These fluffy donuts made with sourdough discard are a fun treat! Topped with sweet powdered sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re baked, not fried!
Making these donuts is so easy! I love how I can use leftover sourdough without waste. Just mix, bake, and sprinkle with sugar—it’s that simple. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star! You can use any unfed sourdough discard. If you don’t have sourdough, try yogurt or buttermilk for similar tanginess.
Egg: The egg helps bind the donuts. If you need a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. You can substitute coconut sugar or even maple syrup, but adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if you do.
All-Purpose Flour: While I love the texture from regular flour, whole wheat flour can add more nuttiness. Just be aware that it might make the donuts denser.
Powdered Sugar: For coating, you can use store-bought or make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. If you want to skip the sugar, sprinkle with cinnamon for a different flair!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Fluffy Donuts?
For light and fluffy donuts, careful mixing is key. When combining wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the donuts tough. Also, make sure your oven is properly preheated, so the donuts rise perfectly.
- Mix wet ingredients together until smooth.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl and sift if possible to ensure no lumps.
- Fold wet into dry gently until just combined; small lumps are okay.
Letting the donuts cool in the pan a bit helps them set, but transfer them quickly to avoid steam making them soggy! Enjoy your baking!
Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for coating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation and 12-15 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to set aside at least 30 minutes for cooling, so in total, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour to enjoy these delicious donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or a little bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together your sourdough discard, egg, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps mix everything evenly and removes any lumps.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to merge the two mixtures. Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are some small lumps!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each cavity of your donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re done when the tops are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
7. Cool the Donuts:
After baking, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their texture.
8. Powdered Sugar Coating:
Once your donuts have cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Generously coat them in powdered sugar. You can do this by rolling them in a bowl of powdered sugar or sprinkling it on top until they’re fully covered.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your fluffy, tangy, baked sourdough discard donuts immediately and enjoy the delightful taste. They make a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Can I Use Frozen Sourdough Discard for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen sourdough discard works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before using it in the recipe, and stir it well to restore its texture.
What if I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No problem! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just pour the batter into the muffin cups, but note that the baking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick after about 12 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. Just add more powdered sugar for the fresh taste after thawing!
Can I Add Flavors or Toppings?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor. You can also top the donuts with a chocolate glaze or drizzle honey instead of powdered sugar for a different treat!