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Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe

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4.4 from 65 reviews

These Key Lime Coconut Donuts are a tropical twist on a classic treat, combining zesty lime with rich coconut flavors in a moist, fluffy donut. Baked to perfection and topped with a tangy key lime glaze and toasted coconut, these donuts make a refreshing dessert or snack perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime zest

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk

Key Lime Glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Optional Decoration

  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously grease a doughnut pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture.
  3. Combine Sugar and Lime Zest: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of fresh lime zest. Use your fingers to mix so the zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar, releasing its aromatic oils.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: To the sugar and zest mixture, whisk in the melted coconut oil until combined. Beat in the large egg, then stir in the coconut milk until fully incorporated.
  5. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Stir just until the batter is evenly combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the donuts.
  6. Fill Donut Pan: Divide the thick batter evenly among the molds of the prepared doughnut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. The donuts should be firm and lightly golden on top when done.
  8. Cool the Donuts: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare Key Lime Glaze: In a wide, shallow dish, combine the confectioners’ sugar, key lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar to thicken or more lime juice to thin as needed.
  10. Glaze the Donuts: Dip each completely cooled donut into the key lime glaze, ensuring an even coating. Set glazed donuts aside for about 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
  11. Decorate and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle the glazed donuts with toasted shredded coconut and extra lime zest for added texture and flavor. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Allowing the donuts to cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a better coating.
  • To toast coconut, spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
  • You can substitute key lime juice with regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly different.
  • For dairy-free, ensure your confectioners’ sugar is vegan-friendly and use coconut milk as indicated.
  • Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.