Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with these irresistible Baked Glazed Cherry Limeade Donuts!
There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of a classic cherry limeade on a warm day, is there? That iconic sweet-tart combination instantly brings back memories of carefree summers and delightful sips. Now, imagine transforming that beloved beverage into a delectable, fluffy donut! Our baked, not fried, Cherry Limeade Donuts are a true celebration of summer, featuring soft pink cherry cake donuts generously coated in a zesty, slightly tart lime glaze. They are more than just a treat; they’re a nostalgic journey in every bite, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a burst of sunshine.
Finally, after what felt like an endless winter, spring has graced us with its presence. The vibrant hues of green grass, the cheerful melodies of birdsong, and the fragrant bloom of flowers signal the joyous arrival of May. It’s a time of renewal, warmth, and the promise of long, sunny days ahead. May is always a bustling month, filled with yard work, school year wrap-ups, and the excitement of graduation celebrations. As we navigate this lively period, we also look forward to a special day dedicated to pampering moms, followed by Memorial Day, which unofficially kicks off the highly anticipated summer season. Ah, summer—how we’ve longed for your return!
This delightful recipe was created in partnership with Family Fare Supermarkets. While this post is sponsored, all thoughts, opinions, and delicious donut cravings are entirely my own.
The Inspiration Behind These Irresistible Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts
Like many, my family and I have a soft spot for those classic summertime indulgences: slushies and shaved ice. And if I had to pick one flavor that always wins my heart, it would undoubtedly be cherry limeade. The perfect balance of sweet cherry and tangy lime is simply unmatched. This year, I decided it was time to bring that beloved taste into our home, creating a homemade cherry limeade recipe that allows us to enjoy this refreshing drink without ever leaving our backyard oasis. It’s the ultimate warm-weather refreshment, and it quickly became a household favorite.
As I was perfecting the homemade cherry limeade recipe, an exciting idea sparked in my mind: what if I could capture this amazing flavor profile in a baked donut? The thought was simply brilliant! The concept of a fluffy, cake-like donut infused with the vibrant notes of cherry and lime seemed like a match made in heaven. I immediately set out to experiment, trying a couple of different approaches, but none quite hit the mark. That’s when I remembered a tried-and-true favorite: my Baked Lemon Glazed Donuts. It’s a recipe that has never failed me, and I knew it held the key to creating the perfect texture and base flavor.
With a trusty base recipe in hand, I began to adapt it, carefully integrating the cherry and lime elements. A touch of cherry extract for that bright fruitiness, fresh lime zest and juice for an invigorating citrus kick, and a hint of pink food coloring to achieve that signature cherry limeade hue. The result? Pure magic! These Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts exceeded all my expectations. The moment I took the first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The soft, tender crumb of the donut, combined with the sweet and tangy glaze, perfectly echoed the drink that inspired it all. They are an absolute dream for any cherry limeade lover!
Baking Made Easy with Family Fare Supermarkets
When recipe ideas strike, they often demand immediate attention. Those sudden bursts of culinary inspiration are always a joy, and in those moments, I’m incredibly grateful for the convenience of having Family Fare Supermarkets so close by. It truly feels like my home away from home some weeks! For these Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts, a quick trip to Family Fare allowed me to gather all the necessary ingredients without a hitch.
A smart tip for any home baker or cook looking to maximize savings is to explore store brand options. If you haven’t considered buying store brand before, you might be surprised by the quality and the significant savings they offer. Whenever possible, I enthusiastically choose Family Fare’s “Our Family” brand. The difference in price between their brand and national name brands can add up remarkably quickly, allowing you to stretch your grocery budget further without compromising on taste or quality. For this recipe, I proudly used “Our Family” brand sugar, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, and powdered sugar, all contributing to the delicious outcome of these donuts.
As a passionate baker, I often find myself going through flour at an impressive rate. Just for a bit of fun, I wanted to share a peek into my kitchen habits: I typically buy my flour in twenty-five-pound bags! It’s a testament to how much I love to bake, and it ensures I’m always prepared for the next wave of recipe inspiration, like these Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts.
Beyond the great prices on their “Our Family” brand, Family Fare’s YES Rewards Plan offers even more fantastic benefits. This loyalty program helps you save more on your groceries and provides valuable fuel rewards, giving you discounts on gas. It’s an excellent way to make your budget go further, both in the kitchen and on the road!
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Your Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts
To embark on your journey to create these delightful Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools. Stock your pantry with standard baking staples: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for the glaze, fresh eggs, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. For the moist and tender donut batter, you’ll also need vegetable oil and a cup of rich sour cream.
The star flavors, cherry and lime, are brought to life with the zest and juice of a couple of fresh limes, and a high-quality cherry flavored extract. I personally recommend LorAnn Oil Cherry Extract; these oils are incredibly concentrated, meaning a little goes a very long way to achieve intense, authentic flavor. If you opt for another brand of cherry extract, be prepared to adjust the quantity to reach your desired taste intensity. A touch of pink food coloring is optional but highly recommended to give your donuts that signature cherry limeade aesthetic.
The most important piece of equipment for this recipe is, of course, a donut baking pan. These specialized pans create perfectly shaped, cake-like donuts without the mess and added fat of deep frying. You can often find both LorAnn Oils and donut baking pans in stores where Wilton Baking Supplies are sold, or conveniently purchase them online. Find the cherry extract oil here and the donut pan here on Amazon to get started!
Baking these Cherry Limeade Donuts is an incredibly simple and rewarding process, making it a fantastic activity to share with children. Little ones will love helping to mix the batter and watch as the donuts bake into perfect circles. Once they’ve emerged from the oven, still warm and inviting, I like to give them a decadent *double dunk* in the zesty lime glaze. This ensures every inch is coated in that delightful sweet-tart goodness. A final sprinkle of fresh lime zest adds a beautiful pop of color and an extra layer of citrus aroma.
I recently received a thoughtful gift: a mini donut baking pan, and I couldn’t resist making a batch of tiny versions alongside the regular-sized ones. The miniature donuts are utterly adorable, and the vibrant pink hues against the white glaze, topped with green zest, are simply captivating. These pretty pink treats would be absolutely perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day, whether it’s a fun baking project with the kids to make for Mom, or a delightful surprise to present to her on a special breakfast tray. What mom wouldn’t adore these charming, homemade donuts?
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Family Fare
Speaking of Mother’s Day, mark your calendars! On Saturday, May 12th, 2018, your local Family Fare will be hosting a wonderful kids’ event. Children are invited to unleash their creativity and craft personalized Mother’s Day cards using the provided supplies and templated cards available at each store. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to create a heartfelt gift for their moms. In addition to this fun activity, Family Fare will be offering a variety of in-store specials designed to make Mother’s Day truly memorable. Look out for deals on delicious Steak and Seafood Dinners, Mother’s Day cards, festive balloons, beautiful flowers, and fine wines. From planning a special meal to finding the perfect gift, Family Fare aims to help you make Mother’s Day the best it can be, ensuring every mom feels cherished and celebrated.
Expand Your Baking Repertoire: More Baked Donut Recipes!
Once you’ve experienced the pure delight of these Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts, you’ll likely be eager to explore more baked donut flavors. The versatility of a donut pan opens up a world of possibilities for homemade treats! My website is home to several other beloved donut recipes that are sure to keep your new donut pan busy and your kitchen filled with wonderful aromas.
For a unique twist, try my Baked Banana Donuts dusted with spiced sugar. They offer a comforting, warm flavor profile that’s perfect for a cozy morning. If you’re a chocolate lover, prepare to be amazed by my Double Chocolate Baked Donuts – they are rich, decadent, and utterly mind-blowing. And of course, don’t forget the classics that inspired this very recipe: my bright and zesty Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts. As autumn approaches, you’ll want to have the recipe for my comforting Glazed Pumpkin Donuts ready. Each of these recipes offers a distinct flavor experience, ensuring your donut pan remains a cherished tool in your kitchen, delivering fresh, homemade goodness all year long!
Love Donuts as much as we do? I have a whole board on Pinterest dedicated to only them!
However you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day, whether it’s with a special breakfast, a thoughtful gift, or simply cherished time with loved ones, I truly hope it’s a day filled with joy and special moments. Remember to indulge a little; you absolutely deserve it!
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Print Recipe
Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts
These baked, not fried, fluffy pink cherry cake donuts, are then dunked in a slightly tart lime glaze, making them reminiscent of that favorite summertime drink, the Cherry Limeade. They make a fantastic breakfast, brunch or anytime snack.
Ingredients
To Make the Donuts:
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (Our Family brand recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream (Our Family brand recommended)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (Our Family brand recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon lime zest
- 2 teaspoons Cherry LorAnn Oil (or other concentrated cherry extract, adjusted to taste)
- Pink food coloring (optional, as much as needed for desired color)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (Our Family brand recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Our Family brand recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To Make the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (Our Family brand recommended)
- 5 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon lime zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Donuts – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray one 6-count donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, egg, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, lime zest, and cherry extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring until you achieve your preferred shade.
- Carefully fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan about two-thirds full with the batter. You can use a piping bag or a spoon for this.
- Bake for approximately 13 to 15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Prepare Lime Glaze – While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar. Gradually drizzle in the fresh lime juice, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. You might not need all 5 tablespoons of juice; adjust as necessary. If the glaze becomes too thin, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until it’s perfect.
- Once the donuts are baked, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm (but cool enough to handle), dunk the top of each donut into the lime glaze. For an extra thick coating, feel free to double dunk! Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
- Sprinkle the freshly zested lime over the glazed donuts for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Repeat the process of spraying, filling, and baking the pan for the remaining batter. This recipe yields about 10 donuts. If your glaze hardens between batches, microwave it for a few seconds and give it a stir to restore its consistency.
- These Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 295 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 155mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g
No need to hit the drive-thru! Whip up these famous Copy Cat Sonic Cherry Limeade drinks right in the comfort of your home. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be savoring summertime perfection, anytime you wish!
For more delicious recipes, convenient store locations, and weekly specials, be sure to visit Family Fare online!