Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a burst of freshness to your mornings, you’ve come to the right place! These Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts are not only super moist and fluffy but also incredibly simple to make. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. Imagine the warm aroma of lemon and blueberries filling your home as these sweet little doughnuts bake in the oven. It’s like a hug in dessert form!

What makes this recipe even more special is that it captures the essence of spring with every bite. The zesty lemon and juicy blueberries create a delightful balance that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option that you can enjoy guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious doughnuts ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these sweet treats, making them a hit at breakfast or snack time.
• Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberry is refreshing and oh-so-satisfying!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time, and enjoy them throughout the week or share with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to make your Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts. Gather these goodies from your kitchen:

For the Doughnuts:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour (350g)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar (220g)
• 7-8 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons, divided)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize your doughnuts based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Change the Fruit: Substitute fresh blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these doughnuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Make Them Vegan: Swap the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use non-dairy milk for a vegan version.

How to Make Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Greasing two donut pans with butter or nonstick spray will ensure your doughnuts release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and oil. Whisk it together for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth. This step helps dissolve the sugar and creates a nice base for your doughnut batter.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Eggs

Next, add in the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until smooth. The buttermilk adds moisture while enhancing that tangy flavor we love in these doughnuts!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to whisk in the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your doughnuts light and fluffy! Gently fold in those beautiful fresh blueberries – they’ll add juicy bursts of flavor.

Step 5: Pipe the Batter

Spoon your thick batter into a disposable piping bag or zip-top bag. Cut off one end so it forms an opening about ½-¾” wide—big enough for those lovely blueberries! Pipe the batter into each donut hole until just filled; they will rise as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your doughnuts for about 7 to 8 minutes until they spring back when touched or when a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts—perfectly moist and bursting with flavor! Enjoy them warm or let them cool before glazing; either way, they will surely brighten up your day!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts

Making these baked lemon blueberry doughnuts is not only fun but also rewarding! Here are some tips to ensure your doughnuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to a more uniform texture in your doughnuts.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined ensures the batter remains light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Let the doughnuts cool completely – Allowing your doughnuts to cool on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy. This way, they retain their delightful texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different citrus – While lemon is fantastic, feel free to switch things up by adding orange or lime zest for a unique twist on flavor that still complements the blueberries.
• Store properly – To keep your doughnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw before serving!

How to Serve Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts

These delightful baked lemon blueberry doughnuts are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some ideas for serving this scrumptious treat.

Garnishes

• Fresh blueberries – Adding a few fresh blueberries on top of each doughnut not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.
• Lemon zest – A sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest over the glaze can brighten up the appearance and enrich the citrusy aroma.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt with honey – A creamy side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a refreshing contrast and adds protein to your meal.
• Fruit salad – A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like strawberries, bananas, and kiwis provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the doughnuts.
• Herbal tea or coffee – Pair these baked delights with a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack experience.

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving ideas, get ready to enjoy these baked lemon blueberry doughnuts any time of day! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, so you always have a delicious treat on hand. They stay fresh and tasty, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or as a delightful snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the doughnuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the doughnuts completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen doughnuts to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place the doughnut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts:

Can I use frozen blueberries in my Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts?

Absolutely! You can use frozen blueberries; just be sure to add them directly from the freezer without thawing to prevent the batter from turning blue.

How do I make my Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

What is the best way to serve Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts?

These doughnuts are delightful on their own! For an extra touch, drizzle with lemon glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Can I reduce the sugar in these Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. However, keep in mind that sugar contributes not only to flavor but also moisture and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness to your kitchen! These Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts are such a treat with their zesty flavor and soft, moist texture. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enjoy making them and sharing with loved ones — there’s nothing quite like homemade doughnuts! Happy baking!