If you love bright citrus flavors paired with soft, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, these Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts will become your new favorite treat. Baked instead of fried, they’re lighter, healthier, and filled with the fresh tang of lemon zest and juice. Rolled in sparkling sugar for a crunchy finish, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a refreshing dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than fried donuts – baked to golden perfection without excess oil.
- Bright citrus flavor – fresh lemon zest and juice add a vibrant kick.
- Easy to make – no yeast, no deep fryer, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family favorite – kid-friendly, yet elegant enough for special occasions.
- Customizable – simple to adapt with flavors like blueberry, lavender, or poppyseed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes these donuts extra special:
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups) – provides the base and structure.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup) – adds sweetness and caramelizes for golden edges.
- Baking powder (1 ½ tsp) – ensures donuts rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – balances flavors.
- Whole milk (½ cup) – adds richness and tenderness.
- Egg (1 large) – binds and adds structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tbsp) – for soft texture and buttery taste.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp) – brings refreshing tang.
- Lemon zest (1 tbsp) – concentrated citrus oils for maximum flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – rounds out the flavor.
For the Coating:
- Granulated sugar (½ cup)
- Finely grated lemon zest (1 tsp)
💡 Pro Tip: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest—bottled lemon juice can taste flat and artificial.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cavity donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing until just combined (don’t overmix).
Step 2: Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon or pipe batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when touched.
Step 4: Coat in Lemon Sugar
- While still slightly warm, toss donuts in a bowl of lemon sugar (sugar + zest mixture).
- The warmth helps the coating stick beautifully.
Expert Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Avoid overmixing – keeps donuts soft and tender.
- Pipe the batter using a ziplock bag for neat, even shapes.
- Check doneness early – ovens vary, so test at 10 minutes.
- Double-zest trick – rub zest into sugar before mixing for a stronger lemon punch.
- Crispy coating hack – coat once warm, then again after cooling for extra crunch.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Lemon Blueberry Donuts – fold fresh blueberries into the batter.
- Lemon Poppyseed Donuts – add 1 tbsp poppyseeds for a bakery classic.
- Glazed Lemon Donuts – dip in lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
- Vegan Lemon Donuts – replace egg with flax egg, use almond milk + coconut oil.
- Lemon Lavender Donuts – infuse batter with culinary lavender for a gourmet twist.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Store at room temperature in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (though sugar coating may soften).
- Freeze (uncoated) for 2 months. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes, then coat in sugar.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut, approx.)
- Calories: 185
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs About Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
Q1: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and shape foil balls in the center to create the donut hole.
Q2: Can I replace lemon with lime or orange?
Absolutely—lime gives a tropical twist, while orange makes a sweeter, softer flavor.
Q3: Why are my baked donuts dry?
Overbaking is the main cause. Check doneness at 10 minutes and remove when lightly golden.
Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q5: How do I make them extra lemony?
Increase zest, or add ½ tsp lemon extract for a bolder flavor.
Recipe Card (Quick View)
Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 6 donuts
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, butter, lemon juice & zest, vanilla.
Method: Mix dry + wet separately → Combine → Pipe into pan → Bake → Coat with lemon sugar.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are everything a donut should be—light, citrusy, and sweet with just the right balance of tang and crunch. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven with coffee or serve them at brunch, they’ll quickly become a household favorite. Best of all, they’re easy, customizable, and healthier than fried donuts—the perfect treat for lemon lovers. 🍋✨
