Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts offer a light, refreshing twist on a classic treat. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a bright citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix them into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Step 3: Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: While the donuts are still warm, prepare the lemon sugar by mixing additional granulated sugar with lemon zest in a shallow bowl.
- Step 6: Dip each donut into the lemon sugar mixture, coating the surface evenly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
- Try adding a dusting of powdered sugar instead of lemon sugar if you prefer a milder sweetness.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and warm them briefly in the microwave before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin pan, but the shape and texture will be different as the batter will not have the characteristic donut hole shape.
Do I need to use fresh lemons for the zest?
Fresh lemons provide the best flavor for zesting, but if unavailable, you can use bottled lemon zest or lemon peel, though the taste may be less vibrant.
PrintLemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe
Delight in these bright and fluffy Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, a perfect treat that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the sweet crunch of sugar. These baked donuts offer a lighter alternative to fried ones while maintaining a soft, tender crumb and a deliciously tangy coating that’s sure to brighten your day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to ensure easy release after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined, distributing leavening agents evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until the wet mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Create the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare lemon sugar coating: While donuts bake, mix the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a shallow bowl for coating.
- Coat the donuts: Once the donuts are slightly cooled but still warm, gently dip each donut into the lemon sugar mixture to coat evenly, then place on a cooling rack.
- Serve: Enjoy these lemon sugar baked donuts fresh for the best flavor and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
- Ensure the batter is not overmixed to avoid dense donuts.
- The lemon sugar coating is best applied while the donuts are warm for better adhesion.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Use a piping bag for neat and even filling of the donut pan.
- Donut pans are preferred for authentic shape, but muffin tins can be used as a substitute for mini-cakes.
Keywords: lemon donuts, baked donuts, lemon sugar donuts, breakfast treats, easy baked donuts
