Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your dessert table. These soft, fluffy donuts, with their slightly crisp exterior, are coated in lemon-infused sugar, making them perfect for brunches, picnics, or just a sweet afternoon snack. Their zesty taste and simple preparation make them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 22 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest provides a bright, refreshing taste.
• Versatile Treat: Serve these donuts at any gathering—from spring celebrations to cozy family breakfasts.
• Baked Instead of Fried: Enjoy all the deliciousness without the extra oil from frying.
• Customizable Coating: Mix up the sugar coating with different flavors like vanilla or orange for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your batter into perfect donuts without the need for frying.
• Mixing bowls: Use these to combine dry and wet ingredients separately for better results.

Ingredients

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are soft, fluffy treats with a zesty lemon flavor and a slightly crisp exterior, coated in lemon-infused sugar for a refreshing twist on a classic baked dessert.

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 Coating

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

How to Make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 2 teaspoons baking powder
4. ½ teaspoon baking soda
5. ½ teaspoon salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. 2 large eggs
2. ½ cup whole milk (or milk substitute)
3. ⅓ cup melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
4. Zest of 1 lemon
5. 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined; do not overmix to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Fill each cavity of your donut pan about two-thirds full using a piping bag or spoon.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Coating While Baking

While the donuts bake, mix:
1. ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon zest.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Coat in Lemon Sugar

Once cooled enough to handle, roll each donut in the lemon sugar coating until well covered.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts!

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few extras can elevate the experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these zesty treats.

With Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries: Serve your donuts with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of sweetness.
• Berry Compote: Drizzle warm berry compote over the donuts for an added layer of flavor.

With Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Herbal Tea: A refreshing herbal tea complements the lemon notes in the donuts perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Dessert Board: Arrange the donuts alongside other desserts like cookies or brownies for a fun dessert platter at gatherings.
• Ice Cream: Top each donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

With Glaze Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts for a rich contrast to the lemon flavor.
• Coconut Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with coconut milk for a tropical twist that pairs well with lemon.

How to Perfect Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

For the best results when making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, follow these tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time.

• bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality lemons will enhance the flavor of your donuts significantly.
• bold Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.
• bold Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the right texture and sweetness.
• bold Cool Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before rolling them in lemon sugar; this helps the coating stick better.
• bold Experiment with Zest: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest based on your preference for intensity in flavor.
• bold Store Properly: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

While Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are delightful by themselves, pairing them with tasty side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy contrast to sweet donuts.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the donuts.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Savory scrambled eggs provide protein and complement the sweetness of your dessert.
4. Cheese Platter: Serve assorted cheeses for a savory option that contrasts nicely with lemony flavors.
5. Nut Butter Dip: A dip made from almond or peanut butter can add creaminess that pairs well with baked goods.
6. Pancakes or Waffles: For a brunch spread, include pancakes or waffles topped with syrup alongside your delicious donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, it’s easy to fall into some common traps. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough donuts. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect the outcome. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the cooling step: If you don’t let the donuts cool before coating, the sugar won’t stick well. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
• Using old baking powder or baking soda: Expired leavening agents can cause your donuts to be dense. Always check freshness before using.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the donuts’ exterior while leaving them raw inside. Use an oven thermometer if unsure about accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5–7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors besides lemon?

Yes! You can experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a different flavor profile.

How do I make these donuts gluten-free?

To make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Can I add toppings to my Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts?

Absolutely! Consider adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a glaze for extra flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover lemon donuts?

Store leftover Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are not only delightful but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and occasions. With their zesty flavor and fluffy texture, they make an excellent dessert or snack. Feel free to customize your batch by adding different flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the bright taste of spring!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: About 12 donuts 1x

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Description

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the soft, fluffy texture of baked donuts with a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. These donuts feature a lightly crisp exterior and are generously coated in lemon-infused sugar, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a vibrant spring gathering. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe takes just 22 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to indulge in these zesty delights without the fuss of frying. Customize your lemon sugar coating or pair them with fresh berries for an elevated dessert experience.

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Ingredients

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• 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 substitute)
• ⅓ cup melted butter (or oil)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and juice until combined.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed.
5. Fill each cavity in the donut pan two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown; let cool slightly on a wire rack.
7. For the coating, mix granulated sugar with lemon zest and roll cooled donuts in this mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg