Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts

Name: Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup sugar; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup milk; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest

Highlighted under: Dessert Time

I absolutely love making these Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts! The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor. I find that the lemon glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall experience. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, these donuts bring a delightful burst of sunshine to my day.

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-16T12:13:36.974Z

One of my favorite parts about making these donuts is the aroma that fills the kitchen when they're baking. The scent of sweet blueberries and fresh lemon zest wafting through the air makes them truly irresistible. Personally, I like to add a little extra lemon zest to my glaze for an added punch of flavor, which really elevates the whole experience.

After experimenting with various recipes, I discovered that using almond flour in the batter not only makes them gluten-free but also adds a delightful nutty undertone. This subtle twist has become my secret to creating donuts that my friends and family love, and I think you'll enjoy it too!

Why You'll Love These Donuts
Juicy blueberries packed in every bite
Bright lemon glaze that balances sweetness
Quick and easy to make for any occasion

Baking Tips for Perfect Donuts

When making these Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts, the key is to avoid overmixing the batter once you fold in the blueberries. Overmixing can result in tough donuts, rather than a light and airy texture. Aim for just a few folds to evenly distribute the berries without breaking them apart, which keeps the donuts fluffy and the blueberries intact.

Another important tip is to ensure your donut pan is well-greased. This will prevent the donuts from sticking and ensure they release easily after baking. If you're concerned about sticking, consider using a non-stick spray or lining the pan with parchment paper if it’s not silicone. Always check that no batter is clinging to the edges before removing them.

Customizing Your Lemon Glaze

The lemon glaze is not just a finishing touch but also a way to personalize your donuts. Feel free to adjust the thickness of the glaze to your liking. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if you want a thinner glaze that seeps into the donuts, stir in a little more lemon juice.

For a unique flavor twist, you could incorporate other citrus juices like orange or lime into the glaze. This can add vibrant notes that complement the blueberries beautifully. Adding a dash of milk can also soften the sweetness, making the glaze even more appealing.

Serving and Storing Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to make them ahead, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed at room temperature or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

When serving, consider pairing these donuts with a light lemon or blueberry tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great breakfast option alongside yogurt and fresh fruit, allowing you to balance indulgence with healthier choices. Sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar on top right before serving can add an elegant touch, enhancing their presentation.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create mouthwatering donuts!

For the Donuts

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
⅓ cup milk
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon zest

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious donuts.

Prepare the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and gently fold in the blueberries.

Bake the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Pour the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Glaze the Donuts

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the lemon glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set.

Enjoy your delicious lemon-glazed donuts any time!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. It pairs beautifully with the blueberries and lemon.

Ingredient Insights

Using fresh blueberries in this recipe creates a juicy burst with each bite, elevating the donut's flavor profile. If fresh blueberries aren't available, frozen ones can be used, but do not thaw them before mixing to prevent the batter from turning blue.

The zest from the lemon plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor. It infuses the batter with aromatic oils, bringing a refreshing brightness to the donuts. Make sure to use a fine grater to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the zest, which can negatively impact the taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your donuts come out dense or dry, it may be due to overly compacted flour. To avoid this issue, ensure you fluff the flour in its container before measuring. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly with the measuring cup, which can introduce too much flour into the batter.

Should you find your glaze too runny after adding lemon juice, simply sift in more powdered sugar, a little at a time. This helps achieve the perfect consistency without compromising the flavor. If the glaze hardens quickly after setting, try adding a teaspoon of milk and gently warming it to soften before using it again.

Serving Variations

For a delightful twist, try incorporating nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the blueberries. This not only adds a crunchy texture but also complements the fruity flavors nicely. You can also experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic layer of flavor.

Drizzling a honey or maple syrup glaze instead of a lemon one can change the flavor profile entirely. This swap offers a sweeter taste that pairs wonderfully with blueberries. Additionally, consider topping them with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a brunch-worthy dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

→ How should I store the leftover donuts?

Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter right before baking for best results, but you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance.

→ Can I add chocolate chips to the donuts?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a nice twist to the flavor, just fold them in with the blueberries.