Lemon Filled Donuts

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

May 19, 2025

Updated:

May 19, 2025

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Light and fluffy, Lemon Filled Donuts are a delightful treat that will brighten any occasion. These sweet-tart donuts are filled with homemade lemon curd, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging in a weekend treat, these donuts offer a burst of citrus flavor that is truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up these delicious donuts in no time.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a snack, these lemon-filled delights suit any occasion.
Homemade Lemon Curd: The fresh lemon curd filling adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the flavor profile of the donuts.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family gatherings or parties, these donuts are sure to impress your guests.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add toppings like glaze to make them your own.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Lemon Filled Donuts, having the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Frying pan or deep fryer
Candy thermometer
Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly and achieving the perfect dough texture.
Frying pan or deep fryer: Allows for even cooking of the donuts, ensuring they turn golden brown without being greasy.

Ingredients

Light, fluffy donuts filled with tangy homemade lemon curd and coated in sweet sugar. Fresh-made treats perfect for breakfast or dessert.

For the Dough

2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons warm milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 envelope instant yeast (7g)

For the Lemon Curd Filling

2 cups whole milk
1 lemon, washed and peeled
1 egg, room temperature
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch, sifted
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

How to Make Lemon Filled Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Whisk warm milk with one large egg in a bowl.
Add the instant yeast and let it dissolve fully.
Mix in 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 cups of bread flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt until combined.
Knead the dough until smooth and slowly work in 3 tablespoons of room-temperature unsalted butter.
Continue kneading for an additional 2-3 minutes until elastic.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to rise until doubled in size (approximately 2-3 hours).

Step 2: Make the Lemon Curd Filling

In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of whole milk with the peel from one lemon.
Let it steep for about 10 minutes before removing the peel.
In another bowl, whisk together one egg, two egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until combined.
Add in sifted cornstarch and salt to the egg mixture; mix well.
Slowly incorporate the hot milk into this mixture while whisking continuously.
Return this new mixture to the saucepan over medium heat; cook until thickened.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted then cool and chill.

Step 3: Frying the Donuts

After dough has risen, divide it into eight equal balls.
Allow them to rest for about 30-40 minutes on a floured surface.
Heat oil in your frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each donut until they turn golden brown on both sides; this should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once fried, place them on a wire rack to cool slightly before rolling them in sugar.

Step 4: Fill with Lemon Curd

Once cooled slightly, fill each donut with prepared lemon curd using a piping bag or squeeze bottle.

Enjoy your freshly made Lemon Filled Donuts, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

How to Serve Lemon Filled Donuts

Serving Lemon Filled Donuts can elevate your breakfast or dessert experience. These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways, making them versatile for any occasion.

Classic Presentation

With Coffee: Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combination.
On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the donuts on a colorful platter for an eye-catching dessert display at parties.

Toppings and Extras

Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that enhances sweetness.
Zesty Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice over the donuts for added flavor.

Accompaniment Ideas

Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries to add freshness and color to your plate.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds creaminess that complements the tartness of the lemon curd.

How to Perfect Lemon Filled Donuts

Perfecting your Lemon Filled Donuts involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts turn out amazing every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps create fluffy donuts.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, ensuring a light texture.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep frying oil at 350°F for even cooking and golden-brown results.
Chill the Lemon Curd: Letting the curd cool before filling prevents soggy donuts and enhances flavor.
Roll Immediately in Sugar: Coat your warm donuts in granulated sugar right after frying for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Filled Donuts

Lemon Filled Donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their delightful flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious, creamy side.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
Crispy Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with sweet donuts, making it an ideal pairing.
Eggs Benedict: This savory dish complements the sweetness of lemon-filled treats nicely, perfect for brunch.
Mimosas: A refreshing cocktail made with orange juice and champagne pairs well, enhancing any celebration.
Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake adds another layer of flavor while maintaining a cozy breakfast vibe.
Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option offers a delightful texture contrast alongside your sweet donuts.
Scones with Jam: Serve warm scones with fruit jam as a delightful companion to lemon-filled goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemon Filled Donuts can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can ruin your experience. Here’s how to avoid them:

Skipping the yeast proofing: Failing to proof the yeast can lead to donuts that are dense or do not rise properly. Always ensure your yeast is active before proceeding.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Utilize a kitchen scale for precision when making your lemon filled donuts.
Frying at the wrong temperature: Frying donuts at too high or too low a temperature can result in greasy or undercooked treats. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent frying temperature of 350°F.
Overfilling with lemon curd: Filling the donuts too much can cause them to burst during frying. Aim for a moderate amount of lemon curd to maintain their shape and integrity.
Neglecting cooling time: Filling the donuts immediately after frying can lead to soggy treats. Allow them to cool on a rack before gently filling them with lemon curd.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover lemon filled donuts in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Filled Donuts

Freeze unfilled donuts for longer storage.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Filled Donuts

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This keeps them crisp.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as this may make the donuts chewy.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, turning frequently. This method helps retain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Lemon Filled Donuts from scratch?

To make lemon filled donuts from scratch, follow our detailed recipe that includes preparing dough, making lemon curd, and frying techniques.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd if you’re short on time. However, homemade lemon curd adds a unique freshness that enhances these sweet-tart treats.

How long do Lemon Filled Donuts last?

Homemade lemon filled donuts last about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer if stored properly.

What is the best way to fill Lemon Filled Donuts?

Using a piping bag with a narrow tip is the best way to fill lemon filled donuts evenly without bursting them while frying.

Can I customize my Lemon Filled Donuts?

Certainly! You can customize your donut fillings with different fruit curds or creams based on your preference for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Filled Donuts are not just tasty; they offer versatility for breakfast or dessert occasions. Their lightness combined with tangy sweetness makes them irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings like powdered sugar or chocolate glaze. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!

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