Easy Lemon Baked Donuts: Soft, Cake-Like & Glazed to Perfection (Ready in 35 Mins!)

Indulge in the bright, refreshing taste of these incredibly soft, cake-like lemon baked donuts, generously topped with a luscious sweet lemon glaze. Forget the deep-fryer mess; these delightful treats are baked fresh in your oven and can be on your table in just 35 minutes! They offer all the deliciousness of a traditional donut with a lighter texture, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.

Why This Lemon Baked Donut Recipe Is a Must-Try

---

This lemon baked donut recipe truly shines for several reasons, making it a beloved choice for anyone craving a homemade treat. What sets these donuts apart is the double punch of lemon: fresh lemon zest and juice are carefully mixed into the tender dough, creating a vibrant base that’s then elevated by a sweet, tangy lemon glaze. The result is an incredibly refreshing flavor that perfectly balances sweetness with a delightful citrus zing.

The texture is another highlight. While they are baked, these aren’t your typical light and airy cakes. Instead, they boast a soft, dense, and moist crumb, reminiscent of a beloved Starbucks lemon loaf. Every bite offers that satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps you coming back for more. And the best part? They’re ready from start to finish in about 35 minutes, making them a fantastic option for a quick breakfast, a delightful brunch addition, or an impromptu dessert.

Beyond their irresistible taste and texture, these baked donuts offer a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. By baking instead of frying, you reduce the fat content significantly, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. This recipe also serves as an excellent foundation for customization. Imagine folding in a handful of freshly chopped raspberries or blueberries into the batter before baking – the combination of tart berries and bright lemon is simply divine. So, let’s set aside deep-fried donuts for a moment and allow these glorious baked donuts to take center stage!

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Baked Donuts

---

Crafting these delectable lemon baked donuts requires a selection of common pantry staples and, of course, fresh lemons! You’ll find all precise measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. For now, let’s explore the key components that bring this recipe to life:

Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions

---

Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can help you master this recipe and adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand.

DONUTS (The Dough):

• Fresh Lemons (Zest and Juice): The star of the show! We use both fresh lemon zest (for intense aromatic lemon oil flavor) and fresh lemon juice (for bright, tangy acidity) in the donut dough and the glaze. For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemons. You’ll need about 7-8 medium lemons to get enough juice and zest for both the donuts and the glaze. Remember to zest your lemons *before* juicing them; it’s much easier!
• Lemon Extract (Substitution): If you crave an even more intense citrus kick, you can substitute some of the fresh lemon juice with lemon extract. For the donut dough, use about 1-2 tablespoons of lemon extract in place of a portion of the lemon juice. For the glaze, approximately 1 tablespoon of extract can replace some juice. However, we highly recommend using fresh lemon juice primarily, as the zest provides a superior, natural lemon flavor that extract alone cannot fully replicate. It’s also more convenient since you’ll need fresh lemons for the zest anyway.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cake-like donuts. Ensure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can often be used, but results may vary slightly.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and helps achieve that tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the donuts rise beautifully and have a soft, airy (yet dense) texture.
• Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These spices are optional but highly recommended. They add a subtle warmth and depth that complements the bright lemon without overpowering it, creating a more complex flavor profile. Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best results.
• Eggs: Act as a binder and add richness and moisture to the dough. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
• Milk: Any dairy milk (whole, 2%, skim) works well. For a dairy-free version, almond milk or oat milk can be used.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and a tender texture without imparting a strong flavor, allowing the lemon to shine. Canola oil or a light olive oil can be substituted.

LEMON GLAZE:

• Confectioners Sugar (Powdered Sugar/Icing Sugar): The base of our smooth, sweet glaze. Sift it to prevent lumps.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the glaze, giving it a beautiful consistency. If you prefer a lighter glaze, you can substitute with regular milk or even more lemon juice, adjusting the quantity as needed to reach your desired thickness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides the essential tartness and vibrant lemon flavor for the glaze.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Baked Donuts: Step-by-Step

---

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through making this recipe successfully. For a quick overview and a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Lightly grease your silicone donut pan or a regular metal donut pan. A silicone pan makes for easier removal, but either works great. Set the greased pan aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and fresh lemon zest. Whisking ensures all dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which is key for a consistent donut texture.
   
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a shallow well in the center of your dry ingredient mixture. Into this well, add the eggs, fresh lemon juice, vegetable oil, and milk. Using a spoon or a spatula, slowly and gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough, chewy donuts rather than soft, cake-like ones. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
   
   
4. Fill Pans and Bake: Carefully spoon the donut batter evenly into each cavity of your prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising without overflowing. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes. This short resting period helps them firm up slightly before you attempt to remove them. Then, gently transfer the baked donuts from the pan to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
   
   
5. Prepare the Lemon Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, prepare your vibrant lemon icing. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, fresh lemon juice, and heavy cream. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is thick, smooth, and free of any lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice or cream, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.
6. Glaze and Serve: Once the donuts are completely cool, it’s time for the best part! Dip each donut into the prepared lemon icing, turning it gently to ensure an even, generous coating on one side. You can double-dip for an extra thick layer of glaze. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire cooling rack and allow the icing to set for a couple of minutes before serving. This will prevent the glaze from sticking to surfaces and give it a beautiful, slightly firm finish.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts

---

Expert Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the most vibrant and authentic lemon flavor, always use fresh lemon zest and juice. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher donuts. A slightly lumpy batter is better than a smooth, overmixed one.
• Proper Pan Greasing: Even with non-stick or silicone pans, a light coating of cooking spray or butter ensures easy release and perfectly shaped donuts.
• Piping Bag for Filling: For a cleaner and easier way to fill your donut pan cavities, transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe the batter into the molds. This method creates neater donuts and minimizes mess.
• Cool Completely: Always allow your baked donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze. Glazing warm donuts will cause the icing to melt and slide off, creating a sticky mess instead of a beautiful, set glaze.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash more lemon juice or cream. If it’s too thin, whisk in a tablespoon more confectioners’ sugar. Aim for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations

---

These lemon baked donuts, with their light cake-like texture and zesty glaze, are truly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. They are absolutely delicious on their own, but can be elevated with simple additions and serving ideas:

• Classic Pairing: Serve them alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting mug of hot tea, or a glass of cold milk. The bright lemon flavor beautifully complements the richness of these beverages.
• Brunch Favorite: These donuts are an excellent addition to any brunch spread. Pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or other breakfast pastries for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
• Add Fresh Berries: For an extra layer of flavor and color, consider mixing in about ½ to ¾ cup of freshly chopped raspberries or blueberries directly into the donut dough before baking. The tartness of the berries provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet lemon.
• Glaze Enhancements:
  • Extra Lemon Zest: For an even more intense lemon aroma, grate a tiny bit of fresh lemon zest directly into the lemon glaze.
  • Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle a few poppy seeds over the wet glaze for a classic lemon-poppy seed donut twist and a delightful textural contrast.
  • Colored Glaze: A drop or two of yellow food coloring can make your glaze even more visually appealing, enhancing the lemon theme.
• Dessert Treat: While great for breakfast, these donuts also make a fantastic light dessert. You can even serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.

Explore More Delicious Donut Recipes

---

If you loved making these lemon baked donuts, you’re in for a treat! We have a fantastic collection of other homemade donut recipes that are equally delightful and easy to make:

• Air Fryer Donuts
• Baked Cake Donuts
• Pumpkin Spice Donuts
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Donuts
• Donut Hole Cake Pops

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!