Lemon Donuts Recipe

If you are craving a bright and zesty treat that feels like sunshine on a plate, look no further than this Lemon Donuts Recipe. These donuts are wonderfully fluffy with just the right hint of tart lemon flavor that wakes up your taste buds instantly. Whether you want a quick breakfast indulgence or a delightful snack to share with friends, these lemon donuts combine the perfect sweetness and tang in every bite. Their soft texture and vibrant citrus notes make them an absolute crowd-pleaser anytime of the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this Lemon Donuts Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the flour that provides structure to the lemon zest that brings the vibrant flavor to life.

• 2 cups flour: The base that creates the tender and fluffy donut texture you love.
• ¾ cups sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of lemon.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise perfectly and stay light.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cups buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang for extra depth.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to a soft crumb.
• 2 tbsp butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the donuts tender.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Infuses fresh citrus brightness in every bite.
• ½ tsp lemon extract: Amplifies the lemon flavor for that extra punch.
• 2 tbsp lemon zest: Brings vibrant color and zesty fragrance to the donuts.
• ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp lemon zest (for coating): Creates a sweet, flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Used for dipping to help the sugar-and-lemon coating stick beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and generously spray a 6-cavity donut pan with baking spray. This ensures your donuts come out perfectly without sticking and with a nice golden finish.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until everything is evenly combined. This dry mix creates the foundation of your donut batter and guarantees that your donuts will bake evenly.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest to your dry mixture. Whisk everything carefully until the batter is smooth and homogenous, bursting with lemon freshness and ready to bake.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter into the Donut Pan

Transfer your smooth batter into a large piping bag and snip the tip off. This technique helps you fill each donut cavity cleanly and evenly, making sure every mold is perfectly portioned. Fill each cavity nearly to the top.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for exactly 9 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan and allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes to firm up before gently transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. This step prevents soggy bottoms and keeps the donuts light.

Step 6: Repeat Until All Batter Is Used

Continue filling the donut pan with remaining batter and baking batches until no batter remains. Freshly baked donuts are best served warm and coated promptly for maximum flavor and texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Sugar and Butter Coating

In two separate small bowls, mix sugar and lemon zest in one, and melt the unsalted butter in the other. Having these ready for dipping gives your donuts that signature glossy, zesty finish.

Step 8: Dip Donuts in Butter

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the melted butter until lightly coated. This step ensures the lemon sugar sticks perfectly and adds rich moisture to every bite.

Step 9: Coat with Lemon Sugar

Next, immediately dip the butter-coated donuts into the lemon sugar mixture. This creates a sparkling, flavorful crust that makes these donuts stand out with both texture and taste.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Lemon Donuts

Once coated, place the donuts back on the wire rack to set briefly, then sink your teeth into the bright and fluffy joy that is your homemade lemon donuts. Share or savor solo—the delight is undeniable.

How to Serve Lemon Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Lemon Donuts Recipe beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra sprinkles of fresh lemon zest on top enhance the visual appeal and zing of lemon zestiness. If you’re feeling fancy, a thin drizzle of lemon glaze or white chocolate can add a tasty contrast to the citrus base.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with bright and refreshing sides. A small bowl of fresh berries, a cup of chilled lemonade, or even a light herbal tea like chamomile or mint complements their lemony sweetness perfectly. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference when sharing this Lemon Donuts Recipe with friends. Arrange the donuts on a tiered cake stand for a charming display or serve them in rustic baskets lined with parchment paper for a picnic feel. You can also skewer a few mini donuts on sticks to create fun lemony donut pops – great for parties and kids!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover lemon donuts, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, just like the day you baked them. Avoid refrigerating as that can dry them out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your lemon donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for an hour or so.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or leftover lemon donuts back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This warms them without drying out the tender crumb and refreshes the sweet lemon flavors perfectly.

FAQs

What makes these lemon donuts different from regular donuts?

This Lemon Donuts Recipe stands out because of its bright, fresh lemon flavor infused into the batter and the sugary lemon coating, giving these donuts a unique citrusy zing that regular donuts don’t have.

Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice is best for its brightness and flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the amount slightly if it’s more concentrated or has added preservatives.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! To make this Lemon Donuts Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Do I have to use a donut pan to make these?

A donut pan is recommended for the characteristic shape and even baking, but if you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin and then poke a hole in the centers after baking to mimic the donut hole shape.

How long do these lemon donuts keep fresh?

Freshly baked lemon donuts are best eaten within two days at room temperature for optimal softness and flavor. Beyond that, freezing is a good option to preserve freshness.

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing quite as satisfying as homemade, fresh lemon donuts that fill your kitchen with their irresistible citrus aroma. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this Lemon Donuts Recipe turns any ordinary day into a special occasion. So don’t wait—grab your donut pan and whip up a batch to share the joy and tangy sweetness with those you love!

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