Name: Lemon Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box lemon cake mix; 1 large egg; 1 cup water; ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil (coconut oil can be substituted); 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp milk; 2 tsp pureed strawberries (optional, for a hint of pink color)

These Lemon Donuts are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Made with a simple cake mix batter and a tangy lemon glaze, these donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Convenient: Using a cake mix makes these donuts incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal effort and ingredients.
Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of lemon cake mix and a tangy lemon glaze creates a burst of citrus flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Their mini size makes them ideal for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying as a personal treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Lemon Donuts:

For the Donuts:

Lemon cake mix: Use a standard box of lemon cake mix.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Water: Adds moisture to the batter.
Vegetable or canola oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. You can also substitute with melted coconut oil.

For the Icing:

Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth glaze.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor and thins the glaze.
Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
Pureed strawberries: Adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pink color to the glaze.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Lemon Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a mini donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix, egg, water, and oil until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a large resealable bag or a piping bag. If using a resealable bag, snip off a small corner. Pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Step 5: Cool

Remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and pureed strawberries until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops in the glaze and let them sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set. If desired, you can dip them a second time for a thicker glaze. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature eggs will blend more easily into the batter.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry donuts. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden brown.

How to Serve Lemon Donuts

Breakfast or Brunch: These Lemon Donuts are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet and satisfying snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Dessert: Serve them warm as a simple yet delicious dessert after a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the baked donuts for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

While lemon cake mix is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or funfetti.

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to the batter.

Can I make these donuts without the glaze?

Yes, the donuts are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

How can I make these donuts vegan?

You can try using vegan butter and egg substitutes, and plant-based milk, but the texture and results may vary.

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe for Lemon Donuts that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!