Name: Baked Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts (Healthier!)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 0.5 cup granulated sugar substitute (such as Swerve®); 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon lemon extract; 0.5 cup almond milk, at room temperature; 1.25 cups all-purpose flour; 1.25 teaspoons baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds; 1.25 cups powdered sugar substitute (such as Swerve®); 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tablespoon almond milk, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.125 teaspoon salt

Indulge in the bright, citrusy flavors of these baked lemon poppy seed donuts. A healthier twist on a classic treat, these donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with zesty goodness, making them the perfect guilt-free indulgence for breakfast or dessert.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously spray two donut pans with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release. (5 minutes)

02

Step

In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar substitute and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar substitute with your fingers to release its fragrant oils, creating an intensely flavorful base. Add the egg, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Gradually incorporate the almond milk, mixing until the batter is well combined and smooth. (10 minutes)

03

Step

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures a light and airy texture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the poppy seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. (5 minutes)

04

Step

Evenly divide the batter among the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. (10-12 minutes)

05

Step

Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (10 minutes)

06

Step

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar substitute, lemon juice, almond milk, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set a wire rack over a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Dip each donut into the icing, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on the rack until the glaze sets, about 2 to 3 minutes. (5 minutes)