Name: Baked Lemon Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon zest of lemon (from 1 lemon); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to brighten up your breakfast or snack time with a treat that’s bursting with zesty flavor: Baked Lemon Donuts! Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut that’s packed with real lemon zest and glazed to citrusy perfection—absolutely irresistible. If you love all things tangy and sweet, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Fun fact: lemons have been a cherished ingredient in pastries for centuries, symbolizing freshness and sunshine across cultures. The best part? These donuts are baked, not fried, making them lighter and easier to whip up any day of the week. With a prep time of under 30 minutes, Baked Lemon Donuts are perfect for busy mornings or afternoon treats.

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and family-friendly appeal, much like our ever-popular Blueberry Muffins recipe, beloved by readers for its fuss-free approach and big, bold flavors. So, let’s dive in and treat ourselves to a little homemade sunshine—you’ll be amazed at how effortless and rewarding these lemony delights can be!

What is Baked Lemon Donuts?

So, what exactly are Baked Lemon Donuts? Unlike their fried counterparts, these donuts skip the hot oil and go straight into the oven, making your kitchen smell like a fragrant bakery in no time. Ever wondered why they’re called “baked donuts”? Well, because they’re baked, of course! There’s no mystery, just simple goodness—no frying required, no messy splatters to clean up, just pure lemony satisfaction. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and we’re confident these donuts will win anyone over! Ready to find out how easy and delicious a homemade donut can be? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This

First, the star of this recipe is unmistakably the bright, fresh lemon flavor that shines through every fluffy bite—balanced perfectly between tangy and sweet. You’ll love how these donuts deliver all the comfort of a classic pastry with a refreshing citrus twist.

Second, making these at home is a great money-saver. No need for expensive bakery runs or deep-fried dough. With simple, pantry ingredients, your kitchen will become everyone’s favorite donut shop—without the markup!

Finally, these donuts are versatile. Top them with a lemon glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a flavor boost. Compared to our Soft Glazed Vanilla Donuts, these lemon donuts bring a vibrant citrus kick that sets them apart.

Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear from the plate—homemade happiness truly is just a donut away!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Baked Lemon Donuts are the definition of easy and delicious. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a batch of soft, tender donuts with a sweet-and-tangy lemon flavor that’ll wake up your taste buds. The process couldn’t be simpler: mix the wet and dry ingredients, pour into a donut pan, and bake! The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before you glaze and bite into your zesty masterpiece. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

A plate of Baked Lemon Donuts topped with lemon glaze and zest, sitting on a sunny kitchen counter

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a donut pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, whisking until well incorporated.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your donuts tender!
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when pressed.
Remove from the oven and allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once completely cool, glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar to your liking! For an extra tangy finish, mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice for a quick glaze.

What to Serve Baked Lemon Donuts With

Pair your Baked Lemon Donuts with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a frothy cappuccino for a coffee shop vibe at home. For a weekend brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh berries, fruit salad, or Greek yogurt. Feeling indulgent? A small dish of lemon curd for dipping turns these donuts into a true treat. They’re even a fun companion for homemade lemonade or iced tea on a sunny afternoon.

Top Tips for Perfecting

No buttermilk? Make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Zest your lemon before juicing for the brightest flavor. It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon!
Don’t overmix the batter—just combine until there are no dry spots to keep donuts soft.
Invest in a nonstick donut pan for the cleanest release and perfectly shaped rounds every time.
Store leftover glaze in the fridge; stir before using it again.
No piping bag? Use a zip-top bag and snip off a corner for neat batter distribution.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before eating. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted donuts in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm for 8-10 seconds in the microwave or 2-3 minutes in a 350°F oven. Glaze after reheating for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Buttermilk adds tenderness and tang, but a milk-and-lemon juice substitute works well. Mix 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice with 1/2 cup milk and let it sit for a few minutes.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No donut pan? No problem! Bake batter in a mini muffin pan—the taste will be just as delicious, though they’ll look like donut holes.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Check your baking powder is gluten-free too.

How can I make the glaze extra lemony?
Add extra lemon zest into your glaze or use only lemon juice and powdered sugar for a super tart finish.

Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! This recipe scales perfectly. Double or triple quantities for parties or to freeze extra donuts.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Donuts are the ultimate comfort treat—bringing together the freshness of lemon, the fluffy tenderness of homemade donuts, and the simplicity of baking without frying. Perfect for busy weekday mornings, lazy weekend brunches, or anytime you crave a little sunshine on your plate, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers. Whether enjoyed with family or shared at a gathering, these zesty, golden rings are sure to spark joy and smiles. Don’t forget to explore more of our delicious recipes like Blueberry Muffins or Soft Glazed Vanilla Donuts for even more baking inspiration. Happy baking—let your kitchen fill with the scent of lemons and homemade love!