These baked sourdough discard donuts are a sweet treat that you can whip up in no time! Topped with powdered sugar, they’re fluffy and oh-so-tasty.
I love how using sourdough discard makes these donuts special! They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. Trust me, they disappear fast—so grab one before it’s gone! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star of the recipe! It adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have discard, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute to keep the texture similar.
All-Purpose Flour: A go-to for baking donuts, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Just note that it may change the texture slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute designed for baking.
Milk: Any kind of milk works great here, whether it be cow’s milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Choose what you have on hand!
Cinnamon: An optional ingredient but adds warmth. If you’re not a fan or want to keep it plain, simply leave it out!
How Do I Get My Donuts to Rise and Stay Fluffy?
The key to fluffy donuts is how you mix your ingredients. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure your sourdough discard is at room temperature; this helps in getting a good rise.
- When mixing, combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Filling the donut pan 3/4 full allows room for the donuts to rise without spilling over.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake—donuts should be lightly golden but not brown!
And remember, letting them cool for 5 minutes before transferring gives them a good texture and prevents sticking!
Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll need a few more minutes for cooling before serving. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these delicious donuts in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease your donut pan or give it a spray with nonstick cooking spray, so the donuts don’t stick after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until well combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, egg, milk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This step adds moisture and flavor to your donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Next, gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are totally fine! This keeps your donuts light and fluffy.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise while baking.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The donuts should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
7. Cool and Transfer:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once the donuts have cooled a bit, generously dust them with powdered sugar. Coat them as lightly or heavily as you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! These donuts are best enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your delightful baked sourdough discard powdered sugar donuts!
These donuts are a fantastic way to use up sourdough discard while creating a delightful treat that’s moist and fluffy, with a sweet finish. Happy baking!
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes! If you have active sourdough starter, feel free to use it. Just make sure to adjust the quantity, as you’ll want about 1 cup of starter to maintain the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life, but they may lose some of their freshness.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
You can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a vegan option. This helps maintain moisture and binding in the donuts!