Description
These Lemon Poppyseed Baked Donuts are a light and fluffy treat perfect for a bright morning or a sweet snack. Made with cake flour and flavored with fresh lemon juice and poppy seeds, these donuts are baked instead of fried for a lighter texture. They are finished with a tangy lemon glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and zest.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted
- ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon poppyseed
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg
- ½ tablespoon vanilla bean paste or seeds from ½ a vanilla bean
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- Poppyseed, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla bean paste to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Mix Batter: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough and rubbery.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Using a small spoon, fill each cavity in the prepared donut pan about three-quarters full with the batter.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the donuts are cooked through and spring back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a medium bowl. Adjust the consistency with additional milk, one teaspoon at a time, until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Decorate: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and optionally sprinkle with additional poppy seeds. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving or stacking.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy these donuts fresh within two days for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure the donuts remain tender and fluffy.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan and fill the cups similarly; however, they won’t have the donut hole shape.
- Letting the glaze set properly prevents it from getting messy when stacking or serving.
- Baked donuts are best enjoyed within two days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
- Use cake flour for a lighter texture; all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute but may slightly alter the softness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
