These baked donuts are soft and sweet, made with sourdough discard and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
Honestly, who can resist a fluffy donut? I love how easy they are to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy! You might want to hide a few for later! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star of the show! Your discard adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy effect.
Milk: Regular milk works great, but feel free to use almond, oat, or soy milk if you prefer a non-dairy option. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the donut flavor balanced.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine instead.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is common, but you can swap it with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like monk fruit if you want a lower-calorie option.
How Do I Ensure My Donuts Are Light and Fluffy?
A key to fluffy donuts is to mix the batter just enough—don’t overdo it! Overmixing can make the donuts dense. Follow these steps:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated; lumpy is okay.
- Don’t skimp on the baking powder and baking soda; they help the donuts rise.
- Fill the donut pan no more than 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
Keep an eye on the baking time, as they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly! Enjoy your soft, fluffy treats!
Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1/3 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and delightful treat. Allow for a bit of cooling time before dusting and serving your donuts. All in all, you can whip these up in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a moment to grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray so your donuts can slide out easily when they’re done.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, milk, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. This is where the magic begins!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and ensures that everything mixes well.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined; the batter should be thick and spoonable but don’t worry if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, and that’s not what we want!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of your prepared donut pan about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing!
6. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The donuts should be lightly golden, and when you insert a toothpick into one, it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important for getting them just right!
8. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once your donuts are cool, grab that powdered sugar and dust them generously. Don’t be shy—it adds a delightful sweetness every bite!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your donuts are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm, or feel free to save some for later. They make for a perfect afternoon snack or a delightful breakfast treat!
These baked sourdough discard donuts are not only soft and delicious but also a fantastic way to use your sourdough discard. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Fed Sourdough Instead of Discard?
While this recipe calls for unfed sourdough discard, you can use fed sourdough if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly, giving it a more pronounced sourness.
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free to keep the entire recipe compliant.
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 them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to dust with powdered sugar before serving!
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar right before serving!
