These baked donuts are a tasty way to use sourdough discard! Coated in sweet powdered sugar, they’re fluffy and full of flavor without the frying mess.
Trust me, when you bite into one, you’ll feel like a kid again! I love enjoying these for breakfast or a fun snack—perfect with a cup of coffee! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of the recipe! It gives the donuts a slight tang and unique flavor. If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can try using plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar moistness, though the flavor will differ a bit.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the donuts perfectly. If you’re looking for a healthier swap, coconut sugar or honey can work, but remember that honey will alter the wet ingredients slightly.
Egg: A large egg adds moisture and binds the ingredients. For a vegan option, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can be used instead.
Milk: Any kind of milk works here—whole, almond, oat, or soy! If you’re dairy-free, plant-based milk is a great option, and I personally love oat milk for its creaminess.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavors balanced. You can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you prefer a dairy-free option, which will still keep your donuts rich.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so it’s essential to keep this step gentle. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the mixture instead of whisking vigorously. This method helps avoid gluten development.
- Remember, the goal is a cohesive batter, not a perfectly smooth one!
Following these tips will help ensure your donuts come out light and fluffy as they should!
How to Make Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating:
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 12-15 minutes for baking. After baking, you’ll also need a few minutes to cool the donuts. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish before your delicious donuts are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your donut pan by lightly greasing it with butter or using a non-stick spray to ensure your donuts slide right out!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter discard, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is well combined and smooth. Don’t skip this step—the wet mix is the base of your flavor!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to incorporate air into the flour, which is essential for fluffy donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! This helps keep your donuts light and tender.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops spring back lightly when touched. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
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. This step is essential to prevent sogginess!
8. Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Once your donuts are completely cool, it’s time for the sweet part! Generously coat them in powdered sugar. You can either roll them in a bowl filled with powdered sugar or use a sieve to dust the sugar over the top. Sweeten to your liking!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delightful donuts immediately, best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea while they are fresh! These light and fluffy donuts are sure to please everyone in your home!
Enjoy your amazing baked sourdough discard donuts with a sweet powdered sugar coating! Happy baking!
Can I Use Any Type of Sourdough Starter Discard?
Yes! Unfed sourdough starter discard is ideal for this recipe, as it brings flavor and moisture. However, you can use any type of sourdough discard. Just remember that if it’s very old, it might have a stronger taste, so adjust according to your preference!
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No worries! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Fill the muffin cups about halfway, and bake for a similar time. While they won’t have the classic donut shape, they’ll still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For the best texture, reheat them in the oven or microwave briefly before enjoying.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the donuts cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then coat with powdered sugar before serving!