If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that bursts with refreshing, fruity flavor and tender crumb, let me introduce you to the Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe. These donuts combine the bright zing of lemon with juicy blueberries, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. Whether you’re serving them up for a weekend brunch or a cozy snack, this recipe delivers a light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible donut that feels just like homemade love in pastry form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating magic in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and color for your Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe, ensuring every bite is moist, flavorful, and beautifully golden.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): adds rich creaminess and moisture to keep the donuts tender.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: helps create a soft, moist crumb and prevents sticking.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the batter without overpowering the lemon’s brightness.
- 2 large eggs (room temp): bind the ingredients together and lend structure to the donuts.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: enhances the flavors with a subtle warm note.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: imparts fresh tartness for that signature lemon kick.
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest: intensifies the citrus aroma and adds texture.
- 1 cup buttermilk: contributes tang and tenderness, reacting perfectly with baking powder.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: forms the base of the batter, giving structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: the leavening agent that makes the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
- 2 cups powdered icing sugar: for the sweet, tangy lemon glaze topping.
- 1-2 tsp lemon zest: added to the glaze for extra zing.
- 7-8 tbsp fresh lemon juice: makes the glaze shimmering and refreshingly tart.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, grab your donut pans and give them a good spray with non-stick spray. This step ensures your donuts pop out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are the foundation that will give your donuts their light, airy texture. Once combined, set this bowl aside—you’ll bring everything together soon!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend together the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly creates a luscious base filled with bright, tangy flavors that complement the blueberries beautifully.
Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can make the donuts tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Carefully fold in your fresh blueberries with a light hand. This step adds bursts of juicy freshness throughout the batter that makes each bite a delightful surprise.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Pop the pans in the oven and bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The smell that fills your kitchen here is downright irresistible!
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack. Cooling helps the donuts set perfectly so they don’t break apart when you glaze them.
Step 8: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
Whisk together powdered icing sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. This glaze is what takes your Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe to the next level—it’s tangy, sweet, and beautifully shiny when drizzled over the warm donuts.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle your glazed donuts with a little extra lemon zest or some finely chopped fresh blueberries. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate sweetness and a charming snowy look.
Side Dishes
These donuts are perfect on their own but also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a fresh glass of iced tea. To make a full brunch spread, serve with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board or a delicate cake stand for a charming display. You can even stack them in small towers and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for an eye-catching centerpiece that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Blueberry Lemon Donuts left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and fresh without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
To keep donuts longer, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap first to preserve freshness, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat the donuts in a microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly warm them in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and refreshes the lemon glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work fine, just be sure to add them frozen to the batter to minimize color bleeding and keep their shape.
Do I need buttermilk or can I substitute it?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a quick substitute.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, but be aware the texture might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have donut pans?
You can use a muffin tin as an alternative, just bake them a few minutes longer and expect a different shape.
How do I avoid blueberries sinking to the bottom?
Coat the blueberries lightly in flour before folding into the batter to help suspend them evenly throughout the donuts.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe, it will quickly become a treasured favorite to make again and again. The balance of fresh blueberries and lively lemon zest, paired with a tender, fluffy texture, is simply unbeatable for a homemade donut experience. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and make your kitchen smell like pure happiness with every bite!
Print
Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 14 donuts
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful treat with these homemade Blueberry Lemon Donuts. Soft, tender, and bursting with fresh blueberries and bright lemon flavor, these baked donuts are glazed with a tangy lemon icing that perfectly complements the sweet cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these easy-to-make donuts offer a fresh twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Lemon Glaze
- 2 cups powdered icing sugar
- 1–2 tsp lemon zest
- 7–8 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the donuts evenly.
- Prepare Donut Pan: Lightly spray your donut pans with non-stick spray to prevent the donuts from sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and buttermilk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Blueberries: Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries to the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them up.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Lemon Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered icing sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the lemon glaze or drizzle the glaze over them. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh blueberries and avoid overmixing the batter to keep your donuts tender.
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing it into the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
- The lemon glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the donuts are ready.
