Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
These baked Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are a delightful treat that’s both flavorful and easy to make. With a burst of fresh lemon zest and a touch of poppy seeds, they are perfectly balanced in sweetness and tang.
The simple ingredients come together in no time, creating soft and tender donuts that are sure to satisfy any craving. The lemon glaze adds a finishing touch of brightness, making these donuts even more irresistible.
Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, these donuts are an effortless way to add a little sunshine to your day. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, they’re a guaranteed hit!
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts – Ingredients
Flour forms the tender base of these donuts, providing the perfect structure. The balance of baking powder and soda ensures a light and airy texture, while poppy seeds introduce a subtle crunch and a burst of flavor.
Rich, melted butter brings a silky smoothness, and the egg binds the ingredients together for a cohesive batter. Sugar infuses sweetness, harmonizing with the tangy lemon juice and zest for a vibrant, citrus-forward taste.
Sour cream adds moisture and depth, ensuring the donuts are soft and melt-in-your-mouth, while vanilla extract delivers a touch of warmth that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing the batter can result in dense donuts. The batter will be thick, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Use a Zipped-Top Bag for Easy Piping: For a mess-free way to fill your donut cavities, place the batter into a large zipped-top bag and cut a small corner. This will make it easy to pipe the batter evenly without making a mess, ensuring your donuts come out perfectly shaped.
- Ensure Proper Donut Pan Prep: Make sure your donut pan is well-sprayed with non-stick spray or greased before filling it with the batter. This will ensure the donuts slide out easily after baking, leaving no sticky residue behind.
What to Serve with Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
These glazed lemon poppy seed donuts are delicious on their own, but you can easily elevate your serving experience by pairing them with complementary items.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad featuring berries, citrus slices, and melon provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich, lemony donuts. The freshness of the fruit enhances the flavors of the donuts and offers a healthy balance.
- Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of Earl Grey or green tea is the perfect drink to pair with these donuts. The subtle flavors of the tea will complement the lemony zing of the donuts, while a bold coffee offers a contrast that elevates both the glaze and poppy seeds.
- Whipped Cream or Yogurt Dip: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the donuts with a dollop of whipped cream or a yogurt dip. A honey-infused yogurt would pair beautifully with the lemon glaze, enhancing its citrus notes while adding creamy richness.
FAQ
- Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan?
While a donut pan is recommended for the best shape, you can use a muffin pan if you don’t have one. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as muffins may take a few minutes longer to cook. - Can I substitute sour cream in the donut batter?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a slightly different texture and tang. Both options will help keep the donuts moist and tender. - Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Absolutely! For a thicker glaze, simply reduce the amount of milk you add. For a thinner glaze, increase the milk to achieve the desired consistency. - How long do these donuts last?
These donuts are best served immediately, but they can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing them is an excellent option!
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons 28g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/3 cup 65g granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup 60ml milk (any type)
- 1/4 cup 60g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon 15ml lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- For the Lemon Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons 28g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup 120g confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons 15-30ml milk
- 1 tablespoon 15ml lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray. Set the pan aside.
- To prepare the donuts, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, sugar, milk, sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as the batter will be thick.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan. For a cleaner approach, place the batter into a large zip-top bag, cut off one corner, and pipe it into the donut cavities, filling them about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden around the edges. Let the donuts cool for about two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack set over parchment paper. Bake any remaining batter, transferring the donuts to the rack once they have finished baking. Allow the donuts to cool until they are cool enough to handle.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more or less milk, depending on your preference.
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze and place it back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. The parchment paper will catch any excess glaze that drips off.
Notes
Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed immediately. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Freezing Instructions: Donuts can be frozen for up to two months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat briefly in the microwave, even with the glaze.
