This is good for you, because key lime has vitamin C, right? Well, that is the argument and we’re sticking to it.
Key lime pie has always been one of my favorite desserts. It’s sweet, tart flavor is just plain delicious and absolutely refreshing. I figured key lime pie for breakfast would be pushing it, so why not turn it into a donut?
This is one flavor-filled donut. It’s loaded with lots of lime…lime zest, key lime juice, and a fabulously tangy key lime glaze. I couldn’t resist sprinkling a few graham cracker crumbs on top too, to finish them off. And what’s even better is these beauties are baked, not fried, so we can have more than one and not feel guilty at all. Kinda.
Step by Step Guide to Making Key Lime Glazed Baked Donuts
-
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate small bowl, blend the lightly beaten egg with light brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, lime zest, and key lime juice.
-
Combine Mixtures and Bake:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan.
- Bake for 9 minutes or until the donuts are cooked through.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
-
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, key lime juice, and milk. Adjust consistency with more milk if necessary.
- If using, add green food coloring and mix until the desired color is reached.
-
Glaze and Serve:
- Invert the donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Place glazed donuts on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
- Serve once the glaze has set.
Recipe Notes:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to get the best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and airy.
- The glaze should be thick but pourable; adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- The lime zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor; make sure to zest only the green part of the skin to avoid bitterness.
Key Lime Glazed Baked Donuts
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
This is good for you, because key lime has vitamin C, right? Well, that is the argument and we’re sticking to it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. lime zest
- 2 tsp. key lime juice
- Graham crackers, crushed (for sprinkling)
For the Key Lime Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 Tbsp. key lime juice
- 1 Tbsp. milk
- Green food coloring (optional, one or two drops)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate small bowl, blend the lightly beaten egg with light brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, lime zest, and key lime juice.
- Combine Mixtures and Bake:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan.
- Bake for 9 minutes or until the donuts are cooked through.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, key lime juice, and milk. Adjust consistency with more milk if necessary.
- If using, add green food coloring and mix until the desired color is reached.
- Glaze and Serve:
- Invert the donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Place glazed donuts on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
- Serve once the glaze has set.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to get the best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and airy.
- The glaze should be thick but pourable; adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- The lime zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor; make sure to zest only the green part of the skin to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 9 mins
- Cook Time: 24 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Gorgeous looking and deliciously tasting. Loved these.
Mama mia, these were fantastic, thank you for an amazing recipe.
Holy smokes, these sound delish! There is no way I am not making these this weekend!
I love key lime, but sometimes hard to find here in Holland. But made them with normal lime, and it turned out perfectly.