Lemon Blueberry Donuts Recipe

Sunny Lemon Blueberry Donuts Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Whipping up delectable lemon blueberry donuts brings pure morning joy to your kitchen adventure.

Soft, pillowy circles burst with tangy citrus and sweet berry notes.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of flavors that awakens sleepy taste buds.

Fresh blueberries nestled within create unexpected pockets of juicy delight.

Zesty lemon adds a bright, cheerful twist to classic donut comfort.

Homemade treats always feel more special when crafted with care and creativity.

Why Lemon Blueberry Donuts Are a Breakfast Favorite

  • Burst with Seasonal Freshness: Celebrate summer's bounty by incorporating plump, juicy blueberries that add natural sweetness and vibrant color to these delightful donuts.
  • Master Baking without Frying: Create bakery-style donuts using a simple oven method, eliminating the need for deep-frying and reducing mess and extra calories.
  • Customize Your Glaze Adventure: Enjoy the tangy lemon glaze that perfectly complements the fruity blueberries, offering a bright, zesty flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Perfect for Sharing and Gathering: These homemade donuts become an instant crowd-pleaser, ideal for brunches, family breakfasts, or casual get-togethers where everyone can enjoy a delicious treat.

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb in the donuts.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the donuts' rich texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
  • Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the donut batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor.
Flavor Ingredients:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Add bursts of juicy sweetness and natural color to the donuts.
  • Lemon Zest: Introduces a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Creates a tangy glaze with a refreshing taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the sweet, glossy glaze.

How to Bake Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F. Grab a donut pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Sift these together until they’re perfectly blended and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture

In another bowl, blend together:
  • Buttermilk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Melted butter
  • Lemon zest
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they’re smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until you have a silky-smooth batter with no lumps.

Step 5: Add Bursting Blueberries

Tenderly fold fresh blueberries into the batter. Be gentle to keep those berries whole and prevent them from breaking.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Carefully spoon the batter into the donut pan. Make sure each mold is evenly filled for perfectly shaped donuts.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the donuts are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the donuts rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice

Stir until you have a smooth, drizzle-worthy glaze.

Step 10: Glaze with Abandon

Place a sheet of foil under the wire rack to catch any drips.

Pour the glaze over each donut, letting it cascade down the sides.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top for a bright, citrusy finish.

Your zesty blueberry donuts are ready to devour!

Tips for Light and Flavorful Lemon Blueberry Donuts

  • Ensure blueberries are evenly distributed by tossing them in a light coating of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.
  • Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Check donuts' doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
  • Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny and sliding off.
  • Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Delicious Variations on Lemon Blueberry Donuts

  • Gluten-Free Blueberry Citrus Rings: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the tender texture and bright flavor profile.
  • Vegan Berry Baked Circles: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Blueberry Citrus Treats: Reduce granulated sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and opt for a sugar-free glaze made with sugar-free powdered sweetener and lemon juice.
  • Whole Wheat Antioxidant Rounds: Incorporate whole wheat flour for added nutrition, using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a light texture while boosting fiber content.

Pairing Ideas for Lemon Blueberry Donuts

  • Pair these lemon blueberry donuts with beverages and accompaniments that complement their bright, fruity profile.
  • Brew a crisp lavender Earl Grey tea that echoes the delicate floral notes of blueberries while balancing the zesty lemon glaze.
  • Serve alongside a chilled Greek yogurt smoothie with honey and vanilla, creating a luxurious counterpoint to the donuts' tangy sweetness.
  • Pour a chilled prosecco or sparkling white wine to enhance the donuts' citrusy undertones and provide an elegant brunch experience.

Storage Tips for Lemon Blueberry Donuts

  • Refrigerate: Store donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date.
  • Reheating Refrigerated Donuts: Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore softness.
  • Thawing Frozen Donuts: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Gently warm in oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to refresh texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make these donuts unique?

Fresh blueberries and lemon zest provide bright, tangy flavor that elevates the traditional donut, creating a refreshing and zesty taste experience.

  • Are these donuts baked or fried?

These donuts are baked, which makes them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts while maintaining a soft, tender texture.

  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the batter and maintain the donuts’ texture.

  • How do I prevent blueberries from sinking in the batter?

Lightly dust the blueberries with flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and ensures even distribution throughout the donuts.

Print
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Lemon Blueberry Donuts Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Donuts Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Lemon blueberry donuts deliver a tantalizing fusion of citrus and sweet berries. Homemade pastries combine zesty lemon glaze with juicy blueberries, promising pure delight for you.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 2 tsps lemon zest (finely grated)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 7 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (finely grated)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously coat the donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture with baking powder and salt.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate large bowl, combining buttermilk, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a light, airy batter.
  5. Carefully incorporate the fresh blueberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
  6. Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full for optimal rising.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the donuts are golden brown.
  8. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
  10. Place a sheet of foil under the wire rack to catch excess glaze, then drizzle the lemon glaze generously over each donut.
  11. Sprinkle additional lemon zest on top of the glazed donuts for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

  • Customize your glaze thickness by adjusting lemon juice gradually, ensuring a perfect drizzle consistency without overwhelming the delicate donut flavor.
  • Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones, but gently fold them in while still frozen to prevent color bleeding and maintain donut structure.
  • Prevent dry donuts by avoiding overmixing the batter and checking doneness early, using a toothpick test around 15-17 minutes of baking.
  • For gluten-sensitive individuals, replace all-purpose flour with a reliable 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the donuts’ tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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