Irresistible Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts with Zesty Lemon Glaze: Your New Favorite Breakfast Treat!

Lemon blueberry donuts topped with a simple, two-ingredient lemon glaze. These baked lemon blueberry donuts are incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful sweet treat any time of day!

There’s an undeniable charm to a freshly made donut. While the classic fried donut holds a special place in our hearts, it can often feel a bit heavy, especially as a morning indulgence. That’s where baked donuts truly shine! Ever since I first ventured into the world of baking donuts, I’ve been utterly captivated by their charm. They offer all the deliciousness of a traditional donut but with a lighter, cake-like texture that makes them perfectly suited for breakfast or a sweet snack without the guilt of deep-frying.

These baked lemon blueberry donuts, while not a health food in the strictest sense, are certainly a lighter alternative to their fried counterparts. Beyond their delightful taste and texture, they are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making them an ideal recipe for busy mornings or when you crave a homemade treat without much fuss.

Baked donuts are known for their wonderfully cakey and slightly dense texture, which contrasts beautifully with their vibrant flavors. Over the past few years, I’ve experimented with several baked donut recipes, but I felt it was time for a zesty, lemony creation. As winter sets in with its chilly embrace, a burst of bright, citrusy flavor is exactly what we need to lift our spirits and add a touch of sunshine to our day. Given how much you all adore the lemon and berry desserts featured on my site, these lemon blueberry cake donuts were an obvious, irresistible choice.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

These delightful treats aren’t just easy to make; they’re packed with reasons to fall in love:

Quick & Convenient: With only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, you can have fresh, warm donuts ready in about half an hour. Perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous brunch plans!
Lighter Alternative: Baking instead of frying means less oil and less mess, offering a slightly “healthier” indulgence that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Vibrant Flavor Profile: The zesty lemon combined with sweet, juicy blueberries creates a refreshing and perfectly balanced taste that’s bright and comforting.
Incredibly Simple Glaze: The two-ingredient lemon glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of lemon flavor that ties everything together effortlessly.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone, from toddlers to adults, will adore these charming, flavorful donuts. They’re perfect for family breakfasts, potlucks, or gifting to friends.

Essential Recipe Ingredients for Your Lemon Blueberry Donuts

You’ll be pleased to know that the ingredients for these incredibly delicious baked blueberry donuts are likely already staples in your pantry and fridge. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

All-purpose flour: This provides the primary structure for our cake-like donuts. It’s crucial to measure flour correctly – always spoon and level it into your measuring cup. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much being added, resulting in dry and dense donuts.
Baking powder: This is our leavening agent, responsible for the donuts’ rise and fluffy texture in the oven. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
Salt: A small amount of salt is essential for enhancing the vibrant lemon and sweet blueberry flavors, preventing the donuts from tasting bland, and balancing out the sweetness of the batter.
Milk: Any type of milk you prefer will work here – whole, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. It adds moisture and richness to the batter, contributing to a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the donuts without making them overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of lemon and blueberry to shine. It also helps with moisture retention.
Egg: A large egg acts as a binder, adding structure, richness, and helping to create that perfect cakey texture. For optimal emulsification and a smooth batter, make sure your egg is at room temperature before mixing.
Unsalted Butter: I always opt for unsalted butter in my baked goods. This allows precise control over the overall salt content in the recipe. Make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled before incorporating it into the wet ingredients.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: These are the stars of the show, providing the bright, tangy flavor that defines these donuts. The zest contains essential oils that deliver a concentrated lemon aroma and taste, while the juice adds tartness. Always rinse your lemon under warm water before zesting to remove any lingering dirt or waxy coating.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the donuts, adding a subtle warmth and depth. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best flavor.
Fresh Blueberries: I’ve specifically tested and recommend using fresh blueberries for this recipe. They hold their shape beautifully and release their juices gradually during baking. If you absolutely must use frozen, do not thaw them first; add them directly to the batter to prevent them from bleeding too much color.
Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar is the base for our simple and luscious lemon glaze. For the smoothest glaze, consider sifting your powdered sugar to remove any lumps.

Mastering the Method: How to Make Lemon Blueberry Donuts

You’ll be delighted by how quickly and easily these lemon blueberry donuts come together. The donut batter takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, and the donuts themselves bake in another 10 minutes. The lemon flavor is present but not overpowering, offering a lovely balance with the sweet blueberries, thanks to both lemon juice and zest in the batter.

To begin this delightful baking adventure, you will need a donut pan. If you only have a 6-cavity pan, you’ll need to bake the donuts in two separate batches. Don’t worry, the process is straightforward:

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and liberally spray 8 donut cavities with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful donuts release easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise. Set this bowl aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the milk, granulated sugar, room-temperature egg, melted and slightly cooled butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently using a spatula or spoon until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, rubbery donuts rather than the desired soft, cakey texture.
Fold in Blueberries: Carefully and gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter. You want them distributed but not crushed, keeping their integrity for bursts of juicy flavor in every bite.
Fill Donut Pan: The easiest and cleanest way to fill the donut cavities is by using a piping bag (or a large Ziplock bag with one corner snipped off). Pipe the batter evenly into all 8 prepared donut cavities. This method ensures a neat result and prevents batter from clinging to the center of the pan.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched.
Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until your desired consistency is reached.
Glaze and Serve: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, place a piece of foil or parchment paper under your wire rack to catch any drips. Dip each donut into the lemon glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it back on the wire rack. Let the glaze harden for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy your perfectly baked lemon blueberry donuts!

Can I Make This Recipe Without a Donut Pan?

Absolutely! While a donut pan is ideal for achieving the classic shape, you can certainly bake this delicious batter in a standard muffin tin. Simply divide the batter among 8-10 muffin cups and bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Obviously, you won’t have traditional donut shapes, but they will still be incredibly flavorful and moist, tasting just as wonderful. You can even use a mini muffin tin for delightful bite-sized treats!

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Blueberry Quantity is Key: While it’s tempting to add extra blueberries, stick to the recommended 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries. I’ve found this amount to be perfect. Any more than that, and the donuts can become too heavy, moist, and delicate to handle, potentially crumbling apart or sinking.
Utilize a Piping Bag for Clean Filling: For the easiest and cleanest way to get the batter into the donut cavities, use a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a large Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works just as well. This prevents messy spills and ensures your donuts have a beautiful, even shape.
Amplify the Lemon Glaze: To truly enhance the vibrant lemon flavor, I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice in the glaze. If you’re a true lemon lover, this will give you that extra zest and tang. However, if you prefer a milder taste or don’t have enough lemon juice, milk can be used as a substitute for a simple vanilla-like glaze.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg, milk, and melted butter are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly with other ingredients, creating a more uniform and emulsified batter, which ultimately leads to a better texture in your baked goods.
Do Not Overmix: This is a golden rule in baking, especially for cakey items like these donuts. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough and chewy donuts instead of tender and moist ones.
Storage: Store any leftover baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, especially on the day they are made, but they still make a delightful treat the next day.

Delightful Variations & Substitutions for Your Donuts

While these lemon blueberry donuts are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

Other Berries: Feel free to swap out the blueberries for other fresh berries like raspberries, chopped strawberries, or blackberries. You might need to adjust the quantity slightly based on their size and moisture content.
Citrus Zest Swap: Don’t have lemons? Or prefer a different citrus flavor? Orange zest and juice or lime zest and juice can be fantastic alternatives, offering a different but equally refreshing twist.
Add a Touch of Spice: For a subtle warmth, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can be added to the dry ingredients, complementing the fruit flavors beautifully.
Different Glazes: If lemon glaze isn’t your preference, try a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar and milk/vanilla extract), or even a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Note that the texture might vary slightly, but they should still be delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious baked donuts:

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can. However, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. Add them directly from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding too much color into the batter and making the donuts watery. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
How long do these baked donuts last? These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within 1-2 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. After a couple of days, they may start to dry out.
Can I make the donut batter ahead of time? It’s generally not recommended to make the batter too far in advance. Baking powder starts to activate once it’s mixed with wet ingredients, so letting it sit for too long can reduce its leavening power, resulting in flatter donuts. It’s best to prepare the batter just before baking.
Why are my baked donuts dry or dense? The most common reasons for dry or dense baked donuts are overmixing the batter (which develops gluten and makes them tough), or adding too much flour (due to improper measurement). Overbaking can also lead to dryness, so keep an eye on the baking time!
Can I freeze baked donuts? Yes, you can! Bake and cool the donuts completely, but do not glaze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then prepare and apply the glaze just before serving.

More Baked Donut Recipes to Try!

Baked Chocolate Donuts
Baked Key Lime Donuts
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Baked Carrot Cake Donuts

Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts

5 from 9 ratings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Lemon blueberry donuts topped with a simple two ingredient lemon glaze. These Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast!

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Ingredients

Servings: 8 donuts

For the lemon blueberry donuts:

▢ 1 cup (125 grams) all purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
▢ 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
▢ 1 large egg
▢ 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter , melted and slightly cooled
▢ 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
▢ 1 teaspoon lemon zest
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1/3 – 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

For the lemon glaze:

▢ 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
▢ 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) fresh lemon juice (or milk)

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Instructions

To make the donuts:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 8 cavities in a donut pan (or pans) well with non-stick cooking spray. If using a 6-count donut pan, you will need to bake in separate batches. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the milk, granulated sugar, egg, melted and slightly cooled butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix the batter, as this can lead to tough donuts. Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter.
Evenly distribute the batter between all 8 cavities of the prepared donut pan. A piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off) works exceptionally well for this step, making it much cleaner and easier.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean and the donuts spring back when gently touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the glaze:

In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until well combined and smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Place a piece of foil or parchment paper under the wire rack holding the cooled donuts to catch any excess glaze. Dip each donut into the lemon glaze, coating the top generously, then place it back onto the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set and harden for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked, zesty lemon blueberry donuts!

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast

Author: Danielle Rye

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