Lemon Meringue Donuts [gluten-free + high protein]

By Healthy Helper
Updated on July 17, 2026
Posted on May 29, 2016
Comments 54 Comments
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Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

People, do you know what Friday is?

Yes, it’s the first Friday in June. Yes, it’s National Chocolate Macaroon Day and National Egg Day. Side note: could they have picked more opposite foods to share the same food holiday?! Yes, it marks exactly two weeks until I leave for my big Europe trip.

But aside from all of this it’s something much more important…something much more DELICIOUS. It’s National Donut Day!

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

Perhaps the food holiday I’ve gotten most excited about this whole year. You know that ever since I got my donut pan last Christmas, I’ve been obsessed. In fact, there are now 3 donut recipes on the blog…

Carrot Cake Donuts (so popular!)

Strawberry Shortcake Donuts (your favorite summer dessert in donut form!)

Pear Ginger Donuts (my first VEGAN donut recipe!)

And now I have another for you today to celebrate the fresh, fruity flavors of summer and the upcoming national holiday of course. ;)

Who’s a fan of lemon desserts?

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

*raises hand* Me me me! I certainly am. There’s just something so light and sweet about a really well made lemon treat. The contrast of sweet and tart, the vibrant color, the zesty aftertaste. Ahhh I love it all.

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

If I had to choose a favorite it would be my mom’s Lemon Meringue Pie. Creamy lemon custard, airy, whipped meringue, all set in a buttery, rich shortcake crust. Pure lemon heaven.

Just like her Strawberry Shortcake, this dessert does not come around too often. But when it does, everyone gobbles it right up! No lemony leftovers in sight.

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

Well for me, that simply won’t do.

So the other day when I found myself craving a some lemon delight, I thought it would be a great idea to make my own version….but in my favorite snack form of course! DONUTS.

And with that, my Lemon Meringue Donuts came to be!

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

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Lemon Meringue Donuts [gluten-free + high protein]

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Kaila Proulx
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 6 donuts
  • Category: Breakfast Foods

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup of rolled oats, ground into flour
  • 15 grams vanilla whey protein (about 1/2 scoop)
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • Wet ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp of plain greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp liquid egg whites
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 small Meyer lemon, pureed (approx. 70 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a small cup, combine you almond milk and vinegar and set aside. In a food processor, grind oats into flour. Mix with the rest of your dry ingredients.
  2. In your smaller bowl combine all of the wet, including the almond milk mixture and pureed lemon until there are no clumps. Fold your wet into your dry and stir but do not over-mix. It should be thick but not overly so. Portion out your batter into 6 well-sprayed doughnut wells and place into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until tops are lightly golden brown.

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

Gluten-free, high protein, whole grain, and bursting with lemony goodness. These donuts make for a great snack or light dessert and they taste AMAZING with a bit of whipped cream cheese spread on top. Take my word for it.

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

I seriously considered making a meringue topping to go on top of each one, but impatient me couldn’t wait to dive into the donut-y goodness.

Now you’re all set to celebrate National Donut Day this coming Friday! Happy as always to help you prepare for these important days. ;)

Lemon Meringue Donuts | Luscious lemon donuts that are deliciously sweet and ever so subtly tart! Fresh, fruity, and full of protein, these easy to make, gluten-free donuts make the perfect summer snack. 

[Tweet “Lemon Meringue Donuts…the perfect donut for summertime snacking! #healthy #glutenfree”]

Were you aware of National Donut Day?

Are you a fan of lemon desserts?

What’s your DREAM donut flavor?

Talk soon,

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54 Comments

  1. I love anything lemon! Yum, I need to get a big donut pan. I’ve only got the mini. Mmmm, these would be amazing for breakfast.

    Reply

  2. Mmm… These look really good. I’m going to have to celebrate donut day a little late this year, but these would be a fun start. :)

    Reply

  6. Didn’t realize it was donut day. We like lemon things, my son especially does. I’m pretty simple….I like cinnamon anything, so a cinnamon donut sounds yummy!

    Reply

  7. mmm! See, I’ve never been a big lemon fan in my desserts, but lately I’ve been in love with my lemonchiaseed protein bars, and have gained a new appreciation for lemon flavored foods! I’ve gotta try some time :)

    xo

    Reply

  8. How exciting that your vacation is SO soon! I am totally making macaroons this Friday because, well… chocolate… and maybe I can convince Jesse to have breakfast for dinner too :P

    These look DELICIOUS, girl! xo

    Reply

  9. Oh yes i would be so happy to taste test these lemon meringue donuts! I love lemon meringue pie so in donut form it has to be delish! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

  10. Love this flavor combo! Yes we know what Friday is, we celebrate National Donut Day yearly, are you surprised? Probably not. While I won’t be sharing a donut recipe most likely I do have plans, big plans, for the family that day… yep BIG donut plans. ;) Thank you for linking up for Meatless Monday and sharing these delicious donuts!

    Reply

  13. These look so fantastic! Found you at WAYWOW — I recently posted about donuts and had no idea that it was almost Donut Day. They are my obsession. I saw a recipe recently for coffee donuts and thought that sounded interesting, but your carrot cake ones…mmm. I will be back :) A donut pan — how could I not know there was such a thing??

    Reply

  16. Good morning Kaila. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe at the #RecipeSharingParty! I hope to see you next week. Pinned and Yummed. Please visit #OverTheMoon on Sunday or #ThursdayFavoriteThings for more sharing fun! Don’t forget to Comment your link #’s so I can be sure to visit and you get a chance to be featured!

    Reply

  19. Hi Kaila,
    Lemon donuts. That sounds so tasty and I love the ingredients. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!

    Reply

  20. Loved it!! These donuts look so fresh and healthy! Lemon is one of my all time favorites…and something you don’t see too often in donuts!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful creativity with us at Friday Favorites! Please join us again…and we would love to see you at our Wonderful Wednesday Link Party too, every Tuesday at 4PM! Hugs- Christine at Must Love Home

    Reply

  22. I love lemon in pastry! And this would be so perfect with my morning coffee! I need a donut pan ASAP! I bet these would be really good with a blueberry sauce to dip into! YUM My favorite of your donuts recipes!

    Reply

  23. I have never had a lemon meringue donut, but it sounds fantastic!!

    For National Donut Day this year I shared a recipe for Chia Spice Coconut Flour Donuts. But I am also loving this lemon idea!

    Reply