Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

There’s something incredibly delightful about the aroma of freshly baked Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts wafting through the kitchen on a sunny morning. I remember the first time I tried making these treats; the combination of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds took me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would surprise us with homemade sweets. As we gathered around the table, the warm donuts, lightly glazed, were the star of our breakfast. It was a small family gathering that turned into a cherished tradition over the years. Now, every time I whip up a batch of these Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts, I am reminded of those sunny mornings filled with laughter and love.

Recipe Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Understanding the ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts. Each element plays a significant role in creating the delightful flavor and texture we love. The key players include the bright lemon zest, which infuses the donuts with a refreshing zing, and the poppy seeds, adding a delightful crunch. Together, they create a harmonious blend that’s deliciously unique.

• All Purpose Flour: 1 and 1/4 cups – The base of our donuts, providing structure.
• Baking Powder: 1 and 1/4 teaspoons – Essential for leavening, ensuring the donuts rise to perfection.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Poppy Seeds: 2 and 1/2 tablespoons – Adds a nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Sweetens the batter beautifully.
• Freshly Grated Lemon Zest: 2 teaspoons – Infuses the donuts with that bright, citrusy flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 and 1/2 tablespoons, melted – Provides richness and moisture to the donuts.
• Large Egg: 1, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Lemon Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances the lemon flavor.
• Milk: 1/2 cup – Adds moisture to the batter, making it tender.
• Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar: 1 and 1/4 cups – For the glaze, adding sweetness and a beautiful finish.
• Milk: 1 tablespoon – To thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Brightens the glaze with a hint of acidity.
• Freshly Grated Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon – For an extra burst of lemon flavor in the glaze.

Directions for Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Ready to create these heavenly Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts? Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring these sweet treats in no time. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease your donut pan and set it aside. This will ensure that your donuts slide out easily once baked.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Set this aside for later use.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon zest. Use your fingers to mix them together, ensuring that the zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This step is crucial for infusing the sugar with lemon flavor.
4. Add the melted butter into the sugar mixture and beat until combined. You want to see a beautiful blend of creamy butter and sweet sugar.
5. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated.
6. Pour in the milk and stir until combined. You should have a smooth and well-mixed batter.
7. Now, gently add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mixture together, being careful not to overmix. You want the batter to be just combined.
8. Spoon or pipe the thick batter into the molds of your prepared pan, filling each mold about two-thirds of the way. This will allow room for rising.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the tops are firm and lightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back when gently touched.
10. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for at least 10 minutes in the tray. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Resist the temptation to eat one immediately; they’re even better once glazed!
11. Prepare the glaze by combining the sifted confectioners’ sugar and milk in a wide, shallow dish. Whisk until smooth, even if it seems a bit clumpy at first.
12. Stir in the salt, lemon juice, and additional lemon zest. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more lemon juice if it’s too thick or more confectioners’ sugar if it’s too thin.
13. Carefully dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let them rest for about five minutes before serving, although I won’t blame you if you can’t wait that long!

Tips for Success

When making these delightful donuts, a few tips can elevate your baking game! Here are some insights to ensure your Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these donuts! Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these donuts with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent breakfast.
• Garnish: For an added touch, sprinkle some additional poppy seeds or a slice of lemon on top of the glazed donuts before serving.
• Experiment: Try adding different flavor extracts, like almond or orange, to change up the taste profile of your donuts.
• Quality Ingredients: Using fresh lemon and high-quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the flavor.

How to Enjoy Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

These Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions! Here’s how you can enjoy them:

• Brunch Parties: Serve these donuts as part of a delightful brunch spread alongside fruit salads and coffee.
• Picnic Treat: Pack them for a picnic or any outdoor gathering; they’re easy to transport and will impress your friends.
• Afternoon Snack: Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
• Holiday Celebrations: These donuts can also be a festive addition to holiday gatherings, brightening up your dessert table.
• Seasonal Delight: Make them during spring when lemons are at their peak for the best flavor!
• Gift Idea: Package them up in a lovely box as a homemade gift for friends or neighbors.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts truly capture a lovely balance of flavors that can light up anyone’s day. They are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience packed with nostalgia and joy. I encourage you to try making these donuts yourself. You’ll find that they are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying to enjoy. Share them with family and friends, and watch as they become a new favorite in your home!

Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

The ultimate treat for any occasion, these Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are bursting with zest and flavor. Lightly baked and perfectly glazed, they make for a delightful snack or dessert. Indulge in this easy recipe and enjoy a delicious bite that will brighten your day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 and 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons Poppy Seeds
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Freshly Grated Lemon Zest
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted
• 1 large Egg at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Extract
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole, reduced fat, skim, or almond should work fine here)
• 1 and 1/4 cups Sifted Confectioners' Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice more if needed
• 1 teaspoon Freshly Grated Lemon Zest

Equipment

• Grater
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease your donut pan and set it aside. This will ensure that your donuts slide out easily once baked.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Set this aside for later use.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon zest. Use your fingers to mix them together, ensuring that the zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This step is crucial for infusing the sugar with lemon flavor.
4. Add the melted butter into the sugar mixture and beat until combined. You want to see a beautiful blend of creamy butter and sweet sugar.
5. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated.
6. Pour in the milk and stir until combined. You should have a smooth and well-mixed batter.
7. Now, gently add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mixture together, being careful not to overmix. You want the batter to be just combined.
8. Spoon or pipe the thick batter into the molds of your prepared pan, filling each mold about two-thirds of the way. This will allow room for rising.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the tops are firm and lightly golden. You'll know they're ready when they spring back when gently touched.
10. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for at least 10 minutes in the tray. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Resist the temptation to eat one immediately; they’re even better once glazed!
11. Prepare the glaze by combining the sifted confectioners' sugar and milk in a wide, shallow dish. Whisk until smooth, even if it seems a bit clumpy at first.
12. Stir in the salt, lemon juice, and additional lemon zest. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more lemon juice if it’s too thick or more confectioners' sugar if it’s too thin.
13. Carefully dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let them rest for about five minutes before serving, although I won’t blame you if you can’t wait that long!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these donuts! Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these donuts with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent breakfast.
• Garnish: For an added touch, sprinkle some additional poppy seeds or a slice of lemon on top of the glazed donuts before serving.
• Experiment: Try adding different flavor extracts, like almond or orange, to change up the taste profile of your donuts.
• Quality Ingredients: Using fresh lemon and high-quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the flavor.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.