Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your dessert table. Soft and fluffy, these donuts feature a crisp exterior and are generously coated in lemon-infused sugar. Perfect for brunch, afternoon snacks, or even as a sweet gift, they add a refreshing twist to classic baked goods. With their bright flavor profile, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 22 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives these donuts a vibrant taste that brightens any meal.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a snack. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea.
• Light and Fluffy: The baked nature of these donuts ensures they are light without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add different toppings to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your batter into perfect donuts for baking, giving them that classic look.
• Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to combine wet and dry ingredients easily without mess.
• Piping bag: Using a piping bag makes filling the donut cavities clean and efficient, ensuring even-sized donuts.
• Wire rack: Cooling the donuts on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing airflow around them.

Ingredients

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are made with simple ingredients that deliver incredible flavor.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Coating Ingredients

• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well to prevent sticking during baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients:
1. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon:
1. Fill each donut cavity about ⅔ full with the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Place the pan in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Lemon Sugar Coating

While the donuts bake:
1. Mix ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a small bowl for coating.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

After baking:
1. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Coat in Lemon Sugar

Once cool enough to handle:
1. Roll each donut in the lemon sugar coating until fully covered.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts!

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your donut experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve warm donuts alongside a mix of fresh berries for a colorful and refreshing contrast. The tartness of the berries complements the zesty lemon flavor beautifully.

Drizzled with Lemon Glaze

• Create a simple lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice. Drizzle it over the donuts for an extra sweet and tangy finish.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the donuts on a decorative platter with other desserts, such as cookies and cakes. This makes for an appealing dessert table at gatherings or parties.

With Whipped Cream

• Pair each donut with a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture adds richness that balances the lightness of the baked donuts.

Topped with Lemon Curd

• Spread a layer of lemon curd on top of each donut for an intense lemon flavor. This combination is perfect for lemon lovers!

How to Perfect Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

To ensure your Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that rises well.

• Do not overmix: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense rather than fluffy.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. This prevents overly dense donuts caused by too much flour.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready to remove from the oven.

• Cool properly: Allow donuts to cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their delightful flavors. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for added texture and richness alongside your donuts.

3. Coffee or Tea
   Enjoy these treats with a warm cup of coffee or tea, which complements their citrusy flavor nicely.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide savory contrasts to the sweet donuts, making for an interesting pairing.

5. Smoothies
   Blend up refreshing smoothies using similar fruit flavors for an energizing accompaniment to your baked goods.

6. Chocolate Sauce
   A small bowl of warm chocolate sauce allows guests to dip their donuts, adding another layer of deliciousness to this treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Ensure you measure your flour and sugar accurately. Too much flour can lead to dense donuts. Use the spoon and level method for precision.
• Ignoring the mixing technique: Overmixing can make your donuts tough. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Neglecting oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking or dry donuts.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing donuts to cool slightly in the pan is crucial. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to remove without breaking.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Check the expiration dates on baking powder and other ingredients. Fresh ingredients ensure optimal flavor and rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping once for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, while it may change the texture slightly, whole wheat flour can still be used. Just ensure you adjust the liquid content if necessary.

How do I make these donuts dairy-free?

You can replace the whole milk with a plant-based milk substitute and use oil instead of butter.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin as an alternative. Just adjust the baking time accordingly; they may need a few extra minutes.

Can I add other flavors to Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts?

Absolutely! Consider adding poppy seeds, vanilla extract, or even different citrus zests for variety.

How should I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are not only delightful but also versatile enough to customize. You can experiment with different flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Try making these treats today; they are sure to impress family and friends!