Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts

Name: Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh blueberries; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making these Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts! The tartness of the lemon perfectly balances the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a breakfast treat that's both zesty and refreshing. Baking them instead of frying also makes me feel a little less guilty about indulging in a donut. The glaze is a simple lemon icing that adds a bright finish. They're perfect for a special brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, and I can't help but smile every time I see them on the kitchen counter.

Created by

Harriet Bloom

Last updated on 2026-02-16T07:41:36.595Z

One Sunday morning, I decided to experiment with my favorite flavors and ended up creating these delightful Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts. I’ve tried various flavor combinations, but the pairing of fresh blueberries with a citrusy lemon glaze really stands out. It was fascinating to see how incorporating lemon zest into the batter added an extra layer of flavor. I used a simple baked donut recipe that turned out fluffy and soft.

The glaze was another adventure! I mixed powdered sugar with lemon juice and a hint of zest. The brightness of the lemon against the sweetness of the icing made each donut taste like a little slice of sunshine. I love serving them warm, fresh out of the oven!

Why You Will Love These Donuts
The refreshing taste of lemon combined with juicy blueberries.
Baked instead of fried, making them lighter and fluffier.
Perfect for both breakfast and dessert, appealing to any sweet tooth.

Understanding Key Ingredients

The combination of buttermilk and melted butter in the donut mixture plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, which enhances the flavor while keeping the donuts tender. Using melted butter instead of softened butter helps to create a lighter batter, resulting in a fluffier final product. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar; let it sit for a few minutes to sour.

Fresh blueberries are essential for both flavor and texture. They provide juicy bursts of sweetness when baked into the donuts. For the best results, choose plump, ripe blueberries, preferably organic for an enriched flavor. If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen will work as well, but be sure to keep them frozen until you're ready to add them to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the mix.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your donuts are turning out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. It’s important to combine the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they will dissolve during baking, giving you a tender crumb. Also, make sure you measure your flour accurately—too much flour can make your donuts heavy. Use the spoon-and-level method, where you spoon flour into the measuring cup without packing it down.

Another common issue is the glaze not setting properly. This can happen if the glaze is too thin. Adjust the consistency gradually by adding powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin, ensuring you achieve a glossy finish that coats the donuts nicely. For a thicker glaze, let the donuts set on the wire rack longer before serving.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Donut Mixture

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Combine Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.

Bake the Donuts

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with milk if necessary.

Glaze the Donuts

Dip the top of each donut into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. Make sure the blueberries are fresh for the best taste. You can also experiment with different fruits like raspberries or strawberries.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These donuts can be made ahead of time—just cool them completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, then glaze before serving.

If you prefer, you can also freeze the donuts without the glaze. Just be sure to glaze them after they’ve reached room temperature following thawing. This helps prevent the glaze from becoming soggy during the defrosting process.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful brunch spread, serve these Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts alongside freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea. They can also be paired with a light fruit salad for a refreshing balance. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone alongside the donuts can elevate the experience, creating a more indulgent treat.

Consider using these donuts as a base for a dessert display. Stack them on a tiered cake stand and drizzle with additional lemon glaze or top with candied lemon slices for a touch of elegance. This presentation is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings, making them not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

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

→ How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the batter fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and add the wet ingredients when you're ready to bake.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.