Imagine biting into a light, fluffy donut that bursts with bright citrus flavor and a delightful crunch of poppy seeds - without the guilt of deep-frying! These baked donuts are about to transform your morning routine from mundane to extraordinary. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor enthusiasts alike, this recipe promises a gourmet experience that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Powdered sugar for glazing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of donuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and freshly grated lemon zest. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are completely smooth and well integrated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Fold in the poppy seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust the donuts with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a light, sweet finish.
- Serve and enjoy the donuts on the same day for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter consistency and even mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter - lumpy is good! Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donuts.
- Invest in a quality non-stick donut pan for perfect shape and easy release.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Check donuts a minute early to prevent overcooking - every oven is slightly different.
- Let donuts cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
