Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze
Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen. Now, picture those donuts infused with vibrant lemon flavor and topped with a sweet, zesty glaze. These Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze are not just a delightful treat; they’re a celebration of citrusy goodness and the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will surely brighten your day.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze are not your average dessert; they’re a versatile addition to any gathering or brunch. They offer a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, making them suitable for both special occasions and everyday indulgences. The bright lemon flavor is refreshing and uplifting, perfect for springtime celebrations or a simple pick-me-up. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste.
The Essentials
To whip up these delightful donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large egg: This will help bind the ingredients together.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and to balance the tartness of the lemons.
- 6 ounces Greek yogurt: Using 0% fat Fage adds creaminess and moisture; sour cream is a great substitute.
- ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil: This keeps the donuts tender and moist.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Fresh zest enhances the lemon flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract: This provides a robust lemon flavor that makes the donuts shine.
- A few drops of yellow food coloring: Optional, for a vibrant look.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for our donuts.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the donuts rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup confectioners sugar: For the sweet lemon glaze.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: To achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start baking, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Donut pan: Essential for shaping our baked donuts.
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure your mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your bowl.
- Cooling rack: To cool your donuts after baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting any ingredients, if necessary.
Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze: From Prep to Plate
Making Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps to create your own batch.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, leading to a lighter donut texture. Next, add the Greek yogurt, canola oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract. If you choose to use yellow food coloring, add a few drops now. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the donut pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove the donuts from the pan and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Lemon Glaze
While the donuts cool, prepare the lemon glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar and lemon juice. Adjust the amount of lemon juice as needed to achieve your desired glaze consistency—thicker for a more generous coating or thinner for a drizzle.
Step 9: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over the donuts with a spoon for a beautiful finish. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
These Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze can easily be adapted for different occasions:
- Blueberry Lemon Donuts: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Lavender Lemon Donuts: Incorporate culinary lavender into the batter for a unique floral flavor.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Add poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top the glazed donuts with melted chocolate for a rich contrast.
Avoid These Mistakes
To ensure your Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to dense donuts.
- Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for the recommended time to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the glaze consistency gradually; it’s easier to add more liquid than to fix an overly thin glaze.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your donuts fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- These donuts can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Quick Questions
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or even regular yogurt for a similar effect.
What can I use instead of lemon extract?
If you don’t have lemon extract, you can use additional lemon zest for flavor, but it may not be as strong.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
The donuts are done when they are golden brown around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What to Make After This
After enjoying your Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze, consider trying these delightful recipes:
Let’s Eat
There you have it—your guide to making scrumptious Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze! With their bright flavor and fluffy texture, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether it’s a sunny brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, these treats are perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the delightful world of lemony goodness. Enjoy every bite!
Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add Greek yogurt, canola oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract. If using, mix in yellow food coloring.
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Spray the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Fill each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week for longer storage.
- These donuts can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
