These Citrus Ricotta Beer Donuts are light, moist, and bursting with lemon-lime zest, creamy ricotta, and a subtle beer-infused tang that gives them bakery-level depth.

Baked instead of fried, these cake-style donuts are simple to make and full of spring/summer energy — think Italian lemon cake meets beer-brunch magic.

Perfect with coffee, even better with a wheat beer.

Ingredients (Makes 12 baked donuts)

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup wheat beer or citrus-forward ale (cold)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp lemon juice or orange juice

Optional Citrus Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp lemon or orange juice
• Optional: 1 tsp beer for extra brightness

Beer Tip: Use a wheat beer, citrus ale, or blonde ale. Avoid anything too hoppy or dark. Think clean, bright, and refreshing.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a nonstick donut pan or use a silicone mold.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, citrus zest, and sugar.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, ricotta, egg, beer, vanilla, and citrus juice until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix — the batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Fill & Bake

• Spoon or pipe batter into the donut molds, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
• Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze (Optional but Awesome)

Whisk together powdered sugar and citrus juice (and beer if using).

Dip cooled donuts into glaze, let set for 10 minutes, and optionally zest more citrus on top for flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Top With:
  • Extra zest
  • Toasted almonds or pistachios
  • Candied citrus peel
• Serve With:
  • Wheat beer or radler
  • Iced espresso or chai
  • A side of whipped ricotta with honey drizzle

Beer Pairing

• In the batter:
  • Wheat beer
  • Citrus blonde ale
  • Kölsch
• In your glass:
  • The same beer used in the donuts
  • Citrus-forward pale ale for contrast
  • Berliner weisse or radler for something ultra-light

Final Thoughts

Citrus Ricotta Beer Donuts are light, lush, and full of fresh flavor — baked to golden perfection and kissed with just enough beer to keep things interesting.

They’re brunch-worthy, picnic-ready, and impossible to eat just one of (so don’t even try).

Cheers to zesty sweets and beer in your batter! 🍋🍺🍩

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