Baked Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts – A Bright & Zesty Treat
These Baked Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are light, tangy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Glazed with a sweet lemon icing and baked to perfection, they’re the ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a zesty afternoon snack.
💚 Why You’ll Love These Donuts
- ✅ Light and fluffy with a lemony punch
- ✅ Baked—not fried—for a healthier twist
- ✅ Beautifully glazed for added sweetness
- ✅ Made with simple pantry ingredients
🍋 Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional for topping)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine yogurt, egg, melted butter, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine: Gently mix wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined—do not overmix.
- Fill the pan: Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip bag, snip the corner, and pipe into greased donut cavities about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until donuts spring back when touched. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Dip cooled donuts in glaze and sprinkle with zest if desired.
🧁 Pro Tips & Variations
- ✨ Add a pinch of vanilla for depth of flavor
- ✨ Use almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free version
- ✨ Top with dried edible flowers or crushed pistachios
- ✨ Store unglazed donuts and glaze before serving to retain freshness
🍽️ Nutritional Benefits
These donuts are baked, not fried, cutting back on oil and calories. Greek yogurt adds protein and moisture while poppy seeds provide fiber and antioxidants.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make ahead: Bake donuts 1 day in advance; glaze before serving
- ✅ Storage: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days
- ✅ Freeze: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin instead and adjust the baking time to 8–10 minutes.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
