Introduction
Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are a delightful treat, bursting with citrus flavor and juicy blueberries. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked to perfection, making them a lighter and healthier option for breakfast or dessert. This guide will walk you through the process of making these delicious donuts step by step.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (adjust based on preference)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk as a substitute)
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 7-8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or milk for a milder flavor)
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spoon or piping bag
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease your donut pan with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and buttermilk, whisking until well combined.
Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.
Step 4: Adding the Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Filling the Donut Pan
If using a piping bag, fill it with the batter and pipe it into the donut cavities, leaving a little space for the donuts to rise. Alternatively, use a spoon to fill each donut mold about 3/4 full.
Step 6: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Making the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 6 tablespoons of lemon juice or milk. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of liquid until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
Step 8: Glazing the Donuts
Once the donuts have completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the cooling rack and let the glaze set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Thick Batter: The batter will be thick, which is normal. Using a piping bag makes it easier to fill the donut pan evenly.
- Blueberries Too Big? If your blueberries are large, consider chopping them slightly to prevent clogging the piping bag.
- Storage: Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glazed donuts can be stored for a few hours but may become sticky over time.
- Make Ahead: Bake the donuts in advance and glaze them just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. Toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking.
2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
4. How do I make these donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin and bake for a few extra minutes. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option or a delicious homemade dessert. With their soft texture, tangy lemon flavor, and bursts of blueberry, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful donuts!
