Key Lime Pie Donuts Recipe
There’s something irresistible about the bright citrusy zing of Key Lime Pie Donuts. Imagine all the glory of key lime pie—tangy lime, sweet graham cracker, and that creamy finish—in a soft, fluffy baked donut. This recipe delivers all that sunny flavor in a fun, portable treat. Whether you’re planning a brunch, want to impress your friends, or just craving a dessert with a tropical twist, these donuts are about to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches to create Key Lime Pie Donuts that taste like a tropical vacation. Each ingredient brings something important to the party, ensuring the perfect combination of tanginess, sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure and a delicate crumb in every donut bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps keep the donuts moist.
- Baking powder: Brings lift and fluffiness, so your donuts aren’t dense.
- Baking soda: Enhances browning and works with the sour cream for an extra-airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch balances all the flavors and brings out the tang of the limes.
- Egg: Provides structure and richness—plus that gorgeous donut color.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and an irresistible tenderness, echoing that pie-creaminess.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts light and ensures every bite is luscious, not dry.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus notes beautifully.
- Milk: Brings everything together and ensures the batter is pourable and smooth.
- Key lime juice: Delivers zingy citrus flavor that defines these donuts.
- Lime zest: Packs an aromatic lime punch, scattered throughout every donut.
- Key lime decorating icing: Sweet-tart icing gives that pie-inspired finish and bright green color.
- Coconut (toasted): Adds tropical flair and compelling texture with every bite.
- Graham crackers (crushed): A nod to the classic pie crust, perfect for a little crunch and nostalgia.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Donuts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Donut Pan
Set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 325°F. Get out your donut pan, then grease it thoroughly and give it a dusting of flour. This step is the secret to easily releasing perfectly-shaped donuts without sticking or crumbling!
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting aerates your mixture and ensures every donut comes out light, even, and free of dry pockets.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Fit your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, then beat the egg until foamy. Add in the sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until everything is smooth and fully blended. Next, pour in the key lime juice and lime zest, and beat again to infuse maximum citrus flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing a little at a time. Give it a minute at medium speed—just enough to create a thick, luscious batter. Avoid overmixing to keep those donuts feather-light.
Step 5: Fill the Pan
Spoon your batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter neatly into the donut wells, filling each about two-thirds full. This not only makes filling easier, but also ensures consistently-shaped Key Lime Pie Donuts every time.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly to the touch. The aroma will be absolute heaven!
Step 7: Cool Down
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set their shape. Carefully turn them out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before you glaze—this keeps the icing from melting.
Step 8: Top and Decorate
Once cool, drizzle or pipe the key lime decorating icing on the donuts. Finish with a generous sprinkle of toasted coconut and crushed graham crackers—those classic Key Lime Pie Donut garnishes add both flair and flavor!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Donuts
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make these donuts gleam. A swirl of key lime icing not only brings color but also adds a punch of flavor. Don’t skip the toasted coconut and graham cracker crumbs—they’re essential for true Key Lime Pie Donuts vibes!
Side Dishes
Serve your Key Lime Pie Donuts with a plate of fresh tropical fruit or a scoop of whipped cream. For brunch, they’re perfect alongside a frosty iced coffee or a cup of hot tea, adding a little sunshine to the start of any day.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your donuts high on a tiered cake stand for a stunning dessert table, or serve individually in cupcake wrappers for easy grabbing. A dusting of extra lime zest or a garnish of thin lime slices will make your Key Lime Pie Donuts truly eye-catching at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Key Lime Pie Donuts tasting bakery-fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, they’ll be happiest in the fridge, where they stay luscious for about 4 days.
Freezing
Key Lime Pie Donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap cooled, undecorated donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw and ice when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
If you like your donuts just a little warm, a brief zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) or a few minutes in a low oven will do the trick. Glaze and decorate after reheating, for the freshest flavor and the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Absolutely! While key lime juice has a distinct floral flavor, regular lime juice works beautifully if that’s what you have handy. Your Key Lime Pie Donuts will still be tangy and delicious.
Do I have to use a donut pan?
If you don’t own a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin—just be sure to adjust the baking time as the donuts will be thicker. The shape won’t be quite the same, but the flavor is still magic!
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend for classic flour. Be sure to check labels on other ingredients if you’re baking for someone with sensitivities.
Is it okay to skip the coconut?
Definitely! If you or your guests aren’t coconut fans, just leave it out or swap for chopped pistachios, white chocolate shavings, or more graham cracker crumbs for a twist on the classic Key Lime Pie Donut topping.
What can I use if I can’t find key lime icing?
No worries—a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a few teaspoons of key lime juice, and a bit of milk makes a lovely substitute. Add a drop of green food coloring if you want that signature look!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like biting into these bright, tangy Key Lime Pie Donuts—they’re pure, joyful summertime in every bite. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave something sweet and sunny; I just know you’ll find yourself dreaming up reasons to make them again and again!
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Key Lime Pie Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Key Lime Pie Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the flavors of key lime pie with the fun, portable nature of donuts. They are the perfect treat for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 6 ounces sour cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon lime zest
Toppings:
- 1 Wilton key lime decorating icing
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut
- 3 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and lightly flour a donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a stand mixer, beat the eggs. Add sour cream, oil, vanilla, and milk. Mix well. Add key lime juice and lime zest.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on medium speed for about a minute.
- Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Top with Key Lime Icing, toasted coconut, and graham cracker crumbs.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can drizzle extra key lime juice over the donuts before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Key Lime Pie Donuts, Key Lime, Donuts, Dessert, Baking
