Name: Key Lime Doughnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1¼ cups Flour; ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt; ½ teaspoon Baking powder; ¼ teaspoon Baking soda; ½ cup Granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons Lime zest; ¼ cup Whole buttermilk; 1 large Egg; 5 tablespoons Fresh lime juice; 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil; 1½ cups Confectioners’ sugar; Food coloring; Graham cracker crumbs; Lime zest

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There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked doughnuts, especially when they’re infused with bright, zesty flavors like in these Key Lime Doughnuts. I remember the first time I tried them at a small bakery by the beach, where the tangy sweetness of lime danced on my taste buds, and the fluffy texture made me feel like I was indulging in a sweet hug. Making my own Key Lime Doughnuts at home was a revelation! It’s become a tradition for me to whip up a batch whenever I want to brighten my day or impress guests with a unique treat. The combination of vibrant lime and sweet glaze is simply irresistible, and they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
3g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12g g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

Why This Key Lime Doughnuts Shines

Unique Flavor Profile

What sets Key Lime Doughnuts apart is their refreshing flavor. The blend of fresh lime juice and zest not only gives them a delightful tang but also brings a touch of sunshine to any occasion. You’ll find that the combination of flavors is both uplifting and invigorating.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These doughnuts are versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. They are sure to impress at parties, or you can simply enjoy them on a lazy weekend morning. Everyone deserves a little indulgence now and then!

Easy to Make

Don’t worry if you think homemade doughnuts are complicated. This recipe simplifies the process, ensuring that you can enjoy fresh doughnuts without feeling overwhelmed. With just a few simple steps—mixing, piping, and baking—you’ll be rewarded with delicious results!

Fun Decorating Options

What’s more fun than dunking your freshly baked doughnuts in a sweet glaze? You can customize your Key Lime Doughnuts with vibrant food coloring and toppings like graham cracker crumbs, which adds a texture reminiscent of a key lime pie. Decorating them can be a delightful activity, especially if you have little ones helping out in the kitchen.

Store and Share

These doughnuts are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for gatherings.

Healthier Option

While doughnuts are often seen as a guilty pleasure, this recipe allows you to take control of the ingredients. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Key Lime Doughnuts, making them a more wholesome choice compared to store-bought alternatives.

Essential Ingredients for Key Lime Doughnuts

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and the ones in this Key Lime Doughnuts recipe are no exception. Each component brings unique flavors and textures that work beautifully together. The star of the show, of course, is the lime, which provides that signature tartness, while the cake flour gives the doughnuts their light and airy structure. Let’s dive into these essential ingredients and see how they contribute to the final product.

1¼ cups (156 grams) unbleached cake flour: This flour is finely milled, giving the doughnuts a soft and delicate texture.
¾ teaspoon (2.25 grams) kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise and become fluffy.
¼ teaspoon (1.25 gram) baking soda: Works with the acidic lime juice to create a light texture.
½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar: Sweetens the doughnuts and helps achieve a beautiful golden color.
2 tablespoons (6 grams) lime zest: Adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the lime juice.
¼ cup (60 grams) whole buttermilk, room temperature: Contributes moisture and a slight tang to the doughnuts.
1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
5 tablespoons (75 grams) fresh lime juice or key lime juice: Provides the essential zesty flavor.
3 tablespoons (42 grams) vegetable oil: Keeps the doughnuts moist and tender.
1½ cups (180 grams) confectioners’ sugar: Used for the sweet glaze that tops the doughnuts.
Green and yellow liquid food coloring: Optional, for adding vibrant color to the glaze.
Garnish: graham cracker crumbs, lime zest: Adds texture and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Directions for Key Lime Doughnuts

Making Key Lime Doughnuts is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with delightful scents. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious doughnuts ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare two 6-well doughnut pans by buttering and flouring them. This ensures easy release after baking.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cake flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This mixture will be the base for your doughnuts, so make sure it’s well combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and lime zest until the zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This step helps to infuse the sugar with lime flavor.
Add the buttermilk, egg, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, and vegetable oil to the sugar mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s just combined, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Gently add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want a smooth batter without any visible flour.
Transfer the batter into a pastry bag and cut a ½-inch opening in the tip. This will help you pipe the batter neatly into the doughnut wells.
Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared wells, filling each about two heaping tablespoons or 35 grams. Make sure to leave some space for the doughnuts to rise.
Place the doughnut pans in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they puff up and the edges turn golden.
Once baked, let the doughnuts cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely. This step is crucial for ensuring the glaze adheres nicely.
In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice until smooth. If desired, tint the glaze with food coloring.
Carefully dip the top of each cooled doughnut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. For a finishing touch, garnish with graham cracker crumbs and additional lime zest, if you like. Enjoy your freshly made Key Lime Doughnuts!

Things Worth Knowing

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your ingredients like buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend better together, resulting in a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts.
Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time. Doughnuts should be golden at the edges and spring back when touched lightly. If they’re still too soft, give them a minute or two longer.
Cooling is Key: Let the doughnuts cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and sliding off.

Recipe Variations about Key Lime Doughnuts

There are countless ways to change up your Key Lime Doughnuts recipe to suit your taste or occasion! Whether you want to switch up the flavor profile or add some fun twists, here’s a list of ideas:

Flavored Glaze: Experiment with different flavors in your glaze by adding extracts like almond or coconut for a tropical flair.
Different Zest: Try using orange or lemon zest instead of lime for a unique citrus twist.
Filled Doughnuts: For a fun surprise, fill the doughnuts with lime curd or a vanilla cream filling before glazing.
Mini Doughnuts: Make bite-sized versions by using a mini doughnut pan. They are perfect for parties or gatherings!
Chilled Option: After glazing, refrigerate the doughnuts for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Seasonal Toppings: Add seasonal toppings like crushed candy canes during the holidays or fresh berries in the summer.

What to Serve With Key Lime Doughnuts

Serving Key Lime Doughnuts can elevate any brunch or gathering. Here are some delightful ideas for pairing and occasions:

With Coffee: These doughnuts pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, enhancing their flavors.
Brunch Buffet: Serve them as a centerpiece for a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruits and pastries.
Casual Gatherings: Bring them to parties or picnics; their unique flavor is sure to be a hit!
Seasonal Events: They are perfect for spring and summer celebrations, adding a refreshing twist to any gathering.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed doughnuts for up to a month. Just thaw them before glazing!

FAQ

Key Lime Doughnuts stand out due to their bright, tangy flavor from fresh lime juice and zest. This infusion of citrus gives them a unique and refreshing taste that isn’t typically found in traditional doughnuts. The lime flavor is complemented by a sweet glaze, making them a delightful treat for those who love a balance of sweet and tart. This recipe captures the essence of key lime pie in a fun, portable format, making them perfect for any occasion.

Absolutely! While fresh lime juice is often preferred for its vibrant flavor, using bottled key lime juice can be just as effective, especially since juicing key limes can be quite challenging due to their size. Brands like Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice are excellent choices and can save you time and effort. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your taste preference, as bottled juices can sometimes be more concentrated.

To keep your Key Lime Doughnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Just be sure to leave them unglazed and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze them fresh before serving!

Definitely! You can prepare your Key Lime Doughnuts ahead of time. They can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to glaze them right before serving. This way, the glaze remains fresh and doesn’t have time to soak into the doughnut, keeping them light and fluffy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Key Lime Doughnuts are not just a delicious treat; they are a delightful way to bring a taste of the tropics into your kitchen. Their unique combination of tangy lime and sweet glaze makes them a standout choice for brunches, parties, or just a sweet afternoon snack. I encourage you to try making these doughnuts yourself—they are simple, fun, and sure to impress anyone who tries them!