These Lemon Pistachio Donuts are a delightful combination of tangy lemon, crunchy pistachios, and sweet coconut. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and can even include a secret gut-friendly ingredient—bone broth! But don’t worry, if bone broth isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with non-dairy milk. These donuts are soft, flavorful, and topped with a zesty lemon glaze for the perfect sweet treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 cup gluten-free flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 baking flour recommended)
½ cup coconut sugar
½ cup applesauce
¼ cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp baking powder
⅛ cup non-dairy milk (or coconut milk)
⅛ cup bone broth (optional; if omitted, replace with an additional ⅛ cup non-dairy milk)
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened preferred)
Pinch of sea salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup chopped pistachios
Shredded sweetened coconut

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a donut pan (silicone recommended).
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, applesauce, bone broth (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and non-dairy milk.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Using a piping bag or spoon, fill the donut cavities completely.
Bake for 12-13 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and lemon juice until thick.
Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios and shredded coconut.
Enjoy!

Nutrients

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Calories: ~180-220 per donut
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fats: ~7g
Protein: ~3g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugars: ~15g

These donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional ones and packed with flavor. Perfect for dessert or even a sweet snack! 🍩✨

The Appeal of Lemon Pistachio Donuts

The appeal of these donuts lies not only in their taste but also in their versatility. Many people who follow gluten-free diets often struggle to find baked goods with the right texture. Gluten-free flours can sometimes produce dry or crumbly results, but this recipe cleverly addresses that by using moisture-rich ingredients like applesauce, olive oil, and lemon juice. This ensures that every bite is tender and flavorful.

Additionally, the combination of lemon and pistachio creates a wonderful contrast—lemon adds a refreshing brightness, while pistachios bring earthy, nutty richness. The shredded coconut enhances the texture even further, giving the donuts a subtle chewiness and tropical flair. These layers of flavor work together harmoniously, creating a baked good that feels both elevated and comforting.

Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations

One of the standout features of these donuts is their compatibility with various dietary needs. They are gluten-free, thanks to the use of high-quality gluten-free flour like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1. This makes them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Furthermore, they are dairy-free, making them friendly for lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a plant-based lifestyle.

Another interesting aspect is the optional addition of bone broth. Bone broth is renowned for its gut-friendly properties, being rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals. While unconventional in a sweet recipe, it can add subtle umami depth while providing health benefits. However, the recipe is flexible enough to allow for a non-dairy milk substitution if desired, making it accessible to vegans and vegetarians.

Texture and Flavor Experience

The texture of Lemon Pistachio Donuts is a key highlight. The base of the donut is soft and tender, thanks to the applesauce and olive oil. The shredded coconut adds a gentle chewiness, while the chopped pistachios on top provide satisfying crunch. The glaze is tangy and sweet, enhancing the bright citrus notes in the donuts themselves.

This balance of textures—soft interior, chewy coconut, crunchy nuts, and smooth glaze—elevates these donuts into a gourmet treat. They are not excessively sweet, which makes them suitable for both breakfast or dessert, and the lemon flavor keeps them feeling light and refreshing, rather than heavy and indulgent.

Creative Twists and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. While the lemon-pistachio-coconut trio is a winning combination, you can easily experiment with different flavors to suit the season or occasion. Here are a few creative twists:

Citrus Swap: Try substituting lime or orange for the lemon to create a new flavor profile. Lime and coconut create a tropical twist, while orange and pistachio give a more Mediterranean feel.
Nut Options: If pistachios aren’t your preference, chopped almonds or pecans can work beautifully. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture.
Glaze Variations: The lemon glaze can be replaced with a coconut glaze made from powdered sugar and coconut milk, or even a chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
Spice Infusion: Adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the batter can enhance the warm flavors and complement the citrus beautifully.

Perfect for All Occasions

These donuts are versatile enough to be served on a variety of occasions. Whether you are hosting a brunch, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a weekend baking session, they are guaranteed to impress. Their vibrant appearance, thanks to the bright glaze and green pistachios, makes them visually appealing, perfect for Instagram-worthy food photos.

They also make thoughtful gifts. Pack them up in a bakery box tied with a ribbon, and they become a homemade treat that’s both delicious and thoughtful. Their gluten-free and dairy-free status also makes them suitable for gifting to friends or family members with dietary restrictions.

Tips for Success

When making Lemon Pistachio Donuts, there are a few tips to ensure success:

Choose a good-quality gluten-free flour blend: Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 is highly recommended because it already contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stirring until just combined prevents the donuts from becoming too dense.
Use fresh lemons: Both the juice and zest play a critical role in flavor, so fresh lemons make a noticeable difference.
Toast the pistachios: Lightly toasting the pistachios before sprinkling them on the glaze enhances their nutty flavor.
Use a silicone donut pan: This makes it much easier to remove the donuts without sticking or breaking.

Nutritional Insights

While these donuts are certainly a treat, they offer some nutritional advantages over conventional fried donuts. By baking instead of frying, they are lower in fat. The use of coconut sugar instead of refined white sugar offers a more natural sweetness with a slightly lower glycemic impact. Additionally, the incorporation of nutrient-dense ingredients like pistachios, coconut, and potentially bone broth means these donuts deliver more than just empty calories.

Pistachios, for example, are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Coconut provides healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and dietary fiber. Bone broth contributes collagen, which supports skin, joint, and gut health. When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, these donuts offer a sweet treat with benefits.

Conclusion

Lemon Pistachio Donuts are a delightful example of how gluten-free and dairy-free baking can be both flavorful and sophisticated. They showcase the vibrant, sunny flavor of lemon, the richness of pistachios, and the tropical sweetness of coconut in every bite. With a tender texture, beautiful appearance, and balanced taste, they appeal to a wide audience—from health-conscious eaters to indulgent treat lovers.

This recipe also stands out for its versatility and adaptability, making it easy to customize for different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether served at a brunch table, packed as a gift, or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these donuts prove that gluten-free and dairy-free baking can be just as delicious and exciting as traditional recipes.

So, whether you follow a gluten-free diet or simply love creative baking projects, these Lemon Pistachio Donuts are a recipe worth trying—and one that’s sure to become a favorite in your collection.

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