These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect treat with a warm apple flavor and a hint of cinnamon. They are soft, fluffy, and coated in sugar for that yummy finish!
Making these donuts is so much fun, and they fill your kitchen with a cozy smell. I love to enjoy them fresh out of the fryer with a cup of coffee—such a delightful way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active sourdough starter for the best flavor. If you’re out, you can make a quick version by mixing 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup water and leaving it out overnight. Just remember, it won’t have the same tanginess!
Apple Cider: If you’re unable to find apple cider, apple juice is a fine substitute. You might want to reduce it down like the cider to concentrate the flavor, though it won’t be as robust. I love using fresh cider from a local farm for the tastiest results!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great in this recipe, but you can switch half of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber. Just adjust the liquids slightly if needed.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic for flavoring these donuts. If you prefer something different, try adding pumpkin spice or a little vanilla extract. I love a hint of ginger in mine too!
How do I get My Donuts to Rise and be Fluffy?
Achieving fluffy donuts is all about mixing your ingredients properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the wet ingredients gently without overworking the dough. A soft mixture is key to light donuts.
- Let the dough rest a bit after mixing. This helps it relax and traps air for better rising.
- Monitor the oil temperature carefully. If the oil is too hot, the outside will cook fast while the inside stays doughy. Keep it around 350°F (175°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Following these tips will help you create donuts that are fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside!
Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes for frying. Total time including cooking is roughly 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Cider:
In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer while it reduces and thickens into a syrup-like consistency, which should take about 5-10 minutes. Once it has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the active sourdough starter, cooled apple cider syrup, granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter. Stir these ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.
4. Make the Dough:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until a soft dough forms. Try not to overmix; you want it to stay light and fluffy!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch in thickness.
6. Cut the Donuts:
Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outer edge and one smaller for the center hole), cut out the donuts. Gather any scraps of dough, knead them together gently, and roll out again to cut more donuts.
7. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a large, heavy pot, preheat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature, as it’s crucial for properly frying the donuts.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.
9. Coat the Donuts:
While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar until they are evenly coated. This gives them that delicious sweet finish!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These donuts are best served warm. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage!
These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts have a tender crumb with a delightful apple flavor, finished with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. They are perfect for autumn or any special breakfast treat!
Can I Use Leftover Sourdough Starter for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using the leftover sourdough starter is a great way to reduce waste. Just make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results in flavor and texture.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the donuts in a greased donut pan. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They won’t be as crispy, but they will still be delicious!
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, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in things like chopped apples, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients might change the texture slightly, so adjust your flour as needed.
