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 and fluffy donuts are perfect for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to afternoon snacks. Coated in lemon-infused sugar, they offer a refreshing twist on traditional baked desserts. With their light texture and zesty taste, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 22 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or unexpected guests.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest ensures each bite is filled with vibrant citrus goodness.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—these donuts fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add toppings or fillings like glaze or fruit to make them uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag (or spoon)

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts perfectly, ensuring they rise beautifully and maintain their form.
• Mixing bowls: Having different sizes allows for easy mixing of wet and dry ingredients separately for better consistency.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps blend ingredients quickly and thoroughly, resulting in a smooth batter.
• Piping bag: When filling the donut pan, a piping bag offers precision and minimizes mess compared to using a spoon.

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 Batter

• 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)

How to Make Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Greasing the pan prevents sticking and ensures an easy release once baked.

Step 2: Mix 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: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the following until well combined:
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: Mix Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined; do not overmix as this can lead to dense donuts.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Fill each donut pan cavity about ⅔ full using a piping bag or spoon to avoid overflowing while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and when tested with a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Coating

While baking, mix together:
1. ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon zest for the coating.

Step 8: Cool Donuts

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

Step 9: Coat in Sugar

Once cool 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 deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve these donuts alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fruity contrast that complements the lemon flavor.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top of each donut.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include these donuts in a brunch spread with other breakfast items like muffins, croissants, and fresh fruit for a delightful variety.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts with a cup of coffee or tea. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with both hot beverages.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top each donut with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and texture; this is perfect for special occasions.

Served Warm

• For the best taste, serve the donuts warm right out of the oven or reheat them briefly to maintain their fluffy texture.

How to Perfect Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Achieving the perfect Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure the right texture.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together; overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
• Use fresh lemon juice: For maximum flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled varieties.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your donuts are ready.
• Allow cooling time: Let the donuts cool slightly before rolling them in sugar to prevent melting the coating.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different citrus zests or spices like cinnamon for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts can be complemented beautifully by several side dishes. Here’s a list of great options.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light touch and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and more fresh fruit for a creamy contrast.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: A nutritious option that brings texture and pairs well with lemon flavors.
4. Oven-Baked Pancakes: Serve thin slices of baked pancakes as an easy finger food side that kids will love.
5. Cinnamon Rolls: Offering another sweet pastry option enhances your dessert table while keeping flavors distinct.
6. Breakfast Quiche: A savory quiche provides balance to the sweet donuts, making it suitable for brunch gatherings.
7. Smoothie Bowl: Create a vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for an energizing complement.
8. Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones introduce savory elements that contrast nicely with sweet donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and affect the donut texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create tough donuts instead of soft and fluffy ones.
• Skipping the greasing step: Greasing your donut pan is crucial. Failing to do this can cause the donuts to stick, making it hard to remove them without breaking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Packing flour down can lead to dense donuts.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your donuts while they bake. Baking too long can dry them out, while underbaking may leave them doughy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds until warm; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts that might help you perfect this delightful treat.

How do I ensure my Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are fluffy?

To achieve fluffy donuts, avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your leavening agents like baking powder are fresh.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative such as almond milk or oat milk without affecting the recipe significantly.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just bake the batter in the muffin cups and adjust the baking time accordingly.

How long do Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts last?

When stored properly, these donuts last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I customize my Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add poppy seeds, alternative citrus zests, or even spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a delightful treat that pairs well with coffee or tea. Their bright lemon flavor and soft texture make them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite flavors or toppings; enjoy experimenting!