Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brightens your day, look no further! These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy goodness and zesty lemon flavor. Every bite offers a refreshing twist, especially with that crunchy lemon-infused sugar coating. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a family gathering, these donuts bring joy to any occasion.

I love how easy they are to whip up. In just over 20 minutes, you can have a batch of warm donuts ready to enjoy! They’re fantastic for brunches, cozy weekends, or even as an afternoon snack. Trust me; once you make them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can bake these delicious donuts in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet and tangy flavor. Perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These donuts store well, so you can prepare them in advance for busy mornings.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve something sweet!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand!

For the Donuts

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk (or milk substitute)
• ⅓ cup melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for coating)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your flavorings or toppings.

• Add Some Spice: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth.
• Try Different Citrus: Substitute lime or orange juice and zest for a delightful twist on the classic lemon flavor.
• Glaze Instead of Coating: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice instead of rolling in sugar for an elegant finish.
• Top with Fruits: Serve these donuts with fresh berries or a fruit compote for added freshness and color.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your donut pan at this point ensures that your donuts will easily pop out after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is key as it evenly distributes the leavening agents throughout the flour, ensuring fluffy donuts.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a smooth batter full of citrusy goodness!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your donuts light and airy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cavity in your greased donut pan about two-thirds full. This allows room for rising without overflowing during baking.

Step 6: Bake Your Donuts

Bake the donuts for about 10–12 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean—a sign they’re perfectly baked!

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Sugar Coating

While your donuts are baking, mix together ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon zest. This mixture will give each donut that delightful sugary crunch we all love!

Step 8: Cool Down

Let your baked donuts cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them slightly makes dipping easier later on.

Step 9: Coat in Lemon Sugar

Once they’re cool enough to handle, roll each donut in your prepared lemon sugar coating until well covered. This final touch adds sweetness and that zesty zing!

And there you have it—delicious Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts ready to share with family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few handy tips, you can make your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts even better!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and real lemons make a significant difference in flavor. The zest and juice of fresh lemons provide that bright, zesty taste that bottled lemon juice simply can’t match.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to denser donuts that lack that airy texture we all love.
• Cool Before Coating: Letting your donuts cool slightly before rolling them in the lemon sugar prevents the sugar from melting away. This helps create a beautiful, crunchy coating that adds an extra zing to each bite.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other flavors to your batter, such as poppy seeds or blueberries, for a fun twist. These additions can enhance both the texture and taste while keeping the lemon as the star.
• Store Properly: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them individually and thaw as needed!

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

These delightful Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts not only taste amazing but also look beautiful when served just right. Here are some ideas to elevate your donut experience!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and makes them appear extra tempting.
• Lemon Slices: Fresh lemon slices placed on the plate can enhance presentation while reinforcing the citrus theme of the dish.
• Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus can balance out the sweetness of the donuts while adding freshness.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored Greek yogurt provides creaminess and protein, making this pairing feel more satisfying.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: The rich flavors of coffee or soothing herbal tea create a perfect beverage companion that enhances the overall enjoyment of your sweet treats.
• Smoothies: A refreshing smoothie made with greens and fruits can make for a deliciously healthy side that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the donuts.

Now you’re all set to bake and serve these scrumptious Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts! Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. With their delightful flavor, you can make a batch ahead of time and have a treat ready whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow donuts to cool completely before storage.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze baked donuts by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave a donut for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts:

Can I use gluten-free flour for Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s suitable for baking to achieve the best texture.

How do I enhance the lemon flavor in my Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts?

To boost the lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or a bit more fresh lemon juice to the batter. Just be careful not to add too much liquid!

Can I make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts without eggs?

Yes! You can replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

What’s the best way to enjoy Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts?

These donuts are delightful as is, but pairing them with tea or coffee enhances their refreshing lemony goodness. Enjoy them fresh or stored for later!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen! Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are not only simple to make but also offer a delightful burst of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or enjoying one as an afternoon treat, I know you’ll love these fluffy delights. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!