This recipe for Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts are egg free, have the option of being dairy free and theyâre bakedânot friedâmaking them a slightly healthier version of the classic fried donuts we all know and love.
Sourdough Discard in Donuts
First, letâs address the elephant in the room. You will be using sourdough discard in this recipe. If youâve been feeding your sourdough starter, youâre likely familiar with the process of discarding some of it before feeding. That portion you remove is known as the “discard.” Rather than throwing it away, you can use that discard in recipes like these sourdough discard apple cider donuts. It adds a subtle tangy flavor, while also reducing waste from your starter. You know how I love my âwin-winâsâ!
Baked, Not Fried
These sourdough discard apple cider donuts are baked instead of fried, making them a bit lighter and dare I say, healthier. While fried donuts have that irresistible crispy exterior, baking them helps reduce the amount of oil, making this recipe perfect for anyone looking for a âbetter for youâ donut option without sacrificing too much flavor. Theyâre still deliciously moist with all the cozy, warm flavors of apple cider.
Egg Free and Dairy Free Options
This recipe is naturally eggless, making it ideal for those with egg allergies or anyone looking for a plant-based treat. Plus, itâs super easy to make the donuts dairy free! Simply swap the butter for a dairy free option like Country Crockâs avocado oil buttery sticks. Youâll still get that rich, buttery flavor without any dairy.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best things about this sourdough discard apple cider donuts recipe is how quick it is! The batter comes together in just a few minutes, and they bake in as little as 10 minutes. That means you can have freshly baked donuts on your table in no timeâperfect for an autumnal weekend brunch or an afternoon snack.
How to Serve
These donuts can be coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra bit of sweetness and crunch. Enjoy them the same day you bake them or place baked donuts in a ziplock bag or freezer safe container to store in freezer.
How to Make the Best Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts:
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two standard sized donut pans (6 cavities per pan) set aside
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk well to combine.
To the dry ingredients, add the apple cider, melted-slightly cooled butter, and sourdough discard. Mix well with spoon to combine.
Spoon the donut batter into a sandwich sized ziplock bag, seal it and then snip a small corner off. About the size of the point of a golf tee.
Squeeze donut mixture into the greased donut pans, evenly distributing the batter, filling about half full (take note of the pictures Iâve provided, as you do not want to overfill them.)
Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and spring back with a gentle poke.
While they are baking, you can make a cinnamon sugar topping by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stirring well to evenly distribute the cinnamon.
Allow to cool in pan for about 5 minutes then remove to a sheet pan or other plate, so you can lay them in an even layer and spray with avocado oil. If you do not have cooking oil spray you can brush the tops with oil. After applying the oil, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops with your fingers. If you want a very sweet donut, repeat the process with the underside of the donuts.
Things that helped in the kitchen for this recipe, and can help you too:
Wilton Donut Pans â get a 2 pack and save some money and time! (Amazon)
Avocado Oil Spray – use in place of any other cooking spray, and it is healthier đ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no cost to you, just like a free Disney travel agent. Iâm only here to make suggestions that hopefully help you đ
Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 Œ cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 œ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Couple dashes of allspice
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup butter (4 tablespoons) melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sourdough discard
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Avocado oil for spraying on tops of donuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two standard sized donut pans (6 cavities per pan) set aside
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk well to combine.
- To the dry ingredients, add the apple cider, melted-slightly cooled butter, and sourdough discard. Mix well with spoon to combine.
- Spoon the donut batter into a sandwich sized ziplock bag, seal it and then snip a small corner off. About the size of the point of a golf tee.
- Squeeze donut mixture into the greased donut pans, evenly distributing the batter, filling about half full (take note of the pictures Iâve provided, as you do not want to overfill them.)
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and spring back with a gentle poke.
- While they are baking, you can make a cinnamon sugar topping by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stirring well to evenly distribute the cinnamon.
- Allow to cool in pan for about 5 minutes then remove to a sheet pan or other plate, so you can lay them in an even layer and spray with avocado oil. If you do not have cooking oil spray you can brush the tops with oil. After applying the oil, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops with your fingers. If you want a very sweet donut, repeat the process with the underside of the donuts. You do NOT need to use up all the cinnamon sugar topping!
- Enjoy freshly baked! OR freeze baked donuts in freezer safe container for later use!
If you want to indulge in another donut recipe, you must try these amazing double chocolate baked donuts (egg free!) đ©
OR, another great option are these bagel-donuts, filled with a cream cheese đ„Ż click here for recipe!