Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts! My baked healthy lemon poppy seed donut recipe is super easy to make and there is no frying required!

My Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Donut Recipe is:

• Sweet & Tangy
• Easy to make
• Baked not fried
• Gut healthy
• Gluten free option (read below)
• Can be made in under 1 hour!

It is finally warming up in New York, and the warmth is sticking! This week was mostly in the 50's. If you're from down south you might be wondering why this is considered warm... Well think of coming from the negative, yes negative degrees! Anyway, in honor of this gorgeous sunny weather, I made some spring time healthy lemon poppy seed donuts. And just as I am writing this, some birds started chirping right outside my window, as if on cue.

I made them with a few healthier substitutions, like white wheat flour, plant based milk, and olive oil. The icing is totally optional, but I think it really brings the recipe together.

Make sure to read my Ultimate Guide on Making Healthy Easy Dessert Recipes at Home featuring healthy cookie dough bars.

HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUT INGREDIENTS

• ⅓ cup Coconut or date sugar
• 2 Lemons (juice & zest)
• 2 tablespoons Avocado or olive oil
• 1 Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup White wheat flour, whole wheat flour, or 1:1 gluten free flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder (aluminum free)
• ½ teaspoon Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Poppy seeds
• ⅓ cup Soy milk

GUT HEALTHY BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS

Each ingredient in these healthy baked lemon poppy seed donuts is carefully chosen to support digestion and overall gut health.

Here’s how these ingredients can benefit your gut:

• Coconut or Date Sugar – These natural sweeteners contain trace minerals and fiber (especially in date sugar) that can support digestion and prevent high blood sugar spikes.
• Lemons (Juice & Zest) – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemons help stimulate digestive enzymes and promote healthy gut function. Their acidity can also aid in breaking down food.
• Avocado or Olive Oil – These healthy fats contain anti-inflammatory properties and support gut lining integrity, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Egg – A great source of high quality protein and essential amino acids that help maintain gut health and repair tissues.
• Vanilla Extract – Known for its antioxidant properties, vanilla can help soothe the gut and reduce inflammation.
• White Wheat Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, or 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour – Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, which promotes good digestion and helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. If using gluten-free flour, opt for a fiber-rich blend to support gut health.
• Baking Powder (Aluminum-Free) – A leavening agent that helps create a light and fluffy texture without irritating the gut.
• Sea Salt – Natural sea salt contains trace minerals that can support electrolyte balance and aid digestion.
• Poppy Seeds – These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, which promotes regular digestion, and they contain healthy fats that support gut lining health.
• Soy Milk – A dairy-free alternative that contains prebiotics (oligosaccharides), which help nourish good gut bacteria and support digestion.

These gut friendly ingredients come together to create a delicious, nutrient packed treat that’s as good for your digestive system as it is for your taste buds!

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS WITHOUT SUGAR

One simple substitution will make these already healthier donuts an even healthier treat if you are sensitive to sugar!

Simply substitute coconut or date sugar for either a mashed super ripe banana, unsweetened apple sauce, date syrup (made of just dates), or honey!

Lemons, oils, egg, vanilla extract, white wheat flour, baking powder, salt, poppy seeds, and soy milk can be left as is for your healthy lemon poppy seed donut recipe.

HOW TO MAKE LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS!

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to grease 6 holes of a donut pan so it is ready when you finished the batter. I also get a cooling rack out, because this allows the donuts to cool so much faster.

TOOLS NEEDED TO MAKE LEMON POPPY SEED BAKED DONUTS AT HOME:

• Mixing bowls
• Lemon zester or cheese grater
• Donut pan
• Wire cooling rack

HOW TO ZEST A LEMON WITH A CHEESE GRATER:

If you don't have a specific lemon zester, not to worry. I just use the small side of a cheese grater like this:

In a medium sized bowl, mix the coconut or date sugar and lemon zest until the lemon is fragrant.

Next, add the egg, oil, and vanilla extract and mix to completely combine. Then, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. You might notice that the batter looks a little dry, or the flour is not completely mixed in. This is okay.

Finally, stir in the lemon juice and soy milk. If you don't have or don't like soy milk, you can really use any type of milk that you like.

Divide the batter between the 6 greased donut holes.

Bake your healthy lemon poppy seed donuts in the oven for 12 minutes to start. If they bounce back when pressed, they are done. If they seem watery, or if a toothpick doesn't come out clean, bake another 3 minutes.

Now you can place them on your cooling rack and prepare the healthy donut glaze.

HOW TO MAKE LEMON GLAZE FOR HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS

For the healthy lemon poppy seed donut glaze, I used ⅓ cup raw honey and 4 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice. If you want it to be more of a frosting, I would only suggest using 1-2 tablespoons of the lemon juice.

Whisk together ⅓ cup honey with 2-4 tablespoons lemon juice. If you like it thinner, add more lemon juice.

I like to make mine thinner, so that I can save time frosting and quickly dip each one!

STORAGE

Store healthy lemon poppy seed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS!

Want to make sure your healthy baked lemon poppy seed donuts turn out perfect every time? Follow these simple tips for the best results:

1. Use Fresh Lemons

Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, citrusy notes that make these donuts so delicious.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.

3. Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour, which can make the donuts dry.

4. Let the Batter Rest

Allowing the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes before baking helps hydrate the flour, resulting in a softer texture.

5. Use a Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag

For even, smooth donuts, transfer the batter into a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner cut) and pipe it into the greased donut pan.

6. Don’t Overbake

Bake until the donuts are just set and lightly golden. Overbaking can make them dry, so check them a minute or two before the recommended baking time.

7. Let Them Cool Completely Before Glazing

Warm donuts will absorb the glaze instead of letting it set beautifully on top. Allow them to cool fully for the best results.

8. Store Properly for Freshness

Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before eating for the best texture.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have perfectly soft, flavorful, and gut healthy lemon poppy seed donuts every time!

FAQ'S

Frequently asked questions about my healthy baked lemon poppy seed donut recipe.

HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUT CALORIES

1 has 179 calories

HOW DO I MAKE VEGAN LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS?

To make vegan lemon donuts, all you have to do is replace 1 egg with 1 flax or chia seed egg.

CAN I MAKE THESE HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS FRIED INSTEAD OF BAKED?

Baked lemon donuts can not be made into fried donuts because the dough is much more watery.

HOW DO I MAKE GLUTEN FREE HEALTHY LEMON POPPY SEED DONUTS?

Simply replace my white wheat flour with 1:1 all purpose gluten free baking flour!

More Healthy Baked Dessert Recipes you're going to love!

• Surprise Carrot Cake
• Healthy Vanilla Donuts
• Pink Cinnamon Rolls
• Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
• Almond Flour Funfetti Cupcakes
• Healthy Strawberry Pop tarts
• Healthy Zucchini Cake with Avocado Frosting
• Twix Bars with Date Caramel
• Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies
• Healthy Pumpkin Brownies

If you try my Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Donut Recipe, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube!