The Zestiest Lemon Curd Donuts Recipe For Sweet Tooths

My kitchen adventure with these lemon curd donuts started as a delightful experiment in sweet creativity.

Zesty citrus notes dance through soft, pillowy pastry, creating a mouthwatering sensation.

Classic donut techniques merge with bright, tangy filling for an unexpected treat.

Home bakers can easily master this delectable recipe with simple ingredients.

Pillowy dough becomes a canvas for rich, silky lemon curd that bursts with sunshine-like flavor.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tender pastry and bright, creamy filling.

You won’t believe how simple these donuts are to craft.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into something magical.

Sweet Citrus Treats for Bright Flavors

• Savor Quick Comfort: These sweet citrus treats offer a delightful, homemade dessert that comes together with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or casual weekend treats that will make everyone smile and ask for seconds.
• Master Versatile Technique: Learn a classic frying method that can be adapted to create various filled pastries, expanding your baking repertoire with confidence.
• Indulge Seasonal Freshness: Bright lemon curd brings a zesty, refreshing twist to traditional fried pastries, celebrating the vibrant flavors of citrus.

Ingredients for Your Citrus Treat Baking Adventure

• Milk: A key liquid component that provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the dough and creating a rich texture in both the dough and lemon curd.
• Flour: The primary structural ingredient that forms the base of the sweet citrus treats.
• Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the dough rise and develop flavor.

• Sugar, Lemon Peel: Provide sweetness and bright citrus flavor to the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the treats.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, tender texture in both the dough and lemon curd.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the lemon curd and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Citrus Treats Preparation Guide

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Grab a cozy bowl and pour in warm milk.

Crack an egg into the milk and whisk them together until well combined.

Sprinkle in yeast and gently dissolve, creating a frothy base for your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Stir and knead the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.

Gradually incorporate softened butter, working it into the dough until smooth.

Continue kneading for 2-3 minutes.

Set the dough in a warm spot and let it rise until it doubles in size, which typically takes 2-3 hours.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Lemon Curd

Pour milk into a saucepan and add fresh lemon peel.

Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes, infusing with bright citrus essence.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with sugar.

Mix in cornstarch and salt.

Gradually stream the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.

Cook the mixture until it thickens beautifully.

Finish by stirring in butter.

Refrigerate to cool and set.

Step 4: Shape And Fry Citrus Delights

Divide the risen dough into 8 equal balls.

Let them rest for 30-40 minutes.

Heat oil to 350F and carefully fry the dough until they turn golden brown.

Transfer to a cooling rack.

Once cooled, roll in sugar and generously fill with the prepared lemon curd.

Bright Ideas for Citrus Treats Flavor

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, which can ruin dough's rising potential.
• Spend extra time working butter into dough for smoother, more elastic texture that creates tender pastries.
• Temper eggs slowly to prevent scrambling by adding hot milk gradually while continuously whisking.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature at 350F for even golden-brown color and prevent greasy or undercooked treats.
• Keep filled citrus treats refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and best flavor profile.

Citrus Treats Fresh Ways to Mix It Up

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour. Use gluten-free yeast. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk. Use plant-based egg replacer. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free lemon curd made with artificial sweeteners. Reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use lactose-free milk or plant-based milk. Replace butter with coconut oil. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free certified.

Bringing Citrus Treats to the Table

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve these citrusy delights alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a stunning morning spread.
• Dessert Delight: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle extra lemon curd on top for an indulgent sweet finish.
• Tea Time Treat: Accompany these pastries with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a classic afternoon snack experience.
• Party Presentation: Arrange on a beautiful platter with mint leaves and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant gathering centerpiece.

Citrus Treats Storage Solutions

• Store filled treats in airtight container for 2-3 days. Keep lemon curd separate from pastry to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze unfilled pastries for up to 1 month. Separate lemon curd into small containers.
• Warm pastries at 50% power for 15-20 seconds. Add fresh lemon curd after reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
• Let frozen pastries thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore original texture.

FAQs

• What kind of yeast works best for this recipe?

Active dry yeast or instant yeast are both suitable. Just ensure the yeast is fresh and dissolves completely in warm milk.

• Can I replace milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, almond or oat milk can work well. Just keep the liquid temperature warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.

• How do I know if my yeast mixture is correct?

The mixture should look slightly foamy and have a mild, bread-like smell. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be expired.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the lemon curd?

Cornstarch helps thicken the curd and prevents it from being too runny. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, but the texture might be slightly different.

Lemon Curd Donuts Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon curd donuts deliver a delightful dance of tangy sweetness, elevating classic pastry to gourmet heights. Pillowy dough filled with bright citrus cream promises a mouthwatering adventure you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups bread flour
• 1 envelope instant yeast (7 grams)
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, sifted

Liquid and Soft Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons warm milk
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature

Fruit and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, washed and peeled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by combining warm milk with egg, ensuring complete dissolution of the microorganisms for optimal dough rising.
2. Create dough by incorporating sugar, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Knead thoroughly, gradually integrating butter until achieving a silky, elastic consistency. Allow dough to proof in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 2-3 hours.
3. Prepare lemon curd by infusing milk with lemon peel, allowing aromatic oils to permeate liquid for 10 minutes. Whisk eggs and sugar, then blend in cornstarch and salt. Gradually temper mixture with heated milk, cooking until custard thickens. Incorporate butter for richness, then refrigerate until completely chilled.
4. Portion dough into eight uniform spheres, permitting brief relaxation to enhance texture. Heat oil to 350°F and carefully fry dough until achieving golden-brown exterior. Transfer to cooling rack, dust with granulated sugar, and delicately fill centers with chilled lemon curd.

Notes

• Choose warm milk around 110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Proof yeast mixture carefully, ensuring tiny bubbles form indicating active fermentation.
• Work butter into dough gradually to create smooth, elastic texture without tearing.
• Rest dough balls covered to prevent surface from drying and developing tough skin.
• Fry treats at consistent temperature for even golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
• Chill lemon curd thoroughly for firmer filling that doesn’t leak when stuffing pastries.
• Roll warm treats in fine sugar for delicate, even coating that melts slightly on surface.
• Adjust lemon curd sweetness by reducing sugar for diabetic-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg