These easy baked sourdough donuts are the perfect blend of light, fluffy, and tangy flavors. Made with sourdough discard, they’re a creative way to use up leftovers while baking a delicious treat. Coated in powdered sugar, they’re simple to make and irresistibly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creative Use of Sourdough Discard: A fantastic way to avoid waste while making something special.
No Frying Required: These donuts are baked, not fried, for a lighter alternative.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Soft and Fluffy: Perfectly moist with a hint of tang from the sourdough discard.
Customizable: Top with powdered sugar, glaze, or even sprinkles for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Cooking spray or coconut oil (for greasing the pans)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place silicone donut pans on a baking sheet and lightly grease them with cooking spray or coconut oil.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Mix on low speed until well combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Make the Batter

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.

5. Fill the Donut Pans

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the donut pans about 3/4 full with batter. Use a toothpick to smooth the batter into an even layer.

6. Bake

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden brown.

7. Cool the Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Carefully remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for another 5 minutes.

8. Coat with Powdered Sugar

Place the powdered sugar in a gallon-sized resealable bag. Add the donuts one at a time and shake until fully coated. Tap off any excess powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 12–15 donuts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14–16 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar.
Glazed Donuts: Dip cooled donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Chocolate-Topped Donuts: Drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts for an extra indulgent treat.
Spiced Donuts: Add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs, the yogurt with plant-based yogurt, and the butter with coconut oil.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat with powdered sugar before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, but the tangy flavor will be less pronounced.

2. What’s the purpose of nutmeg in the recipe?

Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and classic donut flavor.

3. Can I make mini donuts instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, use mini donut pans and adjust the baking time to 10–12 minutes.

4. How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pans well with cooking spray or coconut oil before adding the batter.

5. Can I substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt?

Yes, but Greek yogurt adds extra richness and tang.

6. What type of milk works best?

Any milk works, including dairy or plant-based options like almond or oat milk.

7. How do I make the batter smoother for piping?

Mix the batter until just combined and avoid overmixing. Slight lumps are fine.

8. Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

Yes, the donuts are delicious plain or with any other topping of your choice.

9. Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can mix the batter by hand using a whisk or an electric hand mixer.

10. Can I add chocolate chips or fruit to the batter?

Yes! Fold in mini chocolate chips or small fruit pieces for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These easy baked sourdough donuts are a delightful way to use up sourdough discard while satisfying your sweet tooth. With their soft texture, light tang, and simple powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy the perfect homemade treat!