These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are light and fluffy, perfect for a sweet treat! Using sourdough discard adds a tasty twist everyone will love.
I can’t resist their fluffy texture and sweet powdered sugar coating! They’re perfect with my morning coffee or as a fun snack anytime of the day. Give them a try and enjoy the yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star of the show! Use any unfed sourdough discard you have on hand. If you don’t have sourdough, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy taste.
All-Purpose Flour: I prefer using all-purpose flour for its balanced texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour works well, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the donuts. If you’re cutting down on sugar, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup, just adjust the liquid slightly.
Milk: Any milk works, including dairy free options like almond or oat milk. I find whole milk makes them richer, but choose what you enjoy!
Cinnamon: Adding this gives the donuts a hint of warmth. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, feel free to leave it out or try nutmeg instead!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Donut Texture?
To make sure your donuts turn out soft and fluffy, mixing the batter properly is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Make sure not to overfill the donut pan; filling cavities about 3/4 full allows room for rising.
Also, let them cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar—this prevents it from melting into the donuts!
Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few more minutes cooling the donuts before dusting them with powdered sugar. Total time: Approximately 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or use nonstick spray to ensure your donuts release easily later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re adding it). This gives your donuts a lovely structure and flavor!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the sourdough discard, large egg, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until it’s all nice and combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just mixed together; be careful not to overmix! The batter should be thick but smooth.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, making sure to fill each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows space for the donuts to rise while baking.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick poked through the center comes out clean, and the tops look lightly golden.
7. Cool Down:
After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool so the powdered sugar doesn’t melt!
8. Powdered Sugar Coating:
Once the donuts are cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that sweet finish. You can shake them in a bag with powdered sugar or use a sifter for an even coating.
9. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious baked donuts immediately or store them in an airtight container for later. Enjoy the fluffy texture and sweet taste of these delightful sourdough donuts!
These baked donuts are a perfect blend of lightness and sweetness, making them ideal for breakfast or a delightful treat any time of day!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them!
Can I Skip the Powdered Sugar Dusting?
Of course! If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the powdered sugar dusting or try a light glaze instead. A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth.
What Can I Add to the Donut Batter?
You can get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure not to overfill the donut pan to keep baking times consistent!