These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts are a cozy treat filled with warm spices and sweet apple flavor. They have a soft, fluffy texture that’s just perfect for munching!
Making these donuts is fun, and they smell amazing while baking. I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa! Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: You can use either active sourdough starter or discard. If you don’t have sourdough, a thick yogurt or buttermilk could be a good substitute, but the flavor will differ.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider really enhances the donut flavor, but you can use apple juice in a pinch. If you want a spiced flavor, you can warm the juice with some cinnamon before adding it to the dough.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.
Butter: For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute. Both provide moisture and a lovely flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Donuts Are Soft and Fluffy?
The texture of these donuts relies on mixing and resting. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can toughen your donuts.
- Let the dough rest for about 1 hour; this helps develop flavor and texture.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. If it’s too thin, your donuts may become tough.
Frying at the right temperature (350°F) is also crucial. Too hot, and they burn outside while staying raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb more oil. Use a thermometer for accuracy!
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed or discard)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for making these donuts is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 30 minutes mixing and frying, with an additional hour for resting the dough. The delicious aroma of freshly fried donuts makes it all worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, mix the active sourdough starter with the apple cider until well combined. This will help blend the flavors together.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the wet ingredients and the sourdough mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Your dough should be soft, but it’s okay if it’s a bit sticky.
5. Let the Dough Rest:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 1 hour at room temperature. This allows the sourdough to work its magic and will help the dough rise a bit.
6. Shape the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters, cut out your donut shapes and place them on parchment paper while you prepare to fry.
7. Heat the Oil:
In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the donuts while frying.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl. Take each donut and toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These delightful donuts are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with apple cider or your favorite beverage for a perfect treat!
Enjoy your soft, flavorful sourdough apple cider donuts—perfect for autumn mornings or whenever you want a sweet, spiced treat! 🍏🍩
Can I Use My Discarded Sourdough Starter for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use either an active or discarded sourdough starter. Just make sure your starter is still bubbly and has been fed recently for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Donuts Baked Instead of Fried?
Yes, you can bake these donuts! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and fill a greased donut pan with the dough, about halfway full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious!
How to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them individually and reheat them in the oven or toaster for a few minutes.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-Ins to the Donuts?
Certainly! You can customize these donuts with add-ins like diced apples, walnuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate on top after frying. Just make sure any additions don’t make the dough too wet.
