These Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts are fluffy and packed with cozy fall flavors. The apple cider gives them a sweet and tangy twist, making them such a treat!
Making these donuts is like giving a warm hug to your taste buds! I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee—perfect for those crisp autumn mornings. 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active and bubbly starter for the best texture. If you’re out of sourdough, you can use a store-bought yeast dough but the tangy flavor won’t be as pronounced.
Apple Cider: The type of apple cider used greatly impacts the flavor. Fresh, unfiltered apple cider works best. If unavailable, you can use apple juice, though it will be sweeter and less complex.
Unsalted Butter: While I love using unsalted butter for control over salt, you can substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can skip it or swap it for allspice for a unique taste.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Donuts Without Making a Mess?
Frying can feel tricky, but there are easy ways to master it! First, ensure your oil is hot enough—350°F (175°C) is just right. If it’s too cool, the donuts will soak up oil and be greasy.
- Use a deep pot, ensuring it’s filled with enough oil. This keeps the donuts afloat and helps them fry evenly.
- Don’t crowd the pot; fry in small batches to maintain the temperature and get that perfect golden brown.
- Keep a slotted spoon handy for easy removal and draining once they’re done.
Remember, a little patience goes a long way! Happy frying! 🍩
Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus an hour for chilling. After that, frying takes just about 15 minutes. In total, expect about 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy these delicious donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat. You’ll want it to reduce down to about 1/4 cup. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, the cooled apple cider reduction, sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Use a whisk to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will help ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Make the Dough:
Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should feel soft but not sticky.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and cut.
6. Roll and Cut the Donuts:
When you’re ready, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out your donut shapes. Place them on a floured surface or parchment paper.
7. Heat the Oil for Frying:
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil so the donuts can be fully submerged, but don’t overcrowd the pot.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Fry the donuts in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
9. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon for your coating.
10. Coat the Donuts:
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re evenly coated. This gives them that delightful sweetness!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious homemade sourdough apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature, ideally with a steaming cup of coffee or fresh apple cider!
These donuts are sure to bring a smile with their warm, cinnamony, apple-flavored goodness. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Cider?
Yes! While apple cider gives the best flavor, you can use other fruit ciders like pear or even flavored varieties. Just remember that the taste will vary slightly.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Absolutely! To make vegan sourdough apple cider donuts, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based butter or oil instead of unsalted butter.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually in freezer-safe bags or containers, then thaw before serving.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. They might be a little denser but still delicious!
