When cooler weather rolls in and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing like the smell of warm spices from baking these Discard Sourdough Spiced Donut Recipe in the oven.
Discard Sourdough Spiced Donut Recipe Video
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove remind me of cozy oversized sweaters and fresh-baked sourdough goodness. One delightful way to embrace the season is homemade donuts—but not just any donuts. Today, I am talking about sourdough discard spiced donuts, this recipe is simple and delicious.
If you’ve been baking with sourdough discard, you already know this is a portion of the starter you remove before feeding it is often wasted. Sourdough discard is a treasure filled with flavor and nutrition.
I love incorporating sourdough discard into recipes such as pancakes, muffins, and of course these donuts. Never wasted your sourdough discard you reduce waste and create unique, tangy baked goods, resulting in sourdough spiced donuts.
The Health Benefits of Sourdough
Before I dive into baking these Discard Sourdough Spiced Donuts, I want to share why sourdough is beneficial and healthier than conventional baked goods.
1. It is Easier to Digest
Sourdough undergoes a natural fermentation process, where wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria break down gluten and starches. This can make sourdough recipes easier on the digestive system compared to breads and other sweets made with commercial yeast.
2. Better Nutrient Absorption for Your Body
The fermentation process reduces phytates, naturally occurring compounds in grains that can block mineral absorption. Lower phytate levels mean your body can better absorb important minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.
3. Sourdough Naturally Lower Glycemic Index
Sourdough Bake Goods slow the rise in blood sugar levels compared to conventional bake goods. While this discard sourdough spiced donuts are still a treat, incorporating sourdough may help keep your energy more balanced.
4. Sourdough has Prebiotics and Probiotics
Although baking kills the live cultures in sourdough, the fermentation process creates prebiotic fibers that support gut health. Pairing sourdough into your diet along with probiotic-rich foods in your diet can be a powerful combination.
5. Flavor Without Additives
The tangy taste of sourdough comes naturally from fermentation and there are no artificial flavors or enhancers, which means a more wholesome and authentic flavor in every bite.
Why Use Sourdough Discard?
If you maintain a strong sourdough starter, it needs need regular feedings.
To keep the sourdough, discard active and balanced, a portion must be removed before adding fresh flour and water. That portion that is remove is what is called discard.
While the sourdough discard is not active enough to leaven bread, it’s perfect for recipes that don’t rely on a strong rise. Donuts, quick breads, cookies, crackers, and pancakes are all ideal ways to use sourdough discard.
Using sourdough discard will cut down on food waste, and it adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor you just can’t get anywhere else.
Discard Sourdough Spiced Donuts Recipe
These donuts combine the warm comfort of fall spices with the slight tang from the sourdough discard. Baked instead of fried, makes a sweet treat lighter and a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
You’ll get a soft, cake-like donut with a tender crumb, perfect for dipping in coffee or pairing with a cozy tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup sourdough discard
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup of room temperature milk
- ¼ cup melted grass fed butter
- 2 large farm fresh eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Spiced Donut Topping
- ¼ cup melted grass fed butter
- ½ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan lightly with non-stick spray. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, sugars, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. - Bring It Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Be careful not to overmix this helps keep the donuts tender. - Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the corner and pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full. - Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let discard sourdough spiced donuts cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.- Optional Topping
While still slightly warm, brush or dip donuts in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra sweet finish.
- Optional Topping
Tips for Perfect Discard Spiced Sourdough Donut Recipe
- Do not skip the spices! The balance of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove is what gives these donuts their cozy autumn flavor. Adjust to your liking!
- You can substitute up to half cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra nutrition and a nuttier taste.
- These donuts store well in an airtight container for three to five days. Warm them to bring back their softness.
- Instead of cinnamon sugar, try my vanilla bean glaze from my Sourdough Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Discard Sourdough Spiced Donuts
This discard sourdough spiced donuts are more than just a treat it is a creative way to use discard in the effort in maintaining your sourdough starter.
Instead of tossing away sourdough discard, you’re transforming it into something comforting, flavorful, and seasonal.
While most people think of crusty loaves of bread, sourdough can elevate sweet recipes with its subtle tang and nutritional value. Plus, baking donuts instead of frying makes them more approachable for home bakers and cuts calories.
A Treat with Benefits
At the end of the day, donuts are a dessert but, when you use sourdough discard, you’re adding amazing flavor and nutrition that elevates the season and a simple indulgence.
Sourdough bake goods provide better digestion to improved nutrient absorption.
Next time when you feed your sourdough starter, don’t toss that discard, save it for a batch of these spiced donuts, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and savor the cozy, nourishing flavors of fall.
Fall Sourdough Recipe Inspiration from the Farmhouse
Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Vanilla Bean Glaze
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