Sourdough Donuts

Prep: 60 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Delicious sourdough donuts boast a tangy flavor with a tender, airy texture. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, appealing to both bread lovers and dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough start
  • 1 package dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix sourdough start, dry yeast, water, cooking oil, flour, baking powder, salt, egg, and sugar until well combined.
  2. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then knead it down.
  3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
  4. Cut into donut shapes and let them rise until light and bubbly.
  5. Deep fry the donuts until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your sourdough donuts, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. If you don't have sourdough starter, you can substitute with an equal amount of buttermilk or yogurt for a similar tang. Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior. Donuts can be dusted with cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your sourdough donuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in a glaze for extra sweetness. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Chocolate Peanut Butter Toffee for a rich dessert experience or incorporate them into a brunch spread with fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for about 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness and crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sourdough Donuts contains roughly 963 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1878mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

963 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 86.3g 100% DV
Carbs 46g 17% DV
Fiber 3.5g 13% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1878.2mg 82% DV
Potassium 477.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 103.2mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 7.7mg 9% DV
Calcium 297.2mg 23% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in denser donuts. You might want to use a mix of 50% all-purpose and 50% whole wheat flour for a lighter texture while still adding some whole grain goodness.

How can I make these donuts vegan?

To make vegan sourdough donuts, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). You can also replace the cooking oil with a neutral plant-based oil. Ensure that your sourdough starter is also vegan-friendly by confirming it contains no dairy or animal products.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, check the temperature of your environment; it should be warm but not hot. You can also ensure your yeast is fresh and active by dissolving it in warm water before adding it to the mixture. If all else fails, try letting the dough rise for a longer period or in a slightly warmer location, like an oven with the light on.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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