Introduction to Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? When I think of a delightful treat that can brighten any day, my mind immediately goes to Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts. These zesty little wonders are not just a quick solution for a busy morning; they’re also a sweet way to impress your loved ones. With their fluffy texture and tangy lemon flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a dream come true for any home cook. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just about 15 minutes of prep time. Plus, they bake in under 12 minutes! The bright, zesty flavor of lemon dances on your taste buds, making each bite a refreshing delight. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, providing structure and fluffiness.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps your donuts rise, giving them that light texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for an extra lift and a tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and adds a lovely crunch when coated.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; melted for easy mixing.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the donut’s structure.
- Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang; you can substitute with milk and lemon juice if needed.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star of the show, providing that zesty flavor we all love.
- Lemon zest: Adds an aromatic punch, enhancing the lemony goodness.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): This is what gives your donuts that sweet, sugary finish.
- Zest of 1 lemon (for coating): A sprinkle of zest in the sugar elevates the flavor.
- Unsalted butter (for coating): Helps the sugar stick and adds a rich taste.
- Lemon curd (optional): A delicious filling for those who want an extra burst of lemony goodness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a batch of zesty goodness in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. While the oven warms up, grease your donut pan. A well-greased pan ensures your donuts pop out easily, leaving no delicious morsel behind!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agents, which helps your donuts rise beautifully. Trust me, a well-mixed dry blend sets the stage for success!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and flavor, making your donuts irresistibly tasty. The zesty aroma will have you dreaming of sunny days!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. This helps keep your donuts light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the donut pan cavities about ¾ full with the batter. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing. Just imagine those fluffy donuts taking shape!
Step 6: Bake
Pop the filled donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial for doneness, so don’t skip it!
Step 7: Prepare Lemon Sugar Coating
While the donuts are baking, mix the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl. This lemon sugar coating will give your donuts that signature flavor and a delightful crunch. It’s the finishing touch that makes all the difference!
Step 8: Coat the Donuts
Once the donuts are out of the oven and slightly cooled, brush each warm donut with melted butter. Then, roll them in the lemon sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds a sweet, zesty finish that’s simply irresistible!
Step 9: Optional Filling
If you want to take your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts to the next level, use a piping bag with a small tip to fill them with lemon curd. This extra burst of flavor is a fun surprise that will have everyone coming back for more!
Tips for Success
- Always preheat your oven for even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it should be slightly lumpy for fluffy donuts.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before coating to prevent the sugar from melting.
- Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or berry jam for variety!
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan: Essential for shaping your donuts; a muffin tin can work in a pinch.
- Mixing bowls: Use two medium-sized bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients; a fork can also do the job.
- Piping bag: Ideal for filling donuts; a zip-top bag with a corner cut works too.
- Toothpick: For checking doneness; any skewer will suffice.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk and butter.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate lemon twist.
- Berry Burst: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity surprise.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- For a fun presentation, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices.
FAQs about Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
Can I make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before filling the donut pan. Freshly baked donuts are always a hit!
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I use a different flavor instead of lemon?
Of course! While lemon is the star here, you can easily swap it out for orange or lime for a different zesty twist. Just adjust the zest and juice accordingly!
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This homemade substitute works perfectly in your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts!
Can I add fillings to my donuts?
Definitely! Filling your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts with lemon curd or even chocolate ganache can elevate them to a whole new level. Just use a piping bag to inject your favorite filling!
Final Thoughts
Making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with joy and creativity. The bright, zesty flavor brings a smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for you. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them with friends, these donuts create moments of happiness. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible! So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let these Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts brighten your day. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Print
Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts: Discover a Zesty Treat!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously zesty baked donuts coated in lemon sugar, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for coating)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- ½ cup lemon curd (optional filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, buttermilk, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Pipe or spoon batter into donut pan cavities, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool slightly before removing from pan.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest. Place melted butter in another bowl.
- Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll in lemon sugar until fully coated.
- Use a piping bag with a small tip to fill donuts with lemon curd for an extra burst of flavor (optional).
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter for a light texture.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
