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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain) - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 large egg - Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 cup fresh blueberries (washed and drained) - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting - If you lack Greek yogurt, try sour cream for a similar texture. - You can swap milk for almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. - Instead of unsalted butter, use coconut oil for a lighter taste. - For gluten-free donuts, use a gluten-free flour blend. Fresh blueberries make a big difference in flavor. Choose firm, plump berries. Use fresh lemons for zest and juice. Bottled juice lacks the bright taste. Check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness. Old leavening agents may not rise well. When using dairy, choose high-quality products for the best flavor and texture. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the donuts bake evenly. Next, take your donut pan and lightly grease it. You can use cooking spray or a little melted butter. This step ensures your donuts come out easily after baking. In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix them well. Mixing well helps the donuts rise and taste great. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Add 1 large egg, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir until smooth. This mixture gives the donuts moisture and flavor. Now, gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a rubber spatula and be careful not to overmix. The batter should be a bit lumpy. Next, fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries gently. Avoid breaking them, so your donuts have nice bursts of blueberry flavor. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full. This allows the donuts to rise nicely. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be light golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted. Once baked, take the donut pan out of the oven. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, you can dust the tops with powdered sugar for extra sweetness and flair. Enjoy these delightful treats with your family and friends! Mixing the batter correctly is key to great donuts. Start by whisking the dry ingredients in one bowl. Make sure they blend well. In another bowl, mix your wet ingredients until smooth. This can help your donuts rise better. When you combine both mixtures, use a rubber spatula. Gently fold them together. Avoid overmixing. A few lumps in the batter are okay. Many people overmix the batter. This can make the donuts tough. You want them light and fluffy. Another mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Be sure to also avoid adding too many blueberries. Too many can weigh down the batter. Stick to the one cup for the best results. The texture of your donuts is very important. To get it just right, use Greek yogurt. It keeps the donuts moist and adds flavor. Mixing in the lemon zest gives a nice zing. Also, ensure the batter is slightly lumpy. This helps maintain a light texture. Bake them until they are golden brown. This will give you a perfect crunch on the outside and softness inside. Pro Tips Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter. Don’t Overmix: To achieve light and fluffy donuts, mix the batter just until combined. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Check Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at 12 minutes. Remove the donuts when a toothpick comes out clean to avoid overbaking. Customize with Glaze: For an extra touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled donuts. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a sweet and tangy finish. {{image_4}} You can easily change up the flavor of your donuts. Try using different types of yogurt, like vanilla or honey. This will add a nice twist. You can also swap out regular milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. If you love nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. For a spiced kick, try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger. These small changes can make your donuts unique and fun. A glaze can take your donuts to the next level. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a zesty glaze. This adds sweetness and brightness. You can also make a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract. For a chocolate twist, melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled donuts. Each glaze gives a different taste, so feel free to experiment! Seasonal fruits can change the whole vibe of your donuts. In spring and summer, use fresh strawberries or raspberries instead of blueberries. These fruits pair well with lemon. In the fall, add chopped apples or pears for a cozy flavor. Winter can bring in cranberries for a tart taste. Each fruit brings its own charm, making your baked lemon blueberry donuts even more delightful! Baked lemon blueberry donuts taste best fresh, but you can store them. Let the donuts cool completely before wrapping them. Use plastic wrap or a sealed container. This keeps them moist and tasty. Store at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Freezing is an easy way to save your donuts. Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. You can also place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen donuts, take them out. Allow them to thaw at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and flavor. You can dust them with powdered sugar again for extra sweetness! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. However, they may release more juice. This can make the batter a bit wetter. To avoid this, lightly coat the frozen blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter. This helps keep the color bright and the texture nice. To make these donuts gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in recipes. Ensure that the blend you choose has a good texture. You might also need to add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend does not contain it. Many flavors pair nicely with lemon and blueberry. Try adding lavender for a floral note. Almond extract can add a rich taste. You could also mix in some fresh mint for a refreshing twist. Check the donuts around 12 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are done. They should also have a light golden color. If they need more time, check every minute until done. Yes, you can make mini baked donuts! Just use a mini donut pan instead of a regular one. Fill each cavity about halfway. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them since mini donuts bake faster. Enjoy your adorable mini treats! We covered the key ingredients and their quality for baked donuts. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide your baking. You read tips to mix batter and avoid mistakes. I also offered variations for flavors and storage info to keep your donuts fresh. Now, you can create tasty, homemade treats with ease. Embrace your baking adventure and enjoy every bite!

Zesty Lemon Blueberry Bliss Donuts

Deliciously fluffy donuts bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon zest of lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (washed and drained)
  • None to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan using cooking spray or a little melted butter to ensure easy release after baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
  • In a separate bowl, blend the Greek yogurt, milk, melted butter, large egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully integrated.
  • Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should remain slightly lumpy for the best texture.
  • Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care to avoid breaking them while evenly distributing them throughout the batter.
  • Using a piping bag for precision or a spoon, fill each donut cavity in the pan about three-quarters full with the batter to allow room for rising.
  • Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for around 5 minutes. Subsequently, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Optional: After the donuts have cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, arrange the donuts on a decorative plate and scatter a few fresh blueberries and slices of lemon around to enhance the visual aesthetic and bright flavors!
Keyword blueberry, dessert, donuts, lemon