Name: Baked Lemon Donuts with Icing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (weighed or spooned and leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ⅛ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 large egg (room temperature); ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste; ½ cup Lifeway Organic Lemon Whole Milk Kefir (room temperature); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon lemon zest; 1-2 tablespoons milk or water (adjust for desired consistency)

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If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with a tender, cakey texture, this Baked Lemon Donuts with Icing Recipe is here to delight your senses. These donuts are incredibly light but bursting with fresh lemon flavor, enhanced by a smooth, glossy lemon icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or enjoy a cozy afternoon treat, these baked lemon donuts are a straightforward yet impressive way to brighten your baking repertoire and your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl filled with a thick, pale yellow batter with small lumps spread throughout. Inside the bowl, a light blue spatula rests partially submerged in the batter, with some batter clinging to the spatula. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting creating gentle shadows. The scene is simple and focuses closely on the texture and color of the batter and spatula. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to craft these delightful baked lemon donuts. Each ingredient plays its part: the flour and baking powder create a soft structure, the lemon zest and kefir bring freshness and moisture, while the sugar and vegetable oil ensure these donuts stay perfectly tender, not to mention the icing ingredients that give the final irresistible shine and sweetness.

All-purpose flour: Use weighed or spooned and leveled for the perfect donut crumb.

Baking powder: Essential for that light, airy rise every donut needs.
Salt: A pinch balances and enhances all the flavors.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil keeps the donuts moist without overpowering their delicate lemon notes.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
Lemon zest: Packs intense citrus aroma and bright flavor throughout.

Large egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds a subtle vanilla warmth to complement the lemon.
Lifeway Organic Lemon Whole Milk Kefir: Adds moisture and a slight tang for depth.
Powdered sugar: The base of the luscious lemon icing.
Lemon juice: Gives the icing a fresh, tart kick.
Milk or water: Adjusts icing consistency for dipping or drizzling.

How to Make Baked Lemon Donuts with Icing Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and thoroughly greasing your donut pan. This step is crucial to ensure your donuts release easily after baking, maintaining their beautiful shape and smooth edges.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the base of your batter and ensures your donuts will rise evenly and have the perfect crumb.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until well combined and fragrant. Then, beat in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and room temperature lemon kefir. This wet mixture is bursting with citrus brightness and will keep your baked donuts tender and moist.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, so a light hand keeps them soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This ensures the donuts have enough room to rise without spilling over, keeping clean, donut-shaped edges.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts in the center of the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they spring back to a gentle touch. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling fully on the rack ensures the donuts stay light and don’t become soggy.

Step 7: Make the Icing and Decorate

Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk or water until the icing is smooth and pourable. You can dip the tops of the cooled donuts right into the glaze or drizzle it over for a pretty finish. The icing instantly adds a sweet, zesty glaze that perfectly complements the tart lemon flavor inside.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Donuts with Icing Recipe

Two stacked round donuts with light yellow glaze dripping down the sides sit on a white metal wire rack. The top donut has a bite taken out, showing a soft, airy inside with a spongy texture. The surface underneath the rack is a white marbled texture with some spilled glaze around it. In the soft background, there is a gray cloth, adding a calm, neutral touch. The lighting makes the glaze look shiny and the donuts soft. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top these donuts with a little extra lemon zest or finely chopped candied lemon peel for a burst of fresh citrus aroma and a fancy touch. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or edible flowers also makes an elegant presentation for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These lemon donuts pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee, herbal tea like chamomile or mint, or even a refreshing glass of cold lemon-infused water. The contrast of warm, soft donuts with a cool, crisp drink elevates each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful brunch or dessert tray, arrange the donuts on a platter with slices of fresh lemon, berries, and a small bowl of lemon curd or whipped cream for dipping. You can also skewer mini donuts alongside fruit pieces for a playful, handheld presentation that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked lemon donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their soft texture without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is an option but allow donuts to come back to room temperature for the best flavor profile.

Freezing

Baked donuts freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can keep well for up to three months. Freeze before icing to prevent the glaze from cracking during thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy your donuts as freshly baked, reheat them for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 3-5 minutes in a preheated oven at 300°F. This quick refresh brings back that soft crumb and makes the icing taste freshly set again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the kefir in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have lemon kefir, you can substitute plain whole milk yogurt or buttermilk. This will maintain the moistness and tangy flavor critical to the donuts.

Do these donuts have to be baked or can they be fried?

This recipe is specifically designed for baking to keep the donuts light and less oily. However, if you prefer fried donuts, you would need a different batter and frying technique for optimal results.

How thick should the icing be?

The icing should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Adjust the milk or water quantity to get a consistency that works well for dipping or drizzling without running off too quickly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the donuts will still be deliciously lemony and moist.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No worries! You can bake this batter in a cupcake pan for simple lemon cupcakes or try shaping donut holes in a mini muffin tin. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing freshly baked treats, and these Baked Lemon Donuts with Icing Recipe are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. With their bright citrus flavor and tender texture, they’re a beautiful way to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fill your kitchen with that amazing lemony aroma!