These Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread are a tasty treat! Made with sweet apple cider and the tangy flavor of sourdough, they’re fluffy and oh-so-delicious.
Who knew using sourdough discard could lead to such yummy donuts? I love how they make my kitchen smell amazing while baking. Perfect with coffee or tea! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star of the show! Using unfed sourdough gives the donuts a delicious flavor and texture. If you’re out of sourdough, you can use buttermilk or plain yogurt as alternatives for moisture and tang, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Apple Cider: The apple cider adds sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have cider, you can substitute it with apple juice or even a bit of diluted applesauce for moisture, but the cider brings a unique richness.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for these donuts, giving them just the right chewiness. If you’re looking to make them gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be a good replacement, though texture might vary.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The spices add warmth and flavor. If you prefer a different taste, you could try pumpkin spice mix or even a hint of ginger for a different vibe.
How Do You Get the Perfect Dough for Frying?
Getting the dough right is crucial for donuts that are fluffy and delicious! Start by mixing wet and dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution.
- Mix sourdough discard, cider, egg, butter, and vanilla together until it’s smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet mix. Just combine until you see no dry flour; this helps keep your donuts tender.
- Letting the dough rest allows it to rise slightly, which contributes to fluffiness.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Donuts?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll be golden! It’s vital to maintain the oil temperature at about 350°F (175°C).
- Use a thermometer to check the oil; if it’s too hot, your donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and stay raw inside.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure that each donut fries evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove donuts and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Enjoy making these delightful donuts that perfectly showcase your sourdough discard! Happy frying! 🍩
Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for frying and coating the donuts. In total, you will spend about 45 minutes getting these delightful donuts ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This is where the base flavor of your donuts starts to shine!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good mix to ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined. This is crucial for uniform flavor throughout your donuts.
3. Create the Donut Dough:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this will ensure your donuts remain tender and fluffy!
4. Let It Rest:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to rise a bit.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
After resting, lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Not too thick, or they won’t fry well!
6. Cut Out Donut Shapes:
Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one big and one small for the hole) to cut out your donuts. Gather and reroll any scraps to cut additional donuts. Don’t forget—you want as many delicious donuts as you can get!
7. Fry the Donuts:
In a deep fryer or large deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add donuts in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed. This is where your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Drain the Donuts:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried donuts and let them drain on paper towels, absorbing excess oil.
9. Coat the Donuts:
While they are still warm, toss the donuts in granulated sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon until they are well coated. Oh, that sweetness!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy these donuts warm or at room temperature. They are especially delightful paired with a cup of coffee or autumn cider.
Dig into these soft, fluffy, and wonderfully spiced sourdough apple cider donuts that not only taste incredible but also make great use of your sourdough discard!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but they should still turn out tasty!
What Should I Do with Leftover Apple Cider?
If you have leftover apple cider, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, use it in smoothies, sauces, or marinades to bring in that delicious apple flavor!
How Do I Know When the Oil is Ready for Frying?
A good way to check the oil temperature is to use a kitchen thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying!
Can These Donuts Be Baked Instead of Fried?
Absolutely! If you prefer baked donuts, you can use a donut pan and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t be as crispy as fried donuts but will still be delicious!
