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Baked Lemon Donut Recipe

Baked Lemon Donut Recipe - Hearty Food Ideas

If you fancy a splash of sunshine in your bite, then this baked lemon donut recipe is a match made in heaven! Not only are these donuts light and fluffy, but they are also guilt-free since they are baked rather than fried.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful treats, with a few tweaks to enhance the flavors:
For the Donuts
  • 1 - large egg
  • 3/4 - cup granulated sugar
  • 6 - ounces Greek yogurt I used 0% fat Fage; feel free to substitute sour cream if you like
  • 1/4 - cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 - tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 - tablespoon lemon extract using lemon extract provides a cleaner flavor versus lemon juice
  • 1/2 - teaspoon vanilla extract to balance the brightness with warmth
  • - A few drops of yellow food coloring optional, for a cheerful, sunny hue
  • 1 1/4 - cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 - teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 - teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 - teaspoon salt or adjust to your preference
  • 1/4 - teaspoon ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth
For the Glaze
  • 1 - cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 - tablespoons lemon juice add more as needed for consistency

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a non-stick donut pan (the standard size with six cavities) and a mini muffin pan for those tiny, delightful bites. Lightly spray them with a cooking spray or grease them well, setting them aside for now. This ensures effortless removal of the donuts later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the egg and granulated sugar. Whisk these together exuberantly until they are well-combined and slightly frothy. Next, introduce the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon zest, and both the lemon and vanilla extracts. The yogurt is crucial here; it provides moisture and helps the donuts rise.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gently add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. This step is vital for keeping the donuts tender.
Step 4: Fill the Pans
  1. Carefully transfer your donut batter into the prepared pans. You can use a spoon, but if you’re feeling fancy, toss it in a large zip-top bag, snip a corner off, and pipe the batter in. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full. For the mini muffins, I recommend using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop for consistent sizes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
  1. Pop the pans into the oven and bake for about 13 to 16 minutes. The donuts should look set and spring back when lightly touched. For reference, my batch needed 15 minutes for the donuts and about 14 for the mini muffins. Remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Let Them Cool
  1. Once they’re done, pull them from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess while you make the glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and gradually drizzle the lemon juice. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth. You might need to adjust the sugar or lemon juice slightly depending on how thick or runny you prefer your glaze.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
  1. Dunk the top of each donut (or mini donut) into the glaze as they cool. Let the excess drip off and then place them back on the wire rack or a plate, allowing the glaze to set just a bit before diving in.

Notes

- Fresh Lemon Zest: Always use fresh zest for unbeatable flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and yogurt are at room temperature for better emulsification.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your donuts; overbaking can dry them out.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or switch up the zest with lime for a unique twist.
- Freezing: These donuts freeze deliciously. Just glaze them after thawing for the best taste!