Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
There’s something about the fresh, citrusy aroma of lemon that instantly brightens the day! These homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are the perfect balance of light, fluffy, and tangy, with a hint of sweetness. Made with wholesome ingredients like yogurt, coconut sugar, and fresh lemon zest, they’re a healthier take on a classic treat. Topped with a simple two-ingredient lemon glaze and a zesty lemon-sugar topping, each bite is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, a springtime snack, or a homemade treat to share, these donuts are sure to be a hit!
Reasons to Try This Lemon Poppy Seed Donut Recipe
Bright & Refreshing Flavor – The fresh lemon juice and zest add a burst of citrusy goodness, making these donuts light and refreshing.
Healthier Alternative – Made with yogurt, coconut sugar, and olive oil (or butter), these donuts are a better-for-you treat without sacrificing taste.
Soft & Fluffy Texture – Thanks to the yogurt and the perfect balance of ingredients, these donuts turn out irresistibly moist and fluffy.
Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for special occasions.
Two Delicious Toppings – A sweet, tangy lemon glaze and a zesty lemon-sugar topping take these donuts to the next level with extra flavor and crunch.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these donuts are a delightful pick-me-up for any time of day.
Gluten-Free Option Available – Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour to make them suitable for different dietary needs.
A Fun Twist on a Classic – If you love lemon poppy seed muffins, you’ll adore these donuts with their soft center and lightly crisp edges.
Give these homemade lemon poppy seed donuts a try—you won’t regret it! 🍋✨
Tips to Succeed in This Lemon Poppy Seed Donut Recipe
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps everything mix evenly, resulting in a smooth batter and a better texture in the donuts.
Don't Overmix the Batter – Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Grease the Donut Pan Well – To ensure easy release, lightly grease your donut mold with oil or butter before adding the batter.
Fill the Molds Properly – Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full to avoid overflow while still getting a nice shape.
Check for Doneness Early – Bake until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed, or a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can dry them out.
Brush with Butter While Warm – This helps the lemon sugar topping stick and adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Let the Donuts Cool Before Glazing – If you glaze them while too hot, the icing will melt right off instead of setting beautifully.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice – Fresh citrus makes all the difference in flavor, so skip bottled lemon juice for the best results.
Adjust the Glaze Consistency – If you like a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner drizzle, add a little more lemon juice.
Enjoy Fresh or Store Properly – These are best enjoyed the same day, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Follow these tips, and your lemon poppy seed donuts will turn out perfectly every time! 🍋✨
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Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

These light, fluffy donuts are bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze and a zesty sugar topping, they make the perfect treat for spring mornings! Simple to make, with a touch of tang from yogurt and a lemony finish that’s irresistible. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a delicious breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter, can also use melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or powder
- squeeze of half a lemon
- zest of half a lemon
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour, gluten-free or regular
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- melted butter for brushing after baking
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ tbsp granulated sugar, using maple sugar here
- ½ tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, yogurt, milk, oil, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
- In another bowl, mix flour, coconut sugar, poppy seeds, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into the donut pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled donuts.
- Combine maple sugar, poppy seeds, and lemon zest. Sprinkle over the icing before it sets.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
210Fat (grams)
7 gCarbs (grams)
35 gProtein (grams)
4 gFiber (grams)
1 gThis is an estimate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.