Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe

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Warm & Familiar Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a donut that’s just a little bit unexpected. These Key Lime Coconut Donuts combine the bright, zesty spark of fresh lime with the velvety, tropical hint of coconut oil and coconut milk. I love when a classic treat gets a sunny twist—it feels cozy yet refreshing, like a mini-vacation in each bite.

When you bake these, you’ll notice the buttery dough gently browning on top, releasing a fragrant steam that wraps your kitchen in a warm hug. The soft, tender crumb balances perfectly against the shiny glaze—a tender kiss of tart key lime zest touched with the sweetness of coconut. I find these donuts delightful for morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Stick with me as we walk through this Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe step-by-step. I’ll share tips that make it approachable whether you’re new to donut baking or looking for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredient Breakdown

• All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The base that gives structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Leavens the donuts lightly for that perfect fluffy texture.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and tenderness, plus it’s zest-mixing companion.
• Fresh lime zest (2 tsp): Brings aromatic brightness that wakes up the flavor.
• Coconut oil, melted (2 ½ tbsp): Imparts a subtle nutty richness and keeps donuts moist.
• Large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Coconut milk (½ cup): Deepens the coconut flavor with creamy softness.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Smooth sweetness to top off and complement tartness.
• Key lime juice (1 ½ tbsp, for glaze): The star tartness in the glaze, key to that balanced zing.
• Lime zest (1 tsp, for glaze): Adds fresh texture to glaze.
• Salt (⅛ tsp, for glaze): Cuts through sweetness for complexity.
• Shredded coconut, toasted (½ cup, optional): Adds crisp texture and extra coconut punch.
• Lime zest (2 tsp, optional decoration): Visual pop and zesty fragrance.

Before You Start

It’s best to have all your ingredients measured and ready—this mise en place helps the process go smoothly. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. And before you begin mixing, take the egg out to warm to room temperature; this helps your batter blend evenly for soft, tender donuts.

How to Make Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a doughnut pan. The greasing step is key here—it helps the donuts release effortlessly and keeps their crisp edges intact.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, so your donuts rise uniformly with a soft crumb.
3. Combine sugar and lime zest: In a large bowl, use your fingers to mix granulated sugar and fresh lime zest. Crushing the zest releases fragrant oils, infusing the sugar with a bright aroma that’ll flavor every bite.
4. Add melted coconut oil to the sugar mixture and whisk until silky smooth. Then beat in the room-temperature egg until the mixture is light and well combined.
5. Stir in the coconut milk: This adds a velvety richness and enhances the tropical undertones. Your batter should feel thick but pourable, almost like cake batter.
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Cook Like a Pro

Fold the dry ingredients in gently; avoid over-mixing to keep your donuts tender and moist. Filling the molds only two-thirds full gives them room to rise without overflow, creating the perfect dome and crisp edges. Letting the cooled donuts rest a few minutes after glazing here makes for a glaze that sets just right—gentle but firm.

6. Gently fold in the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula just until combined. Over-stirring can toughen the batter, so it’s better to have a few lumps than overwork it.
7. Divide the batter evenly into the doughnut molds, filling each about two-thirds full. This helps ensure each donut bakes evenly, with tender insides and lightly crisp tops.
8. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the donuts are firm and lightly golden on top. You’ll notice they spring back gently when pressed—that’s your cue they’re perfectly baked.
9. Let the donuts cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling in the pan prevents breakage, and a full cool-down is crucial before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
10. For the glaze: In a shallow dish, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, key lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Adjust the glaze thickness with more sugar or juice if needed—this leads to a shine that’s sweet but not runny.
11. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze carefully, letting excess drip off. Then place them on your rack or parchment and let the glaze set for about five minutes before serving.
12. Optional decoration: Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut and extra lime zest over the glaze for a crisp-edged, fragrant finish that deepens the tropical vibe.

Flavor Variations for Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe

• Berry Bliss: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter for a tart-sweet bite that pairs beautifully with lime.
• Spiced Kick: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for warmth that complements the citrus notes.
• Tropical Twist: Swap shredded coconut for chopped macadamia nuts to add buttery crunch.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and lime juice for a tangy, luscious topping.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt bittersweet chocolate and drizzle over the glazed donuts for a rich counterpoint.
• Lavender Infused: Steep culinary lavender in the coconut milk before mixing for a floral aroma that’s subtle and sophisticated.

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; expect that soft, tender crumb.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for about 5 days but can dry out; bring to room temp or warm slightly before eating for best taste.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, wrapped well, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze just before serving.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive softness.
• Glaze storage: Keep glaze separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Key Lime Coconut Donuts Recipe FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! Use a muffin tin for mini “donut” cakes, or bake the batter in a greased loaf pan for a quick bread variation. Adjust baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?
Feel free to substitute with melted unsalted butter or a neutral vegetable oil. The coconut flavor will be milder, but the texture remains moist and tender.

Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?
Definitely. Key limes are a little more tart and floral, but fresh regular lime juice works beautifully, too—just adjust the amount to taste if you want a more pronounced tartness.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be a touch different but still delicious.