Lavender, Lemon, and Purple Sweet Potato Donuts are a unique and delightful treat that combines floral, citrus, and earthy flavors in a light and airy donut. The purple sweet potato adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the donut batter, while lavender infuses the dough with a subtle floral note. Zesty lemon brightens up the flavor profile with a refreshing tang, and the combination of these ingredients creates a visually striking and delicious donut. They’re often finished with a light glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
I first made Lavender, Lemon, and Purple Sweet Potato Donuts when I was in the mood to experiment with flavors and colors, and the result was an instant favorite! The sweet potato keeps the donuts soft and moist, while the lavender and lemon provide a fragrant and refreshing twist. What I love most about this recipe is how it feels both indulgent and healthy, with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato and a touch of floral elegance. These donuts are perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious!
Perfect for:
- Brunch gatherings
- Afternoon tea
- Special occasions
- Lemon and lavender lovers
- Fans of creative, seasonal desserts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Lavender, Lemon, and Purple Sweet Potato Donuts will become your favorite indulgence:
- Unique Flavor Combination: The fusion of lavender, lemon, and purple sweet potato creates a harmonious balance of floral, citrus, and earthy tastes.
- Aromatic Lavender: The use of lavender adds a calming floral essence to the donuts that is both subtle and refreshing.
- Tangy Lemon Glaze: The tangy lemon glaze perfectly complements the sweetness of the purple sweet potato, creating a delightful contrast.
- Naturally Sweetened: The purple sweet potato adds a natural sweetness without the need for excessive sugar.
- Soft and Tender: These donuts are light, fluffy, and moist, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant purple hue from the sweet potato makes these donuts visually striking, perfect for impressing guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These donuts can be baked in advance and glazed just before serving, making them ideal for hosting.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, brunch, or afternoon tea, these donuts are a standout dessert.
- Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked, offering a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts while still delivering on flavor.
- Versatile Glaze Options: You can customize the glaze with additional flavors, such as vanilla or honey, to suit your taste.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 6g
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup purple sweet potato, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Garnish:
- Dried lavender buds
- Lemon zest
Ingredient Highlights
- Purple Sweet Potato: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the donuts.
- Dried Lavender: Infuses a gentle floral fragrance and taste, elevating the donuts’ flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Offers a fresh, tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
- Butter and Milk: Contribute to the rich, moist texture of the donuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Donuts:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lavender buds.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mashed purple sweet potato, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the lemon glaze, ensuring the top is evenly coated. Allow excess glaze to drip off before placing the donuts back on the wire rack.
Garnish and Serve:
- Decorate: Sprinkle dried lavender buds and additional lemon zest on top of the glazed donuts for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked donuts!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Lavender, Lemon, and Purple Sweet Potato Donuts:
- At a Brunch: Serve as a delightful and unique addition to your next brunch spread.
- With Tea: Pair with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a light, fragrant treat.
- As a Gift: Package these donuts in a cute box or tin as a homemade gift for friends and family.
- For Afternoon Snacks: These donuts are perfect for a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon.
- As a Dessert: Serve after a light meal as a refreshing dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.
- For a Picnic: Take these donuts along to a picnic for a portable, crowd-pleasing treat.
- With Fruit Compote: Pair with a homemade fruit compote, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a fruity twist.
- As a Breakfast: Enjoy these donuts as part of a decadent breakfast with a side of fresh fruit.
- With Coffee or Latte: Pair with a freshly brewed coffee or a frothy latte for a perfect morning treat.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lavender: If you have access to fresh lavender, it can be used in place of dried lavender for an even more aromatic flavor.
- Add a Touch of Honey: For a slightly sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon of honey to the lemon glaze mixture.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice to thin it out.
- Try Other Root Vegetables: Swap purple sweet potato with other root vegetables like pumpkin or carrot for different flavors.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Recipe Variations
- Lavender Lemon Donuts: Omit the purple sweet potato for a purely lemon and lavender-flavored donut.
- Vegan Donuts: Use plant-based milk and substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture or other egg alternatives.
- Maple Glaze: Swap lemon glaze with a maple glaze for a more autumnal flavor.
- Chai-Spiced Donuts: Add a teaspoon of chai spice mix to the batter for a warm, spiced version of the donuts.
- Coconut Glaze: Replace lemon juice with coconut milk in the glaze for a tropical twist.
- Almond Flour Donuts: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the donuts for a decadent finish.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For a twist, roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar after glazing them for extra sweetness.
Special Equipment
- Donut Pan: Essential for shaping the donuts and ensuring even baking.
- Blender or Food Processor: To mash the purple sweet potato smoothly.
- Electric Mixer: For beating the eggs and sugar together until fluffy.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the donuts evenly after baking.
- Whisk: To mix the glaze ingredients and ensure smooth consistency.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular orange sweet potatoes instead of purple sweet potatoes, though the color and flavor will differ slightly. - How do I store leftover donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - Can I substitute the lemon glaze with another flavor?
Absolutely! You can use orange glaze, vanilla glaze, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze instead. - Are these donuts gluten-free?
These donuts are not gluten-free, but you can easily make them gluten-free by using almond flour or another gluten-free flour blend. - Can I add other fruits to the donuts?
Yes, you can fold in small pieces of berries like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture. - How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into a donut; if it comes out clean, the donuts are done. - Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance and glaze them just before serving. - How can I make the donuts more savory?
For a savory twist, reduce the sugar in the batter and glaze and add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the donuts. - What should I serve with these donuts?
These donuts pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a refreshing citrus beverage.
Conclusion
Lavender, Lemon, and Purple Sweet Potato Donuts are a unique and flavorful treat that brings together floral, citrus, and earthy notes in a delightful way. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for an occasion or a creative snack to enjoy, these donuts will impress with their vibrant colors, aromatic flavors, and tender texture. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.