These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts are a fun twist on the classic treat! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with the warm flavors of apple and spices that make fall feel special.
Making these donuts can be a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun, right? I love wrapping them in cinnamon sugar—they’re such a sweet delight! 🍏🍩
Plus, using sourdough makes them extra tasty and a little tangy. They’re great for sharing or enjoying on a cozy morning with coffee—trust me, you won’t want to stop at one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use a cup of active sourdough starter for a tangy flavor. If you don’t have sourdough, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but the flavor will be different.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is best for its rich flavor. If it’s not available, try using apple juice, though it will be sweeter.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour can be used, though it may change the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give these donuts a lovely warmth. If you don’t have allspice, just increase the cinnamon by a bit—they’ll still taste great!
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor and Texture in These Donuts?
Getting the right texture and flavor in your donuts requires a few important steps. First, be sure your sourdough starter is active; it should be bubbly and have risen within a few hours when mixed with the other ingredients.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Letting the dough rest helps develop flavor and texture, so don’t rush this step!
- While frying, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. Use a thermometer to check for accuracy.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy donuts.
Following these tips will help you create donuts that are not only fluffy but bursting with seasonal flavors, making them irresistible!
Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 1-2 hours total for resting time. You’ll also need about 20 minutes to fry the donuts, so plan on having around 2 hours from start to finish. Well worth the wait for these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the active sourdough starter, apple cider, egg, and melted butter. Whisk them together until they are well combined and smooth. This will be your wet mixture, which gives the donuts a moist texture and great flavor.
2. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if you’re using it), and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined. The dough may be slightly sticky, but that’s okay! Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
4. Letting the Dough Rest:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for about 1 hour. This helps develop flavor and gives the dough time to rise slightly. A little patience here pays off!
5. Rolling Out the Dough:
After resting, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Let it be nice and fluffy!
6. Cutting the Donuts:
Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger for the outside and a smaller one for the center) to cut out your donuts. Make sure to keep the donut holes as well; they are just as delicious!
7. Resting the Cut Donuts:
Transfer the cut donuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes. This will help them puff up even more.
8. Heating the Oil:
In a deep pot or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the donuts so they fry evenly. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
9. Frying the Donuts:
Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pot; it can lower the temperature of the oil.
10. Draining Excess Oil:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
11. Coating in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. This adds a sweet, crunchy exterior that complements the apple cider flavor perfectly.
12. Serving the Donuts:
Serve your sourdough apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or freshly pressed apple cider. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These donuts are lightly tangy from the sourdough, infused with warming fall spices, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar—a delicious seasonal treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Starter?
While this recipe calls for active sourdough starter, you can use a discard starter. Just note that the flavor and texture might differ slightly, as a discard starter can be less potent.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
No problem! You can substitute apple cider with apple juice. Keep in mind that apple juice is sweeter and will give a different flavor profile, but it will still work for delicious donuts!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze them. To reheat, warm them in the oven or toaster for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste!
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes! If you prefer baked donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spoon the batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They may not be as fluffy as fried, but they’ll still be tasty!
