These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts are soft, sweet, and packed with cozy flavors! They’re made with tangy sourdough and spiced apple cider, making every bite a treat.
Is there anything better than the smell of donuts baking? I usually enjoy them fresh with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. They disappear fast in my house—just a heads up! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active and bubbly starter, as it gives the donuts their unique flavor and helps with texture. If you don’t have sourdough, you can try using 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk for moisture, though the flavor will change a bit.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is best for flavor. You can substitute with apple juice, but it may be less sweet and spicy. If you have spiced apple cider, feel free to use that for extra flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works wonders here. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can be used, but keep in mind it may change the texture a bit, making it denser.
Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg are crucial for that cozy autumn flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg or cloves, you can skip them or use apple pie spice as an alternative.
Butter: I prefer unsalted for better control over the dish’s saltiness. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fried Donuts?
Frying donuts can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get that golden-brown perfection. Ensure the oil is heated to about 350°F (175°C) — too hot will burn the outside, while too cool will make them greasy.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for accuracy.
- Fry only a few donuts at a time to avoid crowding. This helps maintain even heat.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to keep an eye as they brown quickly.
- Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before coating in cinnamon sugar.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with light, fluffy donuts that everyone will love!
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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time plus 1–2 hours of resting for the dough. You will also need around 15 minutes for frying. Overall, expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and apple cider. Stir well until they are thoroughly mixed together. This mixture is essential for your donuts’ flavor and texture, so make sure your starter is bubbly!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and granulated sugar. Make sure you mix these dry ingredients well to avoid clumps.
3. Add Eggs and Butter:
Add the eggs and melted butter to the sourdough and cider mixture. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, unified mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 1–2 hours. This allows the sourdough to ferment slightly and enhances the flavor.
6. Roll out the Dough:
Once rested, lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. This will create the ideal shape and texture for your donuts.
7. Cut the Donuts:
Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outside and one smaller for the center), cut out donut shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cut donuts on a floured tray or baking sheet.
8. Give Them Time:
Let the cut donuts rest for another 20–30 minutes to rise a little more. This will ensure they are fluffy when fried.
9. Heat the Oil:
In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil so the donuts can float while frying.
10. Fry the Donuts:
Fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip them and remove them from the oil. Be cautious when frying!
11. Drain the Oil:
Once golden, place the fried donuts onto paper towels to drain excess oil. This step prevents them from being greasy.
12. Coat the Donuts:
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture you’ve prepared (1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon) to coat evenly.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts fresh, warm, or at room temperature! They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or cider for a cozy treat.
These delightful donuts feature a tender crumb with a hint of tang from the sourdough and a lovely taste of apple cider spice – perfect any time of the year, but especially wonderful in the fall! 🍏🍩
Can I Use a Different Type of Starter?
Yes, you can use any active, bubbly sourdough starter. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you might try replacing it with 1/2 cup of buttermilk or yogurt, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Can I Make These Donuts Without Frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the donuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), fill a greased donut pan with the batter, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for an extra day, but they may lose some of their softness.
Can I Freeze the Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze these donuts! Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.