Indulge Guilt-Free: Easy Raspberry Lemon Cake Donuts Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly)
There’s something universally comforting and joyful about a freshly baked donut. For many, the idea of enjoying such a delightful treat while also focusing on health and wellness might seem like a distant dream. But what if we told you it’s not only possible but incredibly easy? We are thrilled to share a recipe that proves you can indeed have your donut and eat it too, without the guilt! These Raspberry Lemon Cake Donuts are a testament to that philosophy, offering a burst of vibrant flavor in every bite.
This recipe is a true game-changer, especially for those following a structured eating plan like Weight Watchers (WW). Crafted to be light and flavorful, each donut rings in at an incredibly low 2 PointsPlus and 3 SmartPoints across all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple). This means you can satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your progress, making them the perfect “guilt-free treat” to brighten your day.
The combination of tart lemon and sweet, juicy raspberries creates a harmonious flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Imagine the light, fluffy texture of a cake donut, infused with bright citrus notes and dotted with the delightful tang of fresh berries. It’s a taste sensation that transports you to a sunny summer day, regardless of the season. Forget about heavy, greasy fried donuts – these baked beauties are light, tender, and incredibly satisfying.
Raspberry Lemon Cake Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup lemon cake mix
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 Tbsp real lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp egg whites, I buy the carton of “just egg whites”
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries, mashed
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a regular-sized 6-hole donut pan with non-stick spray. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, lemon cake mix, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk them together until well-blended. Then, add the wet ingredients: egg whites, almond milk, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until the batter is just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
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Gently mash your fresh raspberries with a fork. You want them to be slightly broken down but still retain some texture. Carefully fold the mashed raspberries into your donut batter. Distribute them evenly, but again, avoid overmixing. The goal is to incorporate the raspberries without crushing them too much, allowing their natural flavor and color to shine through.
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Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into each hole of your prepared donut pan. Fill each mold about two-thirds full to allow for rising during baking. If using a spoon, try to ensure an even distribution. For neater donuts, a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) works wonders. Bake for approximately 16 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
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For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation, consider adding a simple icing. A quick and easy option is to use 1 tablespoon of pre-made vanilla frosting (like Betty Crocker) and pipe it over the cooled donuts. You can thin it slightly with a tiny bit of milk or lemon juice if desired for a drizzling consistency. Let the icing set before serving. This optional step adds a lovely visual appeal and another layer of flavor.
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This recipe yields 6 delicious donuts, each coming in at 2 PointsPlus and 3 SmartPoints on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple). Store any leftover donuts in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor. They also freeze well for longer storage.
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Nutritional information (adapted from MyFitnessPal): Per donut – Calories 86, Fat 0.8g, Saturated fat 0.1g, Carbohydrates 17.2g, Fiber 0.7g, Sugars 7.5g, Protein 2g. *Please note: When calculating WW points, I do not add in fruit, but the nutritional value provided includes the fruit. This may alter points in some cases depending on how you personally track fruit. Always verify with your preferred tracking method.
Additional Info
The Perfect Flavor Fusion: Raspberry and Lemon
What makes raspberry and lemon such a dynamic duo in baking? It’s a classic pairing for a reason! The bright, zesty notes of lemon cut through the sweetness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the juicy, slightly tart flavor of raspberries. This combination is especially effective in cake donuts, where the delicate crumb benefits from a vibrant flavor infusion. Each bite of these baked delights offers a delightful balance, making them far from bland and utterly addictive.
Why Baked Donuts are a Smart Choice
Traditional donuts are often deep-fried, which contributes to their higher fat and calorie content. By baking these raspberry lemon cake donuts, we significantly reduce the amount of added oil, transforming them into a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. The result is a moist, tender cake-like donut that’s just as satisfying as its fried counterparts, but much kinder to your waistline and your wellness goals. This method is not only healthier but also much less messy to prepare, making it a win-win for home bakers!
Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting Your Perfect Donut Batter
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients. Using a small amount of lemon cake mix adds an incredible depth of lemon flavor and contributes to the tender crumb, making these donuts feel effortlessly gourmet. The combination of regular flour and cake mix ensures the perfect balance of structure and softness. Egg whites contribute to the lightness of the batter, keeping the fat content low while providing essential moisture. Almond milk keeps the donuts dairy-free and light, and fresh lemon juice intensifies that zesty punch. And of course, fresh mashed raspberries are non-negotiable for that burst of natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Donut Pan Prep: Don’t skip spraying your donut pan! Even non-stick pans can benefit from a light spray to ensure your donuts release easily and maintain their perfect shape.
- Mixing Matters: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your donuts tough and chewy instead of light and airy.
- Filling the Pan: For perfectly shaped donuts, consider using a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off to fill the donut cavities. This allows for more precise filling and less mess compared to spooning the batter. Fill each mold about two-thirds full to prevent overflow as they bake and rise.
- Checking for Doneness: The 16-minute baking time is a guideline. Ovens vary, so start checking a minute or two early. A donut is done when it’s golden brown and springs back lightly when touched, or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cooling Properly: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking. Cooling completely on a rack before icing is crucial for the icing to set nicely.
Elevate Your Donut: Glazing and Serving Suggestions
While these raspberry lemon cake donuts are fantastic on their own, a simple glaze can take them to the next level. The recipe suggests a light vanilla icing, which beautifully complements the fruit and citrus flavors. For an extra lemony kick, you could whip up a quick lemon glaze using powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. A little drizzle goes a long way!
These donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them with your morning coffee for a delightful start to the day, or as an elegant addition to a brunch spread. They also make a lovely afternoon snack or a light dessert after dinner. Their vibrant colors and fresh flavors make them appealing to both kids and adults.
Storage and Enjoyment
To keep your homemade raspberry lemon cake donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’ve added icing, ensure it’s fully set before stacking them to prevent sticking. For longer storage, these donuts freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can! If using frozen raspberries, thaw them completely and gently blot them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will prevent your batter from becoming too watery. Mash them as directed.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
While a donut pan is ideal for that classic shape, you can also bake these in a muffin tin! They’ll be more like small muffins or “donut holes” rather than actual donuts, but they will still be delicious. Adjust baking time accordingly, as muffins might take a few minutes longer (around 18-20 minutes). You can also make a loaf cake by baking the batter in a small loaf pan, adjusting baking time to about 30-35 minutes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make these gluten-free, you would need to substitute the regular flour and lemon cake mix with gluten-free alternatives. Look for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum, and a gluten-free lemon cake mix. Results may vary slightly in texture, but it should still yield a delicious donut.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer your donuts less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly in the batter. The lemon cake mix already contributes some sweetness. If you like them sweeter, the optional icing is a great way to add more without changing the core donut recipe.
Are these suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! These baked donuts are excellent for meal prepping. You can bake a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them for a quick breakfast, snack, or light dessert throughout the week. Their individual point values make it easy to track your intake. Freezing them in individual portions also makes them a convenient grab-and-go option.
These Raspberry Lemon Cake Donuts are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, even when you’re mindful of your health. With their incredible flavor, easy preparation, and low point values, they truly are the perfect guilt-free indulgence. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and experience the joy of a homemade donut that loves you back!
Join the Guilt-Free Baking Revolution!
We hope this detailed guide encourages you to try making these delicious baked donuts at home. They are a fantastic way to satisfy sweet cravings while staying on track with your wellness journey. Don’t let anyone tell you that healthy eating means sacrificing flavor or fun! With recipes like this, you can enjoy all the treats you love, reimagined in a lighter, more wholesome way. Share your creations with us online using #drizzlemeskinny and let’s inspire each other to bake more, enjoy more, and live more!