Oh boy, am I excited to share this recipe with you! If you’ve ever experienced the delightful joy of sinking your teeth into a freshly made donut, you know what a treat it can be. Now, imagine that treat being made with the satisfying, tangy goodness of sourdough! That’s right, I’m talking about Sourdough Raised Donuts. These are not your average donuts; they’ve got that unique twist that makes them special!
I first tried my hand at making these delightful donuts during a rainy weekend, and let me tell you, the smell wafting through my kitchen was enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Friends and family gathered around, completely entranced by the sweet aroma, and we couldn’t resist indulging in a few warm, glazed beauties right out of the fryer. It’s become a tradition, and I love sharing this recipe with anyone who’s ready to put on their apron and dive into donut heaven!
What’s in Sourdough Raised Donuts?
Let’s talk about the star players in this delicious recipe!
Sourdough Starter: This is the magic ingredient! You’ll want it to be active and bubbly for the best results. If you don’t have a starter yet, I highly recommend starting one. The flavor it adds is worth it!
Whole Milk: Warmed milk helps bring that dough to life and gives the donuts a rich texture. I like to use whole milk, but you can substitute it with a non-dairy option if you prefer.
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness! Feel free to adjust if you want your donuts a bit sweeter or less sugary.
Unsalted Butter: This adds that luscious richness we all love in baked goods. I always have unsalted on hand so I can control the saltiness in my recipes better.
Egg: A large egg adds moisture and helps bind everything together!
Vanilla Extract: Because donuts without a hint of vanilla are just sad, right? It adds a wonderful background flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough. I usually go for good old all-purpose flour; it works like a charm here.
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the other flavors.
Instant Yeast: This little packet works quickly to get that dough to rise fabulously!
Vegetable Oil: For frying those donuts to golden perfection!
And let’s not forget the glaze:
Powdered Sugar: A must-have for that sweet, luscious glaze!
Milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for glazing those donuts. Tailor the amount to your liking!
Is Sourdough Raised Donuts Good for You?
Well, let’s be real. Sourdough Raised Donuts are a delightful indulgence, not necessarily a health food. But, they do have some redeeming qualities!
Sourdough Starter: It’s packed with probiotics, which are great for gut health. Plus, because it’s fermented, it can be easier on digestion compared to regular bread.
Whole Milk and Butter: While they add richness and flavor, enjoy these in moderation—savoring is key!
Granulated Sugar: In this recipe, it’s more of a treat. Too much sugar isn’t the best for us, so keep it as a special occasion indulgence!
Enjoy them, but as always, balance is essential!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up about a dozen delicious donuts:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
**For the glaze**:
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 3-4 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Sourdough Raised Donuts?
Ready to get frying? Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a batch of tasty donuts in no time!
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **sourdough starter**, **warmed milk**, **sugar**, **melted butter**, **egg**, and **vanilla extract**. Mix everything together until well combined. Get your whisk or spoon ready!
2. In another bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **salt**, and **instant yeast**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Trust me, this part is therapeutic!
4. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size—this usually takes about 1-2 hours.
5. After that delightful rise, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters) to cut out those donuts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, looking all round and cute!
6. Cover those cut donuts with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they puff up nicely.
7. While they’re rising, let’s get that glaze ready! Whisk together the **powdered sugar**, **milk**, and **vanilla extract** in a bowl until smooth. If you fancy a thicker or thinner glaze, adjust the milk accordingly.
8. Heat up your **vegetable oil** in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown.
9. Using a slotted spoon, transfer your glorious donuts onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off that excess oil.
10. Once they’re a tad cooler, dip each donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.
11. Serve fresh and enjoy your homemade Sourdough Raised Donuts!
Fry It Up: Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and fun variations to elevate your donut game:
– **Flavor Twists:** Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your dry ingredients for an added layer of flavor.
– **Toppings:** Feel free to customize your glaze—add sprinkles, cocoa powder, or even crushed nuts for a delightful twist!
– **Baked Version:** Want a lighter option? You can bake these donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
I can’t wait for you to try out these Sourdough Raised Donuts. They’re truly a labor of love, but oh-so-worth it. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to share your experiences and any creative variations you whip up. Happy frying!
