These Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts are a fun twist on classic treats! Soft, fluffy, and packed with warm apple cider flavor, they make your taste buds sing.
Who knew that sourdough discard could lead to such yummy donuts? I could eat these with a cup of coffee every morning—if only they lasted that long! ☕️🍩
Making these is a breeze! Just mix the ingredients, fry, and enjoy that sweet apple goodness. Perfect for a cozy fall day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: Using unfed sourdough starter is perfect here. It adds flavor and helps with the texture. Don’t have any? You can substitute with 1 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives a lovely flavor. If you’re short on cider, you can use apple juice, but the taste won’t be as robust. For a spiced kick, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is great, but if you want a deeper flavor, try using brown sugar instead. It complements the spices nicely.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to, but vegetable oil or coconut oil can work too. Keep in mind that oil may slightly change the taste.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Donut Texture?
The key to fluffy donuts is not over-kneading the dough. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients. You want a soft, slightly tacky dough that’s easy to roll out. Here’s how:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined—lumps are fine!
- Gently turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for a few seconds, enough to come together.
- Roll out to 1/2 inch thick for even frying.
This careful handling helps keep your donuts light and airy, rather than dense. Happy frying! 🍩
Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to fry up your donuts. Once you factor in cooling time, you’ll be ready to enjoy them in about 45 minutes. Perfect for an afternoon treat or breakfast with coffee!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, apple cider, egg, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is nice and smooth. This will be the base of your delicious donuts!
2. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of flour. This mixture will give the donuts structure and flavor!
3. Making the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it becomes soft and slightly tacky—perfect for rolling out.
4. Kneading:
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently knead it a few times, being careful not to overwork it. You want it to come together without becoming tough.
5. Shaping the Donuts:
Roll out your dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out as many donuts as you can. Don’t forget to re-roll the scraps to make more!
6. Frying Time:
In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches—about 1-2 minutes per side—until they are deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them and remove them when done.
7. Draining the Donuts:
Once fried, place the donuts on paper towels to drain briefly, letting excess oil seep off.
8. Coating in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. This adds a delightful sweetness and flavor!
9. Cooling:
Place the freshly coated donuts on a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving. Trust me, this teasing moment is worth the wait!
Enjoy your fluffy, apple cider-filled donuts fresh for the best flavor and texture. They go perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use a Different Type of Oil for Frying?
Yes, you can use other oils like canola or peanut oil for frying. They both have a high smoke point, which is perfect for frying donuts. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can affect the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can use apple juice as a substitute. While it won’t have the same depth of flavor, it will still give some sweetness. For a spiced version, mix in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg with the apple juice.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cut donuts on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden. They might not be as crispy, but they’ll still taste delicious!