Delight in the fusion of tangy and sweet with our Exquisite Lemon Meringue Donuts. These donuts combine the soft, fluffy texture of freshly baked dough with the zesty burst of lemon filling, all topped with a glossy, light meringue. The dough is infused with lemon zest to complement the creamy lemon curd filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The crowning glory is a fluffy meringue topping, torched to perfection, offering a crispy contrast to the lush interior.
Why You'll Love This: These lemon meringue donuts are not your ordinary dessert. Each component, from the lemon-zested dough to the homemade lemon curd and airy meringue, is crafted to ensure a perfect bite every time. The tanginess of the lemon perfectly balances the sweetness of the meringue, making these donuts irresistibly appealing. They're a gourmet treat that brings the elegance of a classic pie to the casual joy of a donut.
Perfect Occasion: Perfect for brunches, tea parties, or as a sophisticated treat at any gathering, these donuts are sure to impress. They are especially fitting for spring and summer events, where the bright, citrus notes can really shine. Serve them at your next garden party or bring them to a potluck to elevate the dessert table with something uniquely delicious and eye-catching.
Decoration Tips: For an added decorative touch, lightly dust the meringue with finely grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before torching. Garnish with thin lemon slice twists or edible flowers for a pop of color. Serve each donut on a small, elegant plate with a dollop of extra lemon curd on the side for dipping.
Dough:
- Mix 530g of flour, 7g of yeast, 40g of sugar, and 4g of salt in a bowl, excluding the butter.
- Add 3 eggs and 180g of milk to the dry ingredients, along with the zest of one lemon, and knead for 15 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate 120g of softened butter and knead for an additional 15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and let it ferment in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.
Lemon Filling:
- Combine 150g of lemon juice, 150g of sugar, zest of one lemon, 4 egg yolks, 2 whole eggs, 80g of condensed milk, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Cook over low heat while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Pour into a mold, cover, and refrigerate until completely cooled.
Assembly:
- After fermentation, divide the dough into 60g pieces and shape each into a donut form as demonstrated in the video.
- Allow to rise in a warm area for 40-60 minutes.
- Fry the donuts in hot oil at 170°C for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Meringue:
- Whip 120g of room-temperature egg whites with a squeeze of lemon juice on low until soft bubbles form. Gradually add 150g of sugar while increasing to medium speed, then whip on high until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
Final Touch:
- Fill each donut with the chilled lemon filling, top with the prepared meringue, and use a torch to lightly brown the meringue.
Enjoy these sophisticated lemon meringue donuts, a perfect blend of sweet and tart that offers a delightful twist on traditional flavors!