These Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts are fluffy treats with a hint of tanginess, all covered in sweet powdered sugar. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Making these donuts is a breeze! I love that it uses sourdough discard, so nothing goes to waste. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked donuts fills the kitchen, and who can resist that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star ingredient! It brings a unique tang and helps reduce waste. If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute; it won’t have the same flavor but will keep your donuts moist.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works wonders, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just note that the color and taste may slightly change.
Applesauce: This adds moisture and a bit of sweetness. You can swap it out for mashed bananas or even pumpkin puree if you want a different flavor profile. Just be careful with the moisture levels!
Milk: Any type of milk will do! I often use almond milk for a dairy-free option. You can also use oat milk or soy milk without affecting the flavor too much.
Cinnamon: Adding ground cinnamon gives a lovely warmth. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it. A little nutmeg could also be a nice alternative if you’re looking to switch things up.
How Do I Ensure the Donuts Are Light and Fluffy?
Getting light and fluffy donuts is all about the mixing and baking method! Here are some tips to nail it:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them dense, so just stir until combined!
- Don’t skip the resting time in the donut pan. It helps with the final shape.
- Watch the baking time – they should spring back when touched. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark!
- Let them cool a bit before coating in powdered sugar. This will help it stick better.
By following these steps, you’re set to create perfect fluffy donuts every time. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15-18 minutes of baking time. Let’s also plan for 5 minutes to cool in the pan and a little extra time for dusting with powdered sugar. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a donut pan to ensure your donuts come out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, optional cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is nicely blended!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the sourdough discard, egg, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to allow for rising. This ensures your donuts will have the perfect shape.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a warm golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once the donuts have cooled, take your powdered sugar and generously dust it over the top of the donuts for that sweet finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your light, tangy, powdered sugar-coated sourdough donuts are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day.
These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a delightful and lighter option that still satisfies your donut cravings! Don’t forget, using your sourdough discard not only gives flavor but helps reduce food waste. Enjoy baking!
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter! Just make sure to adjust the hydration in the recipe slightly if your starter is very wet. It might add a bit more tang to the donuts as well!
What Should I Do if My Batter Is Too Thick?
If your batter seems too thick, try adding an extra splash of milk (1-2 tablespoons) to loosen it. The batter should flow easily but still hold its shape.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving!
What Other Toppings Can I Use Instead of Powdered Sugar?
If you want to mix things up, you can drizzle chocolate glaze over the cooled donuts or dip them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. A simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk is also a delicious option!
