Sourdough Nirvana Donuts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to jazz up your weekend brunch? These sourdough donuts are a game changer. The tangy flavour with a sweet glaze is simply divine.
Brief Overview
Sourdough donuts aren't just yummy; they're rooted in baking tradition. These fried donuts originated from a necessity to use leftover sourdough, and are so yummy! This recipe is medium difficulty, taking about 12 to 16 hours, mainly for proofing.
It yields about 12 glorious donuts.
Main Benefits
One of the main benefits of making homemade donuts from sourdough is the added prebiotics. They're a fantastic treat for any weekend brunch or special occasion.
What sets these tangy donuts apart is the unique flavour profile from the sourdough starter, which gives them that extra oomph .
Ready to Get Started?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, and let's dive into this sourdough donuts recipe ! Think of it as a fun science experiment with a delicious ending.
Honestly, the first time I tried making these, I was a bit intimidated by the sourdough part.
But don't stress. If I can do it, you definitely can.
First, you're going to need some key ingredients.
The Star Ingredients
For the Dough:
We need active sourdough starter: 113g to be exact. Warm whole milk, about 240ml . Next, 50g of granulated sugar, and instant dry yeast, which will be about 7g .
Don’t forget your all-purpose flour. you will need about 500g . Plus, a pinch of salt and 57g of softened, unsalted butter.
Last but not least, one lightly beaten egg.
Frying Time:
Make sure you get Vegetable oil, for frying. About 6 cups .
Vanilla Bean Glaze:
Get the vanilla bean glaze ready. You will need: sifted powdered sugar, about 240ml . Whole milk and vanilla extract, about 1 tsp. Don't forget a pinch of salt!
Let's Talk Equipment
For this easy sourdough donuts recipe, you’ll need a large mixing bowl. Plastic wrap. A Dutch oven. A candy thermometer. Wire rack and a doughnut cutter.
step-by-step Simplified
Day Before the Yum:
Activate your sourdough starter. It should be lively. Mix it with warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes.
Combine with flour and salt. Then add butter and egg. Knead it good, then leave it to rise overnight. Overnight sourdough donuts is really worth it, honestly.
Doughnut Day:
Roll the dough and cut out your donuts. Fry them to a golden brown. Dip them in the glaze. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Equipment for Sourdough Nirvana
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these sourdough donuts . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have, but let's get specific, yeah?
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Active Sourdough Starter: You will need 113g (4 oz) or 1/2 cup . This is key . You want a starter that's bubbly and alive. Not one that's been snoozing in the fridge for a week. Feed it beforehand to make sure it is ready to go, because a sleepy starter means a sad doughnut.
- Lukewarm Whole Milk: Exactly 240ml (8 oz) or 1 cup . Make sure it is actually lukewarm, not hot or cold.
- Granulated Sugar: You'll need 50g (1.76 oz) or 1/4 cup .
- Instant Dry Yeast: Just 7g (0.25 oz) or 2 1/4 teaspoons .
- All-Purpose Flour: Measure out 500g (17.6 oz) or 4 cups , and have extra for dusting.
- Salt: 10g (0.35 oz) or 2 teaspoons is all you need.
- Softened Unsalted Butter: A little 57g (2 oz) or 1/4 cup . Make sure it's properly softened.
- Large Egg: Only 1 , and lightly beaten.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. About 6 cups or 1.4L .
- Powdered Sugar: You need 240ml (8 oz) or 2 cups for the donut glaze recipe . Sift it first to avoid lumps.
- Whole Milk (for Glaze): 60-80ml (2-2.7 oz) or 1/4- 1/3 cup . Adjust to get the right consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon or 1/2 vanilla bean , scraped.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch for the glaze.
Seasoning Notes for the BEST Tangy Donuts
This recipe is great as is. But you could add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for some warmth.
Some lemon zest in the glaze would give a nice tang too. Feel free to go wild. For a super tangy donuts , let your sourdough starter donuts ferment a bit longer.
The sourdough discard donuts are great for reducing waste too! Honestly, the possibilities are endless.
Essential Equipment for Fried Donuts at Home
You really don't need much kit here! You'll need a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Plastic wrap or a reusable lid for proving.
A Dutch oven or deep fryer (a large pot works too). Get your candy thermometer to get the right temperature.
A slotted spoon or spider for fishing out the fried donuts . Then a wire rack. A rolling pin. Finally, a doughnut cutter.
If you don't have a fancy cutter, use two round cookie cutters of different sizes to create the homemade donuts .
Now you are all set to bake some easy sourdough donuts !
Honestly, that's it. Nothing too scary, right? Now, go make some banging sourdough donuts recipe !
Unleash Your Inner Baker: Sourdough Donuts
Honestly, who doesn't love a good doughnut? But have you ever thought about making sourdough donuts ? This isn't your average recipe.
It's a sourdough adventure! Get ready for some tangy donuts goodness.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential mise en place: Get everything ready! Measure all the ingredients first.
- Time saving tips: Prep the vanilla bean glaze while the dough rises. It’s one less thing later.
- Safety first: Hot oil is dangerous. Be careful! Use oven gloves when working with hot oil.
Let's Get Cooking: Your Sourdough Donuts Recipe
- Activate the starter: Mix 113g of active starter, 240ml of warm milk, 50g of sugar and 7g of yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes .
- Mix the Dough: Add 500g of flour and 10g of salt. Mix to form a shaggy dough.
- Add Butter and Egg: Add 57g of softened butter and 1 beaten egg. Knead until smooth.
- Bulk Fermentation: Let it rise for 12- 16 hours . Overnight is best.
- Shape and Proof: Roll the dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut out doughnuts. Let them proof for 30- 60 minutes .
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Fry 'em Up: Fry for 1- 2 minutes per side, until golden.
- Glaze and Enjoy: Dip into the glaze and enjoy the homemade donuts
Doughnut Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd: Don't overcrowd the fryer! Soggy doughnuts are rubbish.
- The Right Temperature: Use a candy thermometer. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial.
- Easy Sourdough Donuts : Use sourdough discard donuts for a quick treat.
I remember once I was trying out a new donut glaze recipe from Grandma and accidentally used salt instead of sugar! Thankfully, I caught the mistake before glazing all of the doughnuts.
Trust me, nobody wants salty doughnuts.
So there you have it! A recipe for sourdough nirvana donuts that'll make you the star baker. Happy baking!
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Sourdough Donuts
Right then, let's dive into some tips and tricks! Honestly, making sourdough donuts can be a bit of an adventure.
But trust me, the reward is totally worth it. These notes will help you avoid my early disasters. Especially when you’re using a sourdough starter.
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look the Business
Okay, so you've got your fried donuts . Now, it's time to make them look irresistible! Forget just chucking them on a plate. Think MasterChef !
- Plating and Presentation: Try stacking them high. Dust with extra powdered sugar. Or even drizzle with melted chocolate. A few strategically placed berries never hurt anyone!
- Complementary Sides: A strong cuppa or a flat white is a must. For something different, try pairing these tangy donuts with fresh fruit like strawberries. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the sweetness, you know?
Storage Tips: Keeping Them Fresh(ish)
Homemade donuts are best eaten fresh. But, hey, sometimes there are leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sourdough discard donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Honestly, they're never quite as good as fresh, but they'll do in a pinch.
- Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing them if they're glazed. The glaze gets a bit weird. But plain sourdough donuts can be frozen. Wrap them well and freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating: Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Or, better yet, a quick blast in the oven. Just keep an eye on them so they don't dry out!
Variations: Making It Your Own
Fancy a change? Here are a couple of ideas to jazz up your easy sourdough donuts .
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap the milk for almond milk. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Bam! Vegan sourdough donuts recipe sorted!
- Seasonal Swaps: Use a pumpkin spice mix instead of vanilla in the donut glaze recipe during the autumn. Or how about a lemon zest glaze in the summer? Get creative!
Nutrition Basics: A Treat with a Slight Benefit?
Let's be honest, sourdough donuts aren't exactly health food. But here's the lowdown:
- Simplified Nutrition: One donut is roughly 350-400 calories. Packed with carbs. But also some protein, thanks to the sourdough.
- Key Health Benefits: The sourdough might make them a bit easier to digest. Plus, they're a great source of happiness!
So there you have it! With these recipe notes, you're all set to tackle your overnight sourdough donuts adventure. Don't be afraid to experiment and have a laugh.
And remember, even if they don't look perfect, they'll still taste amazing! Honestly, everyone loves vanilla bean glaze on them and I reckon yours will be awesome.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
My sourdough starter isn't very active. Can I still make sourdough donuts?
While you can try, a less active starter will result in a denser, less airy sourdough donut. Think of it like trying to get a sluggish Morris Minor up a steep hill - it might eventually get there, but it'll be a struggle! Feed your starter regularly for a few days before you plan to bake to get it nice and bubbly.
This will give your doughnuts the best possible rise and that signature sourdough tang.
The recipe says to let the dough rise overnight. Can I speed up the sourdough donuts process?
You can try to speed things up, but patience is a virtue when it comes to sourdough! A warmer environment (think proving drawer or a very low oven) can help the dough rise faster, but keep a close eye on it to avoid over proofing.
A longer, slower rise develops more flavour, so if you're not in a hurry, stick to the overnight method for the best results. It’s like marinating a good steak the longer it sits, the better the flavour.
How do I keep my sourdough donuts from being greasy?
Greasy doughnuts are a right pain! Maintaining the correct oil temperature (350°F/175°C) is key - use a candy thermometer to monitor it. Also, don't overcrowd the fryer; too many doughnuts at once will lower the oil temperature. Once fried, let the doughnuts drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
Think of it like a fish and chip shop they always let the chips drain properly!
What's the best way to store leftover sourdough donuts?
Sourdough doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, like a hot cuppa. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll be good for a day or two, but they might lose some of their initial fluffiness.
You can also freeze them, unglazed, for longer storage; just thaw them completely and re-glaze before serving. A quick zap in the microwave (carefully!) can help restore some of their softness.
Can I make these sourdough donuts vegan?
Absolutely! It's like turning your favourite pub grub into a plant based feast! Substitute the milk with plant based milk (almond or soy work well). Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
The glaze can be made with plant based milk too. You'll have delicious vegan sourdough doughnuts in no time.
Are there any variations I can try with this sourdough donuts recipe?
Oh, absolutely, the possibilities are endless! Get creative! Try adding different spices to the dough, like cinnamon or nutmeg. Experiment with different glazes lemon, maple, or even a savoury bacon glaze (if you're feeling adventurous!).
You could also fill the doughnuts with jam, custard, or Nutella after frying. It's like putting your own stamp on a classic go for it, and have a bit of fun!
Sourdough Nirvana Donuts
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
