Lemon Baked Donuts – Light, Fluffy & Irresistible!
If you’re craving a healthier alternative to fried donuts, these lemon baked donuts with poppy seeds are the perfect choice.
Soft, airy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavour, this recipe gives you all the comfort of a donut, with the added benefit of being baked instead of fried.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Baked, Not Fried – A healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Bright Lemon Flavour with a Crunch – A perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a hint of texture from poppy seeds.
- Easy & Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes!
If you enjoy lemon-flavored desserts, be sure to check out our Perfect Moist Lemon Loaf Cake and Lemon Bars for more delicious citrus treats!
Ingredients for the Lemon Baked Donuts Batter;
- 75 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
- 150 ml sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- 220 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Baked Donuts;
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a donut pan with a little butter or oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the egg with the sugar, sour cream, melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients – Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined.
- Fill the Pan – Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze – Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Lemon Glaze for Your Donuts;
- In a bowl, add the powdered sugar.
- Gradually mix in the lemon juice while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth and even consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but not too runny.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
How to Decorate Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts:
Option 1: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top using a spoon. Let the glaze set before serving.
Option 2: Pour the glaze into a sturdy plastic bag. Seal the bag and cut a small corner off. Squeeze gently to create thin lines or patterns over the donuts, such as zigzags or spirals.
Let the glazed donuts rest until the glaze firms up. Serve and enjoy your beautifully decorated lemon poppy seed baked donuts!
Looking for more lemony goodness? Try our Perfect Moist Lemon Loaf Cake and Lemon Bars for more citrus-infused treats!
Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Donuts
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Donut Batter
- 75 g unsalted butter softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
- 150 ml sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- 220 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a donut pan with a little butter or oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the egg with the sugar, sour cream, melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients – Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined.
- Fill the Pan – Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze – Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze:
- In a bowl, add the powdered sugar.
- Gradually mix in the lemon juice while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth and even consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but not too runny.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious recipe as much as I do! If you’d like to explore more of my culinary adventures, feel free to follow me on my:
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While I may be new to the scene, I’m driven by my passion for creating tasty dishes to share with others. Let’s cook and enjoy together!
FAQs about Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Donuts:
Q: How do I store baked donuts?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Q: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative and adds extra protein!
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