Table of Contents
Introduction

One of the most popular treats in baked goods is undoubtedly the Sour Cream Donut. These donuts are a little different from the airy, yeasty, or dense cake things more familiar to many of us; they have a slightly sour edge to their otherwise rich and substantial heft. Sour cream in the batter is what makes them taste so good, but it also results in a tender crumb and cake-like moisture inside. Sour cream donuts are one of those types that have more than earned their spot in the hearts of all classic donut fans out there, be it for breakfast with a cupped coffee or as an afternoon sweet treat.
The History
The birth of the sour cream and a little history is shrouded in mystery, as so many things are with baked sour cream donuts. Baking with sour cream, however, is not a new phenomenon; it has roots in centuries ago, especially when European bakers sought ways to add moistness and fat to their cakes or pastries without oiling them up so early on. Sour Cream in Donuts Sour cream was probably incorporated into donut recipes when European immigrants came to America, bringing their culinary traditions and classics with them.
By the mid-20th century, sour cream donuts were a commonplace sugary treat throughout North America. They became popular around the same time, especially in the United States, where they diffused a concept of more cake-like golden fried confection. These sour cream donuts are nothing too fancy, just a classic and oh so comforting taste of home.
What Sets Them Apart from Other Types of Donuts?
There are many noticeable things about a sour cream donut:
- Texture: These have a dense, somewhat cake-like texture as opposed to the lighter type of yeast-raised donuts. The dough will have to rest for much longer while still undergoing fermentation and development, but those loaves won’t look or taste the same as truly sour bread. That’s because they are leavened with something other than yeast (such as baking powder which makes them rise through a reaction between bases and acids), predominantly some baking soda. Juice, on the other hand, isn´t gonna ferment well at all… The dough is flavored with tangy sour cream, which gives us a soft and cakey texture.
- Flavor: The sour cream keeps these donuts from being tooth-searingly sweet, with a light fermi scent tang to balance out all that sugar fuckery. This one flavor element can differentiate sour cream donuts from other styles that might use more sugar or butter and egg as a richness.
- Crumb Structure: That gorgeous fine and tight crumb structure is in direct contrast to the open, airy crumb that is characteristic of yeast-based yeast-based products. Compared to the airier cake donuts, sour cream creates a more stable structure that satisfies each bite.
- Versatility: Sour cream donuts, as well… being the most versatile little boon of a recipe on Earth. Seriously – think about all this dough can do for you! This separates sour cream donuts from the rest — they are perfect plain, with vanilla glaze, dusted in powdered sugar, or flavored in so many ways for a simple treat that can work all year long.
How to Make up Sour Cream Donuts at Home?

Homemade sour cream donuts are a perfect excuse to fry and also take the icing directly into your hand_scalped. Basic Recipe to Begin with:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbl — softened unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup sour cream
- Cooking oil for deep frying (I use slightly healthy like vegetables or canola)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, soda, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Combine with wet ingredients. Set aside. In a big bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Combine egg yolks and sugar well.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough with paper and cool it for at least an hour (or overnight) or until firm.
- Cut the Donuts: Turn out dough and roll to half an inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut the donuts out, then use a smaller cutter to cut holes in the centers. Gather the scraps and re-roll as needed to make more donuts.
- Fry the Donuts: Fill a heavy-bottomed skillet with oil at 350°F (175°C). Add a few donuts (do not crowd the pot!) at one time. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and brown. Carefully remove the donuts from being fried and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each donut into warm glazed while they are hot, and then let excess drizzle back into the bowl. Let it sit for about 20, warm, best served!
- Enjoy: Once the glaze is dry, your homemade sour cream donuts are ready to enjoy!
Check Out: Tips for Frying the Perfect Boston Cream Donut.
Popular Variations and Flavors
Sour cream donuts are the perfect vehicle for every type of flavor and presentation you could imagine. Well-liked Branches:
- Cinnamon Sugar Sour Cream Donuts: Rather than glazing these delicacies, put them in a baggie of cinnamon and sugar for something warm + spicy.
- Chocolate Glazed Sour Cream Donuts: These Chocolate Glazed Sour Cream Donuts are created by melting a handful of your favorite chocolate with some butter and cream.
- Maple Sour Cream Donuts: Swap out the vanilla in your glaze with some maple or whip up a batch of e-z g-free maple icing for all the autumn love.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Sour Cream Donuts: Add poppy seeds and loudly pronounced lemon zest in the dough, blue with a sour-sweet icing.
- Pumpkin Spice Sour Cream Donuts: A seasonal flavor in one perfect bite of these tender pumpkin spiced doughnuts baked with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Where to Find the Best Sour Cream Donuts

The following is a short list of some must-visit sites for sour cream doughnuts:
- Doughnut Plant (New York, NY): Their fancy-pants recipes and top-shelf ingredients came together in a delicious collision of awesome for this sour cream donut.
- Randy’s Donuts (Los Angeles, CA): A SoCal stalwart home to a most excellent sour cream donut.
- The Donut Man (Glendora, CA): The most famous for their fresh fruit-stuffed donuts, they also have a killer sour cream that’s worth the trek.
- Top Pot Doughnuts (Seattle, WA): Known for their classic recipes and continued emphasis on perfected old-fashioned methods of making doughnuts, Top Pot puts out a simple but high-quality sour cream donut that’s nostalgic in the best way.
- Voodoo Doughnut (Portland, OR): Known for their inventive and sometimes dangerous donut flavors Voodoo also has great classic sour cream donuts.
Conclusion: Indulge in the Unique Deliciousness of Sour Cream Donuts
As rich, creamy, and delicious as a bowl of softened ice cream — sour cream doughnuts have long been my favorite among the many wonderful things that can be made from sweetened deep-fried batter. Regardless of how you prefer them — frosted, glazed, or punched square in the middle with a stripe of filling these doughnuts speak to your soul as if they came from home. That thick crumb, slight tang, and just enough sweetness have helped red velvet donuts win favor among the fried dough faithful. Whether you prepare them yourself or go out to a pastry shop, sour cream donuts are something that everyone who loves these sweet pastries must try.
FAQs
Can I make sour cream donuts without a donut cutter?
When ready to cut the donuts, you can use a round cutter or even an empty glass. Use a smaller cutter or form free-form shapes for the donut holes.
How long do sour cream donuts stay fresh?
These are the best on the day of their creation, for sure. Sour cream donuts! But then they can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can I bake sour cream donuts instead of frying them?
If not, though, place the mixture in a donut pan and bake it at 350F (180C) for about 10-12 minutes. The only difference is that texture will not be at all like if you fried them, but the taste is identical.