These baked sourdough discard powdered sugar donuts are fluffy and fun! With a touch of tanginess from the sourdough, they’re a great way to use up extra starter while treating yourself.
Who can resist a donut covered in sweet powdered sugar? I love making a batch for breakfast; they disappear faster than you can say “yum!” Give them a try and share with friends (or not)! 🤫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of your recipe! The starter adds a lovely tang. If you don’t have a discard, you could use plain yogurt or buttermilk, but be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives a rich flavor. For a lighter option, almond milk or oat milk works too. Just make sure they’re unsweetened, or it might alter the taste.
Egg: The egg gives structure and moisture. If you prefer a vegan option, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute!
All-purpose flour: This is essential for texture. You can substitute with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, though this may change the final product’s texture.
Powdered Sugar: For the topping, feel free to use granulated sugar if you’re out of powdered sugar, but the look and texture will differ.
How Can I Make Sure My Donuts Are Fluffy and Delicious?
The key to fluffy donuts lies in careful mixing and baking. Here are some friendly tips:
- Mix the wet ingredients well before adding the dry to ensure a smooth batter.
- When combining wet and dry, stir just until you don’t see flour. Overmixing can make the donuts dense.
- Don’t skip the cooling step! Let them cool for a few minutes to set properly before dusting with sugar.
- If using a donut pan, work quickly to avoid overfilling! Filling them about 2/3 full helps them rise beautifully without overflowing.
Following these tips will help you achieve light, fluffy donuts every time. Happy baking! 🍩
Baked Sourdough Discard Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (cooled)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need a little extra time for cooling before dusting with powdered sugar. All in all, plan for about 30-40 minutes for delicious homemade donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a donut pan or give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to keep your donuts from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter discard and milk until you have a smooth mixture. Then, add the egg, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until well-combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients in your batter.
4. Mix It All Together:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; your batter should be thick and just smooth.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising. Feel free to use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy piping!
6. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re done when the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Time for the Sweet Coating:
After they have cooled, generously dust the donuts with powdered sugar until they’re beautifully coated. Don’t be shy—this is what makes them deliciously sweet!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve these delightful baked sourdough donuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy their light, fluffy texture with a sweet powdered sugar finish. Happy munching! 🍩
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter! Just make sure to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly, as active starter contains more moisture than discard.
Can I Make These Donuts Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a great egg substitute. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the mixture!
How Do 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 longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
Can I Add Flavor Variations to the Donuts?
Definitely! You can mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor, or try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. Get creative with glazes or toppings too!
