Name: Easy Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts-Simple & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup (80ml) milk; 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3-1/2 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Easy Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are about to become your new favorite morning ritual, or perhaps a delightful afternoon treat. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, tender donut, bursting with the bright, zesty punch of fresh lemon and the sweet, slightly tart burst of juicy blueberries. It’s a flavor combination that feels both sophisticated and incredibly comforting, a sunny escape in every bite. What makes these so utterly irresistible, beyond their phenomenal taste, is their sheer accessibility. We’re talking about a recipe that skips the messy frying, the complicated techniques, and the long wait times, delivering pure joy with minimal fuss. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up these delightful Easy Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts; just a desire for something delicious and a few simple ingredients. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these with you!

Ingredients:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup (80ml) milk
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓-½ cup fresh blueberries
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Making the Donut Batter

Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can use a regular muffin tin. Grease your donut pan (or muffin tin) thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This is a crucial step to ensure your beautiful baked donuts pop out cleanly. For a donut pan, pay extra attention to the center hole.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Giving these dry ingredients a good whisk ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will lead to a more consistent rise and flavor in your donuts. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Wet Ingredient Fusion: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and the large egg until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly fluffy. This process is called creaming the sugar and egg, and it helps to incorporate air, contributing to a lighter donut texture. Next, gradually whisk in the melted and slightly cooled butter. It’s important that the butter isn’t too hot, as it could scramble the egg. Then, stir in the milk, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, the lemon zest, and the vanilla extract. The lemon zest will release its aromatic oils into the wet ingredients, infusing the donuts with a bright, fresh citrus flavor. Whisk everything until it’s well combined and smooth.
Combine and Fold: Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Once the batter is almost combined, gently fold in your fresh blueberries. Do this with a spatula, distributing them evenly without crushing them too much. If you want to prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom, you can toss them with a teaspoon of the all-purpose flour (taken from your initial 1 cup measurement) before folding them in. This light coating helps them suspend better in the batter.
Fill and Bake: Carefully spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. This will give the donuts enough space to puff up as they bake without overflowing. A piping bag can be helpful here for a neater fill, but a spoon works perfectly well too. Place the filled pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and donut pan, so start checking at the lower end of the time range.

Glazing and Finishing Touches

Cooling Period: Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to remove them. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack to release the donuts. Let them cool completely on the wire rack. If you try to glaze warm donuts, the glaze will melt off. Patience is key here for a beautiful finished product.
Crafting the Lemon Glaze: While your donuts are cooling, prepare the simple yet delicious lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly down the sides. If you prefer a thinner glaze for dipping, you might need to add a bit more liquid. If it’s too thin, you can always whisk in a little more powdered sugar.
Glaze Time: Once the donuts are completely cool, it’s time to get glazing! You can dip the tops of the donuts directly into the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over them. For a lovely drip effect, you can hold a donut over the bowl of glaze and spoon it on, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. You can also use a fork to lightly drizzle the glaze in lines over the donuts. Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack, with a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any drips.
Serving and Enjoying: These Easy Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are best enjoyed fresh! The vibrant citrus flavor of the lemon and the burst of sweet blueberries make them a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. You can serve them immediately after glazing, or let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes for a slightly firmer coating. They are wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delightful journey to creating your very own Easy Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts! I hope this recipe has inspired you to embrace the joy of homemade baking, even on a busy day. These fluffy, bright, and bursting-with-flavor donuts are incredibly satisfying to whip up and even more delightful to enjoy. The zesty lemon perfectly complements the sweet burst of blueberries, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a special brunch, a midday pick-me-up, or a simple way to brighten someone’s day, these donuts are sure to be a hit.

For serving, I love them dusted with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a light lemon icing. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a sprinkle of poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor, or even fold in a touch of lavender for an elegant twist. Experiment with different toppings too – perhaps a white chocolate drizzle or a crumble topping. Baking should be a joyful exploration, so feel free to make these Easy Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts your own. I encourage you to give them a try and share the deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best texture, I recommend warming them up slightly before serving if they’ve been stored overnight.

What kind of pan do I need for these baked donuts?

You’ll need a donut pan specifically designed for baking. These pans have the distinct donut shape that allows them to bake evenly and achieve that classic ring form. You can find them at most kitchen supply stores or online.