Ever since I started baking, I’ve been captivated by the joy that a perfectly baked donut brings to the table. Today, I want to share one of my favorite treats: Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts. These donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with a bright, zesty lemon flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving just the right touch of sweetness balanced by the tanginess of lemon. I love how baking these donuts fills my kitchen with the fresh, citrusy aroma that makes every morning feel special.
What makes these donuts truly irresistible is their simplicity and versatility. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. With basic kitchen tools and ingredients you likely already have, you can create a batch that will delight family, friends, or even just yourself. Their soft texture and sugary lemon coating make them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s affordable and easy to customize. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, which makes them lighter and slightly healthier while still being indulgent. You can easily adjust the sugar coating or lemon zest to suit your taste, or even add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a new flavor twist. These donuts are perfect for casual gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or even just a weekend baking project that fills your home with warmth and delicious scents.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can drizzle a simple glaze over the donuts, dust them with powdered sugar, or coat them in a mix of sugar and lemon zest for extra brightness. They pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature.
Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for sugar coating)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
These ingredients combine to create donuts that are tender, flavorful, and delightfully sweet with a refreshing citrus kick. They’re the perfect introduction to baked donuts if you’ve never tried them, and a reliable go-to recipe for seasoned bakers who love a quick, satisfying treat.
How to Prepare Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
Preparing these Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts is straightforward, quick, and incredibly satisfying. The steps are designed to be easy to follow, ensuring a tender, flavorful donut every time. I’ve broken down the process in detail so even beginners can bake with confidence.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, lightly grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures the donuts come out cleanly. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour for extra assurance. Having the oven ready before mixing the batter ensures the donuts bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a whisk helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key for light, fluffy donuts. If you like a subtle spice note, you can also add ground cinnamon at this stage to incorporate it uniformly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture lightly with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth and slightly frothy. Using fresh lemon zest gives the donuts a bright, natural flavor, while lemon juice adds a gentle tang. Make sure the butter is cooled slightly before mixing with eggs to avoid curdling.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donuts dense. A few small lumps are perfectly fine—they will bake out and leave the donuts tender and airy. Transition words like “next,” “after that,” and “then” ensure you follow the steps in order without missing anything.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easier control. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing. Smooth the tops gently with the back of a spoon or spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden on top. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots, ensuring even cooking. While baking, the kitchen will fill with a delicious citrus aroma that makes waiting worthwhile.
Step 7: Prepare the Sugar Coating
While the donuts bake, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with optional ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This mixture will coat the warm donuts, giving them a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior. You can also zest additional lemon into the sugar for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Step 8: Coat the Donuts
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes. Gently transfer them to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dip each donut into the sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly. The warmth helps the sugar adhere without melting entirely.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, slightly warm from the oven. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days, though they are usually gone much faster because they are so irresistible.
Tips for Customization
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Add a light glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.
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Mix in poppy seeds for a classic lemon-poppy flavor.
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Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.
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Adjust sugar coating to taste—less sugar for a tangier bite, more for sweeter donuts.
These donuts are quick, easy, and popular with anyone who tries them. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of the day.
PrintLemon Sugar Baked Donuts
These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. They are easy to make, affordable, and versatile, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or casual gatherings. The baked method ensures a tender texture without the need for frying, while the sugar coating adds the perfect sweet finish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for sugar coating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray, optionally dust with flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat lightly until smooth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; small lumps are fine.
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Pipe into donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Smooth tops gently.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pan halfway through baking if necessary.
- While baking, mix 1/2 cup sugar with optional cinnamon and extra lemon zest for coating.
- Let donuts cool in pan for 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. While slightly warm, coat each donut in sugar mixture evenly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
Notes
For a sweeter, more pronounced lemon flavor, add extra zest to the sugar coating.
Avoid overmixing batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
Optional glaze or toppings can enhance flavor and presentation.
FAQs
1. Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps the donuts rise and stay tender.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?
Absolutely. You can use powdered sugar, coconut sugar, or a mix of granulated sugar with finely grated lemon zest. Each option gives a slightly different texture and sweetness, so feel free to experiment.
3. How long do these donuts stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheating them for a few seconds in the microwave refreshes their softness.
4. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them before coating with sugar. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature, then coat with sugar before serving.
5. Can I add toppings or glaze?
Definitely. A simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice enhances sweetness and adds extra shine. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle crushed nuts for variety.
6. Can I make these donuts in a muffin pan?
Yes. Fill the muffin pan about three-quarters full. Baking time may increase slightly—check with a toothpick for doneness. The texture will be similar, though the shape will differ.