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Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe

4.6 from 71 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to ensure easy release after baking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare lemon sugar coating: While donuts bake, mix the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a shallow bowl for coating.
  8. 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.
  9. 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