Hello, baking enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself staring at that jar of sourdough starter on your counter, wondering what to do with the leftover discard, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Sourdough Discard Doughnuts, a dish that not only reduces waste but also elevates your breakfast game or dessert table. With a fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these doughnuts will quickly become a favorite. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delightful baking adventure!
Why This Recipe Works
There’s something inherently magical about using sourdough starter, isn’t there? It’s more than just a tangy ingredient; it brings depth of flavor that enhances these doughnuts and makes them special. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will win you over:
Savor the Flavors: The sourdough adds a unique, slightly tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
Reduce Waste: By using your sourdough discard, you’re not just making delicious treats; you’re also practicing sustainable baking. No more throwing away that valuable starter!
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Customizable: You can tweak the flavor or ingredients to match your preferences, so everyone can enjoy their ideal doughnut experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or an after-school treat, these doughnuts can be enjoyed anytime you crave something sweet.
Step-by-Step: Making Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
Ready to fry up some doughnuts? Follow this simple guide to create your own batch of Sourdough Discard Doughnuts:
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
Directions
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir them together until you have a smooth mixture.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Bring it Together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out doughnut shapes using a cutter or even a glass.
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, frying them in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
Drain and Coat: Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, coat them in cinnamon sugar.
Serve and Enjoy: Dig into your freshly made doughnuts and experience that wonderful texture and flavor!
Best Ways to Serve Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
When it comes to serving your Sourdough Discard Doughnuts, there are plenty of delightful options:
Classic Style: Serve them warm for a simple and comforting treat. There’s nothing like a freshly fried doughnut!
Dipping Sauces: Pair them with chocolate, caramel, or a creamy glaze for an extra sweet experience.
Toppings: Top with whipped cream, fresh fruits, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent breakfast option.
Coffee Pairing: These doughnuts are perfect alongside your morning coffee or tea, making for a comforting start to your day.
Storage Tips for Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
To keep your doughnuts fresh and tasty, consider the following storage tips:
Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!
Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the doughnuts before coating them in sugar. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and coat in cinnamon sugar.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
To ensure your doughnuts turn out perfectly every time, keep the following tips in mind:
Check the Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best flavor and rise. It should be bubbly and have a pleasant sour smell.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to maintain its fluffiness; overworking can lead to tough doughnuts.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. If it’s too cool, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil. If it’s too hot, they will cook too fast without cooking through.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to the dough for a unique twist!
Delicious Variations of Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations:
Glazed Doughnuts: After frying, dip in a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.
Chocolate Doughnuts: Add cocoa powder to the flour to make rich chocolate doughnuts.
Fruit-Flavored: Mix in fruit purée or zest for a refreshing flavor.
Savory Options: Swap sugar for herbs and cheese for a nice brunch or appetizer.
FAQs
Can I use a sourdough starter that has been in the fridge?
Yes! If your starter has been refrigerated, make sure to feed it and let it become active and bubbly before using.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t have the same crispy exterior but can still be delicious.
Can I use alternative flours in this recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with different flour types, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but be aware that it may alter the texture.
So there you have it, your guide to making irresistible Sourdough Discard Doughnuts! Whether you’re channeling your inner baker or just looking to reduce waste, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table. Enjoy this delightful treat, and remember, the kitchen is a space to explore and create something wonderful. Happy baking!
Print
Sourdough Discard Doughnuts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious doughnuts made from sourdough discard, coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick and cut out doughnut shapes.
- In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the doughnuts and drain on paper towels. Coat in cinnamon sugar while warm.
- Serve and enjoy your freshly made doughnuts!
Notes
Ensure your sourdough starter is active for the best flavor. Handle the dough gently to maintain fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg