Brighten Your Day: Irresistible Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts
These delightfully fluffy lemon cake donuts are baked to golden perfection, then lovingly dunked in a vibrant, slightly tart lemon glaze. They possess an uncanny ability to transform even the most dreary mornings into moments of pure sun-kissed bliss!
Isn’t it amazing how a simple shift in weather can impact our mood? There are days when all we crave is a burst of sunshine, a promise of warmth and brightness. Lately, the skies above have been a persistent shade of grey, bringing with them a chill that clings a little too long. Just last month, we were basking in unexpectedly gorgeous weather for February in Nebraska, a true blessing that hinted at an early spring. Then, as if on cue, Mother Nature decided to dim the lights, plunging us back into a cycle of cold winds and persistent gloom.
Of course, I understand that it’s still technically early spring, and changeable weather is part of the season. But after experiencing a week of brisk winds and overcast skies, it felt as though Spring had momentarily forgotten its role. We all yearn for that vibrant energy that only true sunshine can bring. Rather than waiting for the clouds to part, I decided to take matters into my own hands and bake up a little sunshine right in my kitchen. What better way to chase away the blues than with the vibrant, zesty flavor of lemon? When I think of sweet, uplifting treats, lemon is always at the forefront of my mind.
With a stash of fresh lemons patiently waiting to be used, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect recipe. A little research led me to an intriguing option, and I must say, I am incredibly grateful I took the leap of faith and tried it! The moment these baked lemon donuts emerged from the oven, their bright aroma filled the kitchen, promising something truly special. And they delivered on every promise!
The donuts themselves were a revelation – perfectly fluffy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. But it was the glaze that truly captivated me. Oh, the glaze! It wasn’t just sweet; it was a symphony of bright, tart lemon flavor that perfectly complemented the cakey goodness of the donut. It had that irresistible tang that makes your taste buds sing, a sensation so delightful it makes you want to close your eyes and savor every single moment.
There’s an undeniable magic in pairing a sweet, citrusy baked good with a slightly tart glaze. It creates a harmonious balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. This combination truly offers the best of both worlds: the comforting sweetness of a cake donut elevated by the vibrant zing of fresh lemon. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, a delightful contrast that invigorates your palate and lifts your spirits.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Baked Lemon Donuts
Gone are the days when making donuts meant dealing with messy hot oil and deep frying. Baked donuts offer a fantastic, healthier alternative without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture. These lemon cake donuts are incredibly moist and fluffy, achieving a cake-like consistency that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Baking makes the process much simpler and cleaner, turning donut-making into an enjoyable activity for any home baker, regardless of experience. They are also quicker to prepare from start to finish compared to their fried counterparts, making them an ideal choice for a special breakfast treat or a delightful dessert any day of the week.
Essential Tools: The Mighty Donut Pan
If you haven’t yet invested in a donut pan, what exactly are you waiting for? This humble kitchen gadget is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves homemade donuts. I’ve used mine countless times, and it has never once disappointed. The beauty of a non-stick donut pan is that it ensures your donuts bake up perfectly golden and evenly shaped every single time. Filling the pan is simple: just spoon the batter into each cavity, and watch as they transform into beautiful, airy rings in the oven. It’s truly one of the most reliable and rewarding baking tools you can own, opening up a world of baked donut possibilities beyond just lemon!
The Art of Glazing
Once your delectable lemon donuts are hot and fresh out of the pan, the next crucial step is the glazing. This is where the magic truly happens, transforming a simple cake donut into an irresistible treat. Carefully remove them from the pan as soon as they are cool enough to handle. While still warm, gently dunk the top of each donut into the prepared lemon glaze. The warmth of the donut helps the glaze set beautifully, creating a thin, shiny, and intensely flavorful coating. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off and for the glaze to set completely. This ensures a perfect finish and prevents them from sticking to surfaces. The combination of the warm donut and the fresh, tart glaze is simply divine.
Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Donuts
Achieving bakery-quality baked lemon donuts at home is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips:
- Donut Pan Preparation: Even if your pan is non-stick, a light spray with cooking spray is highly recommended to ensure the donuts release effortlessly. This also contributes to a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: For fluffy cake donuts, it’s crucial not to overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher donut.
- Filling the Pan: For a cleaner process and perfectly shaped donuts, consider using a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) to pipe the batter into the donut cavities. This helps avoid messy edges and ensures even filling.
- Lemon Zest vs. Extract: The recipe specifically calls for lemon extract, noting “no substitutions.” Lemon extract provides a concentrated, pure lemon flavor that’s hard to achieve with just zest or juice in the cake itself. Use fresh lemon zest in addition to the extract for a brighter, more aromatic touch.
- Glaze Consistency: The glaze is key to these donuts. Start by adding the lemon juice to the powdered sugar slowly, whisking continuously. You want a consistency that’s thick enough to cling to the donut but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice (or milk/water). If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar. It’s always easier to add more liquid than to recover from a too-runny glaze.
- Warm Glaze for Second Batch: If you’re baking in batches and your glaze starts to firm up, a quick 5-10 second pop in the microwave and a good stir will bring it back to the perfect dipping consistency.
- Storage: While these donuts are undeniably best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Craving More Delightful Donut Recipes?
Once you experience the joy of making baked donuts, you’ll want to explore even more delicious variations. Here are some other fantastic donut recipes that are sure to inspire your next baking adventure. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a pumpkin enthusiast, or prefer the comforting sweetness of banana, there’s a baked donut for every palate!
Baked Banana Donuts
There’s something truly satisfying about creating a delicious treat that brings so much joy. These Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts are more than just a recipe; they are a little piece of edible sunshine, a perfect remedy for grey days and a delightful addition to any celebration. Imagine waking up to the sweet, tangy scent of lemon wafting through your home, then enjoying a warm, fluffy donut with your morning coffee. It’s an experience that brightens not just your day, but potentially your entire week. So, gather your ingredients, pull out that donut pan, and let’s bring some zest into our lives. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts
Ingredients
To Make the Donuts:
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon lemon extract no substitutions
- Yellow food coloring optional, as much as needed for desired color
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To Make the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Make the Donuts – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray one 6-count non-stick with cooking spray, Set aside.
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In the bowl of your mixer combine the sour cream, eggs, sugar, oil, lemon zest and lemon extract.
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Fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Fill donut pan, and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. They will be springy to the touch.
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Prepare Lemon Glaze In a small bowl, add powdered sugar and slowly drizzle in the lemon juice while whisking until smooth and combined. You may not need ALL of the juice. Quit adding when you get your desired consistency. Don’t worry, if it gets too thin, add more sugar until you’re happy with it.
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When donuts are hot, remove them from the pan, when you are able to touch them, dunk the top in the glaze and let them dry/cool on a wire rack.
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Spray and fill pan up one more time, repeating all of the steps. Makes 10 donuts. (if glaze begins to harden in between batches, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds and give it a stir)
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Best eaten when fresh. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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