These Baked Lemon Raspberry Donuts are a delightful treat made with fluffy lemon-infused sponge and juicy raspberries, finished with a simple tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for spring, summer, or whenever you’re craving something fruity and sweet, they’re easy to prepare and look impressively elegant. Ideal for snack time, brunch, or even dessert, these donuts deliver flavor and beauty with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Lemon Raspberry Donut Batter:

115 g unsalted butter
100 g granulated sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
250 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp fine salt
80 g sour cream
Zest of 2 unwaxed lemons
60 ml lemon juice
125 g fresh raspberries

Lemon Glaze:

200 g powdered sugar, sifted
30 ml lemon juice
1 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries (optional, for decoration)

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two donut pans.
Cream butter and sugar together in a stand mixer until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Add eggs slowly while mixing. Stop halfway to scrape down the bowl.
Stir in the sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Gently fold in the raspberries. Some may break up, creating a marbled look.
Pipe the batter into the donut molds using a piping bag (cut a 1 cm hole). Don’t overfill.
Bake for 12–14 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Dip each donut into the glaze and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries while wet. Let set before serving.

Nutrients (per donut, approx.)

Calories: 377 kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sugar: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 341mg
Vitamin C: 20mg
Calcium: 63mg
Iron: 2mg

A Fresh Take on Classic Donuts

Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, which results in a cake-like texture that’s light, fluffy, and not overly greasy. This method also makes the recipe much easier and cleaner to prepare at home. The use of sour cream adds moisture and richness to the batter, giving each bite a tender crumb without being too dense. The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh raspberries gives these donuts a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Why Lemon and Raspberry is a Perfect Pair

Lemon and raspberry are a classic flavor duo in desserts for good reason. Lemon provides brightness and acidity that cuts through the natural sweetness of raspberries, while raspberries offer a juicy, tart fruitiness that enhances the lemon’s citrusy zing. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that feels light yet deeply satisfying. The vibrant color of the raspberries and the yellow hue of the lemon batter also make these donuts visually appealing—especially when topped with a glossy glaze and a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberry crumbs.

Why You’ll Love These Donuts

These baked donuts deliver on all fronts—flavor, texture, and presentation. They’re soft and moist thanks to the sour cream and butter, but also sturdy enough to hold their shape when dipped into the glaze. The fresh raspberries melt into the batter, creating gorgeous pockets of tartness throughout each donut. They’re easy to bake in under 30 minutes and require no frying or yeast, making them a great option for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with coffee on a lazy morning, these donuts are sure to be a hit.

Healthier Than Traditional Donuts

Since these donuts are baked and not fried, they contain less fat and fewer calories than their deep-fried counterparts. The use of fresh raspberries also adds a boost of antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. While still a sweet treat, this recipe is a better-for-you alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. You can also adjust the sugar levels in the glaze or opt for a light dusting of powdered sugar instead, depending on your dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Lemon Raspberry Donuts are best served fresh and slightly warm, but they also hold up well for a few days stored at room temperature. Present them on a tiered cake stand or bright platter for an eye-catching display at brunches or gatherings. Pair them with freshly brewed coffee, Earl Grey tea, or a sparkling lemonade to complement the citrus notes. You can even serve them alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a light breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

Perfect for All Occasions

These donuts are versatile enough for both casual and special occasions. Their elegant appearance and vibrant flavor make them ideal for baby showers, spring brunches, bridal teas, and holiday breakfast tables. At the same time, their simplicity and ease of preparation mean they can be whipped up on a weekday morning or as a weekend baking project. They also make great edible gifts—wrap them in parchment and twine for a sweet, homemade touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best texture, don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of tender. Another common issue is overfilling the donut molds, which can cause the donuts to lose their shape. Aim to fill each mold about two-thirds full. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the delicate sponge—check with a toothpick around the 12-minute mark. Lastly, make sure the donuts are fully cooled before dipping into the glaze, or it may melt and slide off.

Baking Tips for Success

For a uniform finish, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the molds. This helps distribute the batter evenly and neatly. Use unwaxed lemons for the zest to ensure you’re not adding any unwanted coatings into your batter. If your raspberries are especially juicy, pat them gently with paper towels before folding them into the batter to prevent excess moisture. When making the glaze, adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Variations to Try

While lemon and raspberry are a fantastic pairing, this recipe is flexible enough for experimentation. Swap the raspberries for blueberries, chopped strawberries, or even blackberries for a different berry flavor. You could also add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a subtle spice note. For the glaze, try using orange juice instead of lemon, or add a little vanilla for a sweeter finish. Drizzle with white chocolate or top with a few edible flowers for an extra-special presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight: Fresh Raspberries

Raspberries are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They’re packed with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, as well as fiber and manganese. Their bright color and tart-sweet flavor bring life to baked goods like these donuts. Using fresh raspberries ensures they hold their shape and provide juicy pockets of flavor. However, if fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen berries can be used—just thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Raspberry Donuts are a simple yet stunning dessert that brings together the best of citrus and berry flavors in a fluffy, tender bite. With their golden sponge, zesty glaze, and ruby-red bursts of raspberry, they’re as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or just treating yourself, these donuts are sure to impress. Their ease of preparation, elegant presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a staple you’ll want to bake again and again.