Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts

Name: Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 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 baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)

Highlighted under: Whisk & Bake

I absolutely adore these Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts! The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a burst of flavor that makes every bite a delight. I find that the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the lemon. These donuts quickly became a family favorite, and I love making them for weekend brunches or as a sweet treat during the week. They are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them the perfect indulgence whenever the craving strikes.

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-16T12:05:37.806Z

When I first decided to bake these donuts, I was unsure how the flavors would meld, but I was pleasantly surprised! The blueberry and lemon pair so wonderfully together, creating a refreshing treat. I used fresh blueberries, which made all the difference in taste and texture. I recommend being generous with the lemon in the glaze for a delightful punch.

One helpful tip I discovered is to let the donuts cool completely before glazing. This ensures that the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t slide off. After trying several methods, I found that dipping the donuts into the glaze while they're still warm gives a better coating without overwhelming sweetness!

Why You'll Love These Donuts
Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor tempered by zesty lemon
Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for brunch or as a sweet afternoon treat

Achieving the Perfect Donut Texture

To ensure your Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts have that light, fluffy texture, avoid over-mixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you no longer see dry flour. Over-mixing can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser donut. Incorporating the blueberries should be done gently to prevent them from breaking apart, which would color your batter and compromise the donut’s appearance.

Another crucial factor for achieving the perfect donut texture is the baking time. Every oven can vary slightly, so start checking your donuts around the 15-minute mark. They should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. If you find that they’re not cooked through but are starting to brown too much, lower the temperature slightly and extend the baking time until fully cooked.

Mastering the Glaze

The glaze for these donuts is what elevates them from good to great. To achieve a perfect consistency, start with a thicker glaze and adjust with additional milk if necessary. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the donuts but smooth enough to drizzle easily. Adding fresh lemon juice and zest not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the glaze's beautiful sheen. Make sure to whisk the glaze until it’s completely glossy with no lumps before dipping or drizzling.

If you're looking to experiment, try infusing your glaze with additional flavors. A hint of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can add depth, while a dash of almond extract might complement the blueberry flavor beautifully. For a visual pop, consider adding a few extra fresh blueberries on top of the glazed donuts before serving; they not only look great but also speak to the flavor experience in every bite.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be kept for a few days. To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unglazed donuts. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze them right before serving for the freshest taste.

For serving, consider pairing these donuts with a light yogurt parfait or a cup of herbal tea to complement their citrusy notes. They make a delightful addition to brunch alongside a fresh fruit salad or could serve as a sweet treat for afternoon coffee breaks. The combination of blueberry and lemon also pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey for added sweetness or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a charming finishing touch.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious donuts:

For the Donuts

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 vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh blueberries

For the Glaze

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

These ingredients create a delightful combination that everyone will enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your donuts:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, glaze as desired.

Enjoy your freshly baked donuts with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, sprinkle some lemon zest over the glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe. For those who are gluten-sensitive, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well in place of all-purpose flour, ensuring that you keep an eye on the baking time, as it can vary with different flours.

When it comes to sweetness, feel free to adjust the granulated sugar to your taste. If you prefer, you can reduce the sugar slightly; just remember that this might change the texture slightly. In addition, for a more complex flavor in the glaze, consider using maple syrup instead of powdered sugar, although the texture will be different; it will create a thicker glaze that adds a unique taste.

Exploring Variations

These donuts can easily be modified to incorporate other flavors. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note that complements the blueberries well. Alternatively, consider switching out the blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries for a seasonal twist. Just be cautious with the juiciness of the berries; you may need to slightly adjust the flour to accommodate.

Another variation is to add a delicious crumb topping before baking. Combine oats, brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter to create a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft donut. Simply sprinkle it on top of the batter in the donut pan before placing it in the oven for that extra texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but fresh blueberries yield a better texture. If using frozen, do not thaw them before folding into the batter.

→ What if I don’t have buttermilk?

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

→ Can I prepare the batter in advance?

While it's best freshly made, you can refrigerate the batter for a few hours before baking for convenience.

→ How should I store leftover donuts?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to a week.