gently beat the egg, then add milk, melted butter, and fresh lemon zest. The zest is where the magic of those citrus notes really begins to build.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep the donuts light and airy.
Step 5: Bake Your Donut Batter
Pour the batter into your donut pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until your donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. The smell will be heavenly.
Step 6: Dip in Lemon Glaze
Once cooled, dip your donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This glossy coat adds the perfect sweet and tart finish that makes these treats incredibly addictive.
How to Serve Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a few tiny edible flowers can brighten up the look of your Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts, giving them a fresh, inviting appeal that makes them almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
Pair your donuts with a cup of freshly brewed tea or lively sparkling lemonade to complement that citrusy glaze perfectly. A dollop of whipped cream alongside can also turn this simple snack into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the donuts on a pretty tiered cake stand for a brunch gathering or placing them beside a bowl of fresh berries to add vibrant colors to the table. You can even drizzle some extra glaze over the top just before serving for an irresistible shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since these donuts are baked, they stay fresh best when kept in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoyed within one day, maintaining their soft texture and fresh glaze.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the donuts before glazing. Once frozen, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze fresh.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop the donuts in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in an oven preheated to 150°C. This brings back the donut’s fluffy charm without melting the lemon glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?
Powdered sugar is ideal because it dissolves smoothly to create that classic glaze texture, but if you only have regular granulated sugar, you might want to blend it into a fine powder first or make a syrup glaze instead.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter, which will still keep the donuts tender and flavorful while catering to dairy-free diets.
Can these donuts be fried instead of baked?
This recipe is designed for baking, which gives the donuts that light texture and reduces oil usage, but you could adapt the batter slightly for frying if you prefer a crispier exterior with a soft inside.
How long does the lemon glaze keep on the donuts?
The glaze is best enjoyed fresh as it can start to absorb moisture and lose its glossiness after a day, which is why glazing just before serving is highly recommended for peak presentation and taste.
Are these donuts suitable for baking without a donut pan?
While a donut pan gives the perfect shape, you can use muffin tins as an alternative, just keep in mind the shape and baking time will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts truly bring sunshine to any day with their delightful balance of soft cake and tangy glaze. They are so simple to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests or enjoy as a special treat just for yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want them on your regular baking rotation – bright, breezy, and utterly addictive!
