Lemon Blueberry Donuts

These Lemon Blueberry Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter alternative to traditional donuts while still delivering a deliciously moist and tender texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Baked, not fried – a healthier take on classic donuts.
• Bright and refreshing flavors from lemon zest and juicy blueberries.
• Soft and fluffy texture with a tender crumb.
• Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients and no special equipment needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Butter (melted)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh or frozen blueberries

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Milk (if needed)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Make the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If needed, add a little milk for desired consistency.
9. Glaze the donuts: Once cooled, dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle over the top. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
• Extra Lemony: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a stronger citrus kick.
• Chocolate Twist: Drizzle white chocolate over the donuts instead of glaze.
• Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a simple cinnamon-sugar streusel on top before baking for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?

A donut pan is ideal, but you can also bake the batter in a muffin tin and adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter and milk, and ensure the glaze is plant-based.

Why did my donuts turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Stir just until combined for a light texture.

Can I fry this batter instead?

This batter is designed for baking, so frying is not recommended.

How do I prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter to help distribute them evenly.

Can I add a crumb topping?

Yes! A mix of flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon makes a great streusel topping.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance and glaze them before serving.

What can I serve with these donuts?

They pair well with coffee, tea, or a fresh fruit salad.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Donuts are a delightful combination of tart lemon, sweet blueberries, and a soft, fluffy texture. With their refreshing flavor and easy preparation, they make the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, these baked donuts are sure to impress!