Gluten Free Baked Lemon Donuts Recipe
If you’re a fan of tangy, citrus-kissed treats, these Gluten-Free Baked Lemon Donuts are about to be your new favorite. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with real lemon flavor, these donuts are baked (not fried!) for a lighter, healthier twist on the classic. And the best part? They’re 100% gluten-free, but you’d never know it from the taste or texture.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, special occasion, or just a sunny breakfast pick-me-up, these lemony donuts are quick to make and guaranteed to brighten your day.
📋 Recipe Overview
- Name: Gluten-Free Baked Lemon Donuts
- Yield: 10–12 donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Cool + Glaze Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Skill Level: Easy
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, vegetarian
🛒 Ingredients
For the Lemon Donuts:
- 1 ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum, or add ½ tsp separately)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alt + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
🧑🍳 Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a non-stick donut pan or spray with cooking spray.
🥣 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Gluten-free flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
This gives the donuts their soft crumb while ensuring they rise properly.
🍋 Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Buttermilk
- Melted butter
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Mix until smooth and well combined.
🥄 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
- Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be slightly thick and smooth.
🧁 Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter into the greased donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
⏲️ Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
- Let them cool in the pan for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍯 Step 7: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and optional zest until you get a smooth, slightly thick glaze. Add more juice for a thinner glaze.
🎨 Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle with a spoon.
- Let them sit for about 10–15 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
🕓 Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep & Mixing | 15 minutes |
| Baking Time | 10–12 minutes |
| Cooling & Glazing | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | ~45–50 minutes |
🔥 Intensity Level: Easy
This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires no electric mixer or fancy equipment. If you’ve never baked gluten-free before, don’t worry—this one’s foolproof. Just make sure to follow ingredient measurements carefully, especially with gluten-free flour blends.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot tea or a cold glass of lemonade.
- Add a few fresh berries to the plate for a pop of color and freshness.
- For extra decadence, sprinkle with coconut flakes or edible flowers before the glaze sets.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: These donuts freeze beautifully! Freeze unglazed for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze just before serving.
🌿 Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and plant-based milk + lemon juice.
- Add-ins: Toss in a few poppy seeds to make them lemon-poppy donuts!
- Flour Swap: Use oat flour or almond flour for a different texture, though results may vary slightly.
- Sugar-Free: Substitute granulated monk fruit sweetener for the sugar in the batter.
🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Donut – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the flour blend and glaze thickness.
🌞 Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Baked Lemon Donuts are everything a donut should be: light, tender, sweet, and bursting with citrus flavor. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a lighter alternative to store-bought varieties. Whether you’re gluten-free by necessity or by choice, this recipe is a keeper.
Perfect for brunch, birthday breakfasts, bridal showers, or just because—it’s sunshine in donut form.
