These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts are soft and fluffy, packed with warm apple flavors and a hint of spices. They’re perfect for a cozy morning treat or an afternoon snack!
I love how they are made with sourdough, giving them a unique twist! And let’s be honest, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar makes everything better. Who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: An active and bubbly starter is a must for flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, a portion of plain yogurt can be used instead, but the taste will be different.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor. However, if it’s out of season, apple juice can work in a pinch. Just select a good-quality one for the best results.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the typical choice, but for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be tasty!
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice brings warmth. Feel free to skip the allspice if you don’t have it. Extra cinnamon is always a good idea!
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a nice richness. You can swap it for oil or melted coconut oil if you’d like a dairy-free option.
How Do I Shape Doughnuts Easily?
Shaping donuts can seem tricky, but here’s a simple way to manage it. After chilling the dough, the cold temperature makes rolling easier. Here’s how:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick, and cut the donuts using a doughnut cutter if you have one.
- If you don’t, two round cutters work too—just make sure to save the dough scraps to re-roll and cut more donuts.
Remember, don’t work the dough too much; the less kneading, the softer your donuts will be!
What’s the Best Way to Fry Donuts?
Frying donuts gives them that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for the best frying experience. A thermometer is your best friend here!
- Fry only a few donuts at a time. Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature and result in soggy donuts.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Letting them cook a bit longer can yield a nice, even color.
Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before tossing them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. This ensures the coating sticks really well!
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 1 hour for preparation and chilling the dough, plus about 30 minutes for frying. You’ll want to let the donuts cool briefly after frying before coating them in sugar. So all in all, about 1.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and apple cider. Whisk them together until they are blended well. This mixture will give your donuts that lovely sourdough flavor!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (if you’re using it). This is where the spices come in and make your donuts smell delicious!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Pour the egg mixture into the sourdough and cider mix. Then add in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Form the Dough:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough comes together. It should be sticky but still manageable. Don’t worry too much about over-mixing—it’s okay!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or you can leave it overnight. This helps the dough firm up for easier shaping.
6. Shape the Donuts:
Flour your surface lightly and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large for the donut and one small for the hole), cut out your donuts. Don’t forget to save the scraps to re-roll!
7. Heat the Oil:
Fill a deep pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is the best way to keep track of the oil temperature for perfect frying.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop a few donuts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Make sure they’re cooked through!
9. Drain and Coat:
Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and allow them to drain briefly on paper towels. While they’re still warm, toss each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. This will give them that sugary crust you’ll love!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts fresh and warm, paired with a nice cup of coffee or apple cider. They are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor!
These donuts are a delightful treat that combines the best of sourdough and autumn flavors—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apple Juice or Cider?
Yes, you can! While fresh apple cider gives the best flavor, you can use apple juice as a substitute when cider isn’t available. Just choose a high-quality juice for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also microwave them briefly to warm them up again if needed!
Can I Freeze the Dough for Later Use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped donuts before frying. Just lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and fry them as directed.
What if My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to manage after chilling, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more workable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much flour, or the donuts may turn out dense!
