User's avatarJoey B

Lilac Donuts

I have been on a quest for the perfect donut recipe that is not deep-fried. This was not the perfect one, but a unique baking experience not without merit. For those few weeks of spring when the lilacs are in the air.

Time45 minutes
Yield6 donuts
Recipe of Lilac Donuts by Joey B

Ingredients

  • Batter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup lilac blossoms - no greens
  • vanilla glaze
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 or 2 tbsp milk
  • pinch of salt

Steps

  1. Combine dry ingredients. Then add in egg, milk, vanilla and melted butter. Do not overbeat - this will cause donuts to become rubbery.
  2. Make sure lilac blossoms are rinsed, dry and clear of green stems. Gently fold into batter without totally crushing flowers.
  3. Make sure donut pan is greased. Gently spoon in batter, about 2/3 full for each mold. This should yield 6 donuts, but I found it made more. Do not over fill donut molds.
  4. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes. Trust the time and do not overbake. This will also make them too firm and cakey. Cool completely before frosting.
  5. Mix powdered sugar with vanilla and slowly add enough milk to make a thick glaze. Do not allow to thin. You can add coloring if you choose.
  6. Dip donuts into glaze in a flat saucer and allow to drip and set.
  7. *Donuts are best if eaten fresh. The original recipe called for extra blossoms to decorate the glaze. Although I found them lovely to look at, I thought the blossoms themselves to be bitter, whereas the ones baked had a gentle aroma.