There’s something magical about the aroma of Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts frying in your kitchen. After over 15 years of perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned that using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor. This is the treat my family requests every weekend—and once you try it, you’ll understand why. You may also find Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Loaf useful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing: These donuts disappear quickly at gatherings—everyone loves the combination of softness and sweetness.
- Restaurant-quality at home: With a few simple ingredients, you can replicate the donuts from your favorite diner.
- Make-ahead friendly: Enjoy them fresh or make a batch to freeze for later enjoyment.
- Customizable: You can easily add flavors or toppings to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts recipe features a fantastic blend of ingredients. The unique combination of sour cream and baking powder gives these donuts their rich flavor and fluffy texture.
- Cake flour — This is essential for achieving a tender, fluffy texture; all-purpose flour won’t yield the same result.
- Granulated sugar — Sweetens the donuts perfectly; you can adjust according to your taste.
- Sour cream — This adds moisture and tang; it’s the key to soft donuts.
- Nutmeg — Provides a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweetness of the sugar.
- Egg yolks — Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
See the recipe card below for complete ingredients and exact measurements.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large cast iron skillet — Perfect for frying, as it retains heat well and gives the donuts a nice golden color.
- Wooden spoon — Ideal for mixing without scratching your bowl.
- Doughnut cutter — Helps create the perfect shape and size for frying.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts
This recipe for Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts comes together in just a few simple steps!
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of iodized salt, and 3/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix well, then set aside.
- Cream together: In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of shortening until light and fluffy. Add 2 large egg yolks, followed by 2/3 cup of sour cream.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overwork the dough.
- Roll & cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out shapes.
- Fry the donuts: Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365°F (185°C). Fry donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of light corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of iodized salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract with 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon of hot water until smooth.
- Glaze the donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, coating them evenly, and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Bring sour cream to room temperature first: This helps create a smoother batter and a better rise.
- Use a thermometer: Keeping an eye on the oil temperature prevents burning and ensures perfectly cooked donuts.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize your Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts with these variations:
- Cinnamon-sugar dusting: After frying, roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for added flavor.
- Chocolate glaze: Add melted chocolate to the glaze for a rich chocolatey finish.
- Fruit add-ins: Incorporate small pieces of fruit like blueberries or diced apples for a fruity twist.
What to Serve With Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts
This Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts pairs beautifully with coffee or warm milk. Here are my favorite pairings:
- Fresh fruit salad — The tartness complements the sweet flavor of the donuts.
- Scrambled eggs — A hearty breakfast option that balances the sweetness.
- Hot chocolate — Perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave to maintain their texture.
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, iodized salt, and ground nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar with shortening until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overworking the dough.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut out shapes using a doughnut cutter.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365°F (185°C). Fry donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, light corn syrup, iodized salt, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze, coating them evenly, and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or buttermilk are excellent substitutes and will provide a similar texture and flavor.
How do I know when Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts are done?
They should be golden brown and fragrant, typically after 2-3 minutes on each side while frying.
Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw then reheat in the oven.
Why is my Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts greasy?
This can happen if the oil temperature is too low, which leads to oil absorption. Always maintain proper frying temperature.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe; just ensure you have enough frying space.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts recipe is a delightful treat that will impress family and friends alike. Its blend of flavors and textures is simply unforgettable. I encourage you to try making these delicious donuts—you’ll love the result!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to expand your donut repertoire, consider exploring Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts for a delightful twist or pick a savory dish like the One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet to complement your meal.
Leave a comment