These fluffy lemon cake donuts are baked to perfection, then dunked in a slightly tart lemon glaze. They are capable of making even the dreariest of mornings bright!
Somebody PLEASE let the sunshine in!
We had the most gorgeous weather last month, for a February in Nebraska, anyway. Then it’s like Mother Nature cut the lights.
I know, I know. I shouldn’t complain, right? It IS still March. But …but … technically Spring started a week ago. Ever since then, we have had cold, wind and gloom.
One morning, last week, I decided it was time to bake up a little sunshine to make up for the lack of it outside. I still had lemons to use, and typically when I think of sunshiny sweet things, they always involve lemon.
I did a little research and found a recipe to try. Boy, was I glad that I did!
The cake was perfectly fluffy and the glaze!
SWOON!
There is nothing I love more on a sweet lemon baked good then to dunk it in a tart glaze. Best of both worlds, am I right?
If you don’t have a donut pan yet, what are you waiting for? I have used the heck out of mine, and it’s never ever failed me. Spoon the batter in and watch them bake up perfect every time.
Then while they are hot, carefully dunk them in the glaze and place on a rack to cool.
Do I have you Dreaming of DONUTS????
Double Chocolate Baked Donuts
Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Baked Banana Donuts
Coffee & Donuts Ice Cream Cake
Let’s get baking! 
Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts
These fluffy lemon cake donuts, are baked to perfection, then dunked in a slightly tart lemon glaze. They are capable of making even the dreariest of mornings bright!
Ingredients
To Make the Donuts:
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon lemon extract (no substitutions)
- Yellow food coloring, optional, as much as needed for desired color
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To Make the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Make the Donuts - Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray one 6-count non-stick with cooking spray, Set aside.
In the bowl of your mixer combine the sour cream, eggs, sugar, oil, lemon zest and lemon extract.
Fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Fill donut pan, and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. They will be springy to the touch.
Prepare Lemon Glaze In a small bowl, add powdered sugar and slowly drizzle in the lemon juice while whisking until smooth and combined. You may not need ALL of the juice. Quit adding when you get your desired consistency. Don't worry, if it gets too thin, add more sugar until you're happy with it.
When donuts are hot, remove them from the pan, when you are able to touch them, dunk the top in the glaze and let them dry/cool on a wire rack.
Spray and fill pan up one more time, repeating all of the steps. Makes 10 donuts. (if glaze begins to harden in between batches, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds and give it a stir)
Best eaten when fresh. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Notes
Recipe Slightly Adapted from Averie Cooks
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 3g
Nutrition isn't always accurate.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a picture, share the photo on social media with the hashtag #AnAffairFromTheHeart – I’d love to see what you made! – Michaela
Julie says
I LOVE donuts and have that cute little pan too. I can’t wait to try this recipe. We are big lemon lovers! I’ve definitely got to take a look at your other donut recipes too!
Michelle says
I’ve been meaning to try making donuts! These look divine!
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish.com says
I would love to start my day out with one of these! They look absolutely scrumptious!
Debra C. says
Sweet tart perfection right here – loving the glaze! These l
Christie says
OMGosh! I almost did donuts for my lemon event last weekend. Now, I HAVE to make these. SO good.
Carol says
Made these lemon donuts today and they are so good! They were easy to make and turned out perfect. MARCH 10, 2018
Michaela Kenkel says
Yay!! I am so happy you enjoyed them!! Thank you for coming back to share with me! ❤️
Caitlin says
These came out fantastic. I am making them for my husband’s birthday and he will love them. Thanks!
Michaela Kenkel says
So happy you loved them!!
June says
What kind of flour did you use?
Michaela Kenkel says
Just all purpose flour. 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
We love donuts of all varieties and flavors but these lemon glazed beauties look amazing! Thanks for the awesome idea, our kids will have fun making and eating these!
Leslie Hoffman says
How much lemon extract? It’s listed as a section title with no amount.
Michaela Kenkel says
Leslie – My apologies — I just switched to a new recipe card and there must have been a glitch? It’s one Tablespoon of lemon extract.
Cassandra Fit says
Since I’m on a diet I’m going to do it over the weekend to try it out.
Steven @ The Kitchyn says
The BEST and most simple donut recipe we have tried!
Michaela Kenkel says
Thanks so much!! Happy you loved them!
Coby says
These are amazing! The lemon flavor is just perfect! Initially I was a little wary of the amount of lemon extract, but all of the flavors came together just right. Will definitely be making these again!
Michaela Kenkel says
I know what you mean! It sounds crazy, but it just works! 🙂 I am happy you enjoyed them!
Jenn says
OMGee! That glaze looks sooo good, I could eat it off a spoon! What a delicious recipe – I’ve got to get me one of those pans and start making my own darn donuts!
Abigail Raines says
Love all that lemony tang from the glaze and it’s great that this is baked for a less guilty treat!
Vicky says
I’ve never made donuts before but these sound delicious — guess I need to get my hands on a donut pan!
Natalie says
Oh wow… my boys will devour these. Looks so delicious. Lemon flavored desserts are the best this time of year. So refreshing and tasty. Can’t wait to make this.
Cookilicious says
These donuts look yummy! My husband loves donuts..and I think I will make this for him!
Sunrita says
Absolutely LOOOVVVED this recipe pinning this so that I can make it later. But will surely be doing this soon.
Michelle says
Omg. These are so yummy love the bright lemon with the sweet glaze.
Caitlyn Erhardt says
Lemon donuts are so yummy and this recipe is perfect.
Anita says
I love tart and fruity treats more than the chocolate varieties, so naturally these lemon donuts are an instant favorite. 🙂
Irina says
I love lemon desserts, and this one is not an exception! Made these lemon donuts this morning: I am ready to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Yummy and delicious!
Lairen says
What if you don’t have a donut pan, can you use a regular baking sheet?
Michaela Kenkel says
I’m not sure how that would work? Try a muffin tin? That would work.
Helen Faust says
Michaela,
I have been trying to find a baked donut recipe I like but they all had too much nutmeg and or cinnamon. I then decided to check for lemon donuts as I love lemon. I found your recipe and decided to give it a try. Your recipe says to remove them from the pan while hot. In doing so, they fell apart (most of them. They were real soft like a cake you couldn’t pick up. The batter wasn’t runny it stayed on the spoon until i scooped it off. The only thing I did departing from the recipe was add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice since I had so much of it. I still added the lemon extract. Do you think the little bit of added lemon juice made it come out too soft and not hold up. I had to spoon the icing on as they broke apart when picked up. Thank you for this recipe, THE FLAVOR IS OUTSTANDING. Please email me a reply.
Michaela Kenkel says
Helen — They are certainly delicate when they are warm, but I haven’t ever had a problem with them breaking on me? It might very well be the addition of extra liquid that did it? I hope you try them again without the extra juice.
Kiran says
Holy crap these are amazing! I made them for my family and they ate them SO FAST. Very soft, not overly sweet, and very easy to make
Michaela Kenkel says
I am THRILLED that you love them!!
María del mar says
What can i use instead of Sour Cream?
Michaela Kenkel says
You can sub Greek yogurt!