Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze

There’s something truly magical about the bright, zesty flavor of lemon in baked goods. These Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy as a sweet treat any time. They are fluffy, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, all topped off with a luscious lemon glaze. Let’s dive into the details of making these scrumptious donuts that are sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, these baked lemon donuts are incredibly easy to make. Unlike their fried counterparts, these donuts are baked, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. The combination of Greek yogurt and lemon zest creates a moist texture, while the glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack. You’ll find yourself reaching for these delightful donuts time and again!

What Goes Into Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these delightful donuts:

• 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent for the ingredients.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a lovely texture.
• 6 ounces Greek yogurt – I used 0% fat Fage; sour cream may be substituted. It provides moisture and a slight tang.
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil – Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Infuses the donuts with vibrant lemon flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract – Enhances the lemon flavor without the acidity of juice.
• A few drops of yellow food coloring (optional) – For a cheerful lemon hue.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the donuts.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the donuts rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the yogurt to create a fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup confectioners sugar – For the sweet glaze.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice – Adjusts the glaze consistency and adds tang.

Setup & Equipment

Before you begin baking, gather your equipment:

• Donut pan – Essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
• Mixing bowls – For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk – To mix your ingredients smoothly.
• Rubber spatula – For folding in ingredients without deflating the batter.
• Cooling rack – To let the donuts cool before glazing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze: From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delightful Baked Lemon Donuts.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts will bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or use a silicone donut pan for easy release. This step is crucial to prevent sticking!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. Then, add the Greek yogurt, canola oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract. If using food coloring, add a few drops to achieve your desired shade. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine just until no dry flour is visible.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full. This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen!

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the donuts to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the lemon glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack to set the glaze.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Your Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh with a cup of coffee or tea, and watch them disappear in no time.

Better-for-You Options

If you’re looking to make these donuts a bit healthier, consider these options:

• Use whole grain flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce sugar: You can decrease the granulated sugar by ¼ cup without significantly impacting texture.
• Try unsweetened applesauce: Replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to lower the fat content.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Chef’s Rationale

Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also provide a refreshing zing with their citrus flavor. The use of Greek yogurt keeps the donuts moist while also adding protein, making them a more balanced treat. The lemon glaze, while sweet, enhances the bright flavor of the donuts without overpowering them. This balance of flavors and textures showcases why this recipe is a hit among donut lovers!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

These donuts can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment. Here are some tips:

• Store unglazed donuts: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
• Glaze before serving: It’s best to glaze the donuts just before serving to maintain the glaze’s texture.
• Reheat for freshness: If you’ve frozen the donuts, let them thaw and warm them slightly in the microwave before glazing for that fresh-baked taste.

Ask & Learn

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

While lemon juice can add flavor, it lacks the concentrated essence of lemon extract. For the best flavor, stick to lemon extract in this recipe.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin pan to make lemon muffins instead! Just adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes.

Can I add other flavors to the donuts?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts such as vanilla or almond, or even add poppy seeds for a delightful twist.

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them!

Wrap-Up

These Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze are a delightful treat that brings sunshine to your table. Their light, fluffy texture and vibrant flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or surprising a loved one with a sweet gift, they are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible donuts!

Baked Lemon Donuts with Lemon Glaze

These Baked Lemon Donuts are fluffy and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a luscious lemon glaze!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent
• ¾ cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and texture
• 6 ounces Greek yogurt 0% fat Fage; sour cream may be substituted
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil Keeps the donuts moist
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest Infuses donuts with lemon flavor
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract Enhances lemon flavor
• A few drops yellow food coloring (optional) for color
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour Base of the donuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the donuts rise
• ½ teaspoon baking soda Works with yogurt for fluffiness
• ½ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
• 1 cup confectioners sugar For the glaze
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice Adjusts glaze consistency

Equipment

• Donut Pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or use a silicone donut pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and granulated sugar until well combined. Add Greek yogurt, canola oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract; mix until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no dry flour is visible.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
10. Dip the tops of cooled donuts into the lemon glaze and allow excess to drip off.
11. Serve and enjoy your Baked Lemon Donuts!

Notes

• Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Glaze donuts just before serving for best texture.
• If frozen, thaw and warm slightly before glazing.