The Best Ever Sour Cream Donut Recipe – Tender, Tangy & Glazed

Sour cream donuts have always been one of those comfort food classics that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. At Kitchen Yumy, where every recipe is built on real flavor and real life, this one holds a special place in my kitchen—and in my heart.

Hey there, I’m Sophie, the creator behind Kitchen Yumy, and if you’ve been here before, you know I’m all about keeping things simple, cozy, and full of flavor. This sour cream donut recipe was born out of one of those Saturday mornings where I wanted something nostalgic, indulgent, and just a little bit special—without needing a culinary degree to make it happen. I pulled from old family notes, tested it (multiple times), and of course, subjected it to the most honest food critics I know: my own family.

At Kitchen Yumy, I believe that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to taste amazing, bring people together, and spark that tiny moment of joy with the first bite. That’s what this recipe does. It’s soft and cakey on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and glazed to glossy perfection—exactly the kind of sweet reward that makes you slow down and savor the moment.

Whether you’re new to baking or just here for something totally worth it, these sour cream donuts are for you. They’re proof that with a few pantry staples and a bit of buttered-up love, you can make something truly unforgettable right at home.

So grab your apron and let’s make something delicious—together.

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Table of Contents

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Introduction to Sour Cream Donuts

What Is a Sour Cream Donut?

A sour cream donut is a type of cake donut known for its rich flavor and soft, dense texture. Unlike yeast-raised donuts, which are airy and fluffy, sour cream donuts use baking powder for leavening, resulting in a thick crumb and a subtle tang from the sour cream. Once fried and glazed, these donuts develop a crackly, sugary coating that perfectly balances the moist interior.

This donut is a crowd favorite thanks to its unique texture and satisfying bite. The addition of sour cream doesn’t just add moisture—it deepens the flavor, giving the donut a slightly tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the glaze.

The Origin and History of Sour Cream Donuts

Cake donuts date back to early American cookbooks, but the sour cream variation became a staple in diners and coffee shops during the mid-20th century. As refrigeration became common, sour cream was used in baked goods to enhance texture and extend shelf life. The result? A donut that felt homemade but delivered professional flavor.

The sour cream donut also carved a niche in commercial bakeries. Popular chains like Dunkin’ made it iconic, pairing its old-school charm with modern coffee culture.
Don’t miss our cloud cake recipe for another nostalgic sweet treat.

Whether enjoyed at a corner café or your own kitchen, the sour cream donut continues to be a timeless favorite.

Why Sour Cream Donuts Are So Popular

Texture and Taste Profile

If there’s one reason people go crazy over a sour cream donut, it’s the irresistible combination of textures. Bite into one and you’ll get that light crunch from the fried exterior followed by a moist, cakey center that practically melts in your mouth. The sour cream creates a soft, tender crumb that holds its shape without being overly dense. It’s not airy like a yeast donut, but it’s far from heavy—just perfectly balanced.

Flavor-wise, sour cream donuts hit all the right notes. The tang of the sour cream plays off the sweetness of the sugar and glaze, offering a richer, more complex taste than a standard donut. The hint of nutmeg adds warmth, making each bite feel like a cozy indulgence.

This balance of sweet and tangy, crisp and soft, is what keeps people coming back. That’s why even in a sea of trendy donuts—from cronuts to mochi rings—the sour cream classic never fades.
Discover great ideas like our delicious strawberry rhubarb crumble if you love layered textures in your desserts.

Comparison to Yeast and Cake Donuts

So how does a sour cream donut stack up against other types? Here’s a quick comparison to help you see why it’s in a class of its own:

Donut Type	Leavening Agent	Texture	Flavor Profile	Time to Prepare
Yeast Donut	Yeast	Light and airy	Mild, bready	Longer (rising time)
Cake Donut	Baking powder/soda	Crumbly, tender	Sweet, slight tang	Faster
Sour Cream Donut	Baking powder	Dense yet moist	Rich, tangy, sweet glaze	Moderate

What sets the sour cream donut apart is its distinct crackled glaze, often seen on old-fashioned donuts, and its signature dense but soft interior. You don’t need hours of proofing—just a chill in the fridge and a hot pot of oil.

Whether you’re new to homemade donuts or just exploring beyond the basics, the sour cream version is a go-to recipe for consistent, crowd-pleasing results.
Check out our creamy chocolate frosting if you’re looking to give your glaze an upgrade with a cocoa twist.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Sour Cream Donuts

Key Dry and Wet Ingredients Breakdown

To achieve the perfect sour cream donut, it all starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in flavor, texture, and structure.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Purpose
Cake flour (2 1/4 cups)	Lower protein for a tender, crumbly texture
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp)	Leavening agent to give rise without yeast
Salt (1 tsp)	Enhances all the other flavors
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp)	Traditional spice that adds warmth and a slight earthiness
Sugar (1/2 cup)	Sweetens the dough and aids in the browning process
Butter (2 tbsp)	Adds richness and helps bind the dough
Egg yolks (2 large)	Provide fat and emulsification for a richer texture
Sour cream (1/2 cup)	The hero ingredient—adds tanginess, moisture, and creates the soft crumb
Canola oil (for frying)	Neutral taste and high smoke point ideal for deep frying

The combination of cake flour and sour cream gives these donuts their signature softness. Using only yolks (not whole eggs) keeps the dough rich without making it too wet. And don’t skip the nutmeg—it’s a small addition with a big payoff in flavor.

Why Sour Cream Makes a Difference

So, why is sour cream such a game changer? It’s not just about moisture—though it definitely keeps your donuts from drying out. It also brings in:

• Tangy richness that balances the sweet glaze
• Fat content that enriches the texture without making it greasy
• Acidity that helps tenderize the gluten in the flour, leading to that melt-in-your-mouth bite

Think of sour cream as the magical binder that bridges cake and donut. It keeps the interior moist even after frying, and when combined with the crispy exterior, you get the perfect contrast in every bite.

Don’t miss our delicious dirty Dr. Pepper recipe for another unexpected use of tangy ingredients in sweet treats.

Step-by-Step Homemade Sour Cream Donut Recipe

Making sour cream donuts at home might sound intimidating, but with the right steps and a little prep, you’ll be pulling off bakery-style donuts in no time. This recipe yields about 12 donuts and includes detailed frying and glazing instructions. Let’s break it down.

Preparing the Dough: Mixing & Consistency Tips

Start by gathering all your ingredients (refer to the list from Part 3). Begin with the dry ingredients:

1. Sift Together Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, sift 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. This helps create a smooth batter without lumps.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 2 tablespoons of cool, softened butter with 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture looks sandy.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Mix
   Beat in 2 large egg yolks until the mixture becomes light and thick—this builds richness and structure.
4. Alternate Sour Cream and Dry Mix
   Add the sifted flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with 1/2 cup sour cream. Start and end with flour. Mix just until the dough becomes smooth but slightly sticky.

Pro Tip: If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a tablespoon of cake flour at a time until it becomes manageable. But avoid over-mixing or you’ll toughen the dough.

5. Chill the Dough
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This firms it up, making it easier to roll and shape later.

Check out our easy protein muffins for another chilled batter trick that enhances texture.

Rolling, Cutting, and Shaping the Donuts

1. Flour Your Surface
   Lightly dust a surface and your rolling pin with flour.
2. Roll Dough to 1/2-Inch Thickness
   Aim for consistency—uneven dough results in uneven frying.
3. Cut the Donuts
   Use a donut cutter or a large biscuit cutter with a smaller one to create rings and holes. Dip the cutters in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.
4. Chill Again
   Return cut donuts to the fridge while heating the oil. Cold dough fries more evenly and holds its shape better.

Frying Like a Pro: Temperature and Timing

1. Heat Oil to 325°F
   Pour 2 inches of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Use a thermometer and heat to 325°F.
2. Fry in Small Batches
   Add a few donuts at a time. Fry 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd or the oil temperature will drop.
3. Drain Properly
   Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper bag or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Watch the Thermometer
   Maintain the oil at 325°F by adjusting your stove heat as needed.

Pro Tip: Avoid flipping too early. Let one side fry completely before turning to prevent soaking up oil.

Looking for more frying tips? Discover our easy ground turkey casserole recipe that uses stovetop frying for a crispy crust!

Making the Perfect Donut Glaze

The final touch that makes a sour cream donut truly irresistible is its smooth, crackly glaze. This glaze is glossy, sweet, and thin enough to coat the donut evenly—without overpowering the flavor. Let’s break down exactly how to make and apply it like a pro.

Glaze Ingredients & Their Roles

Here’s what you’ll need for the glaze:

Ingredient	Purpose
Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups, sifted)	Creates the smooth, sweet glaze base
Corn syrup (1 1/2 tsp)	Adds sheen and helps the glaze set perfectly
Salt (1/4 tsp)	Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp)	Infuses warmth and aromatic flavor
Hot water (1/3 cup)	Adjusts consistency and melts sugar for silky texture

Tip: Always sift your powdered sugar to avoid clumps. This ensures a smooth glaze that glides over your donuts.

How to Apply Glaze for Best Finish

1. Whisk Everything Together
   In a medium bowl, whisk the sifted powdered sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and hot water until completely smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to pour but thick enough to cling to the donut.
2. Dip Each Donut While Warm (Not Hot)
   After the donuts have cooled for 5–10 minutes, dip the top of each donut into the glaze. Let excess drip off before turning right-side up.
3. Set on a Rack
   Place each donut on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet to catch any drips.
4. Let It Set for 20 Minutes
   This allows the glaze to firm up into that signature crackly finish.

Want a thicker glaze? Just reduce the water slightly. Prefer a flavored twist? Add citrus zest, maple extract, or a bit of espresso for custom variations.

This glaze complements the slight tang of the sour cream and the crisp fried exterior, creating a donut that’s not only picture-perfect but also full of flavor in every bite.
Learn more about how we use glazes in other recipes like our blackberry cobbler for that finishing touch of sweetness.

Tips to Achieve Bakery-Level Donuts at Home

Perfecting a sour cream donut at home is totally doable—but a few smart tips can take you from good to gourmet. Whether you’re frying for the first time or trying to match your favorite donut shop’s texture, these tricks will help you master the process.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Let’s start with the pitfalls that can ruin an otherwise great batch of donuts:

Mistake	Fix It Like This
Dough too sticky	Add a tablespoon of flour at a time—but don’t overdo it. Slight stickiness is okay.
Overmixing the dough	Mix only until ingredients come together. Overmixing toughens the final donut.
Oil too hot or cold	Maintain 325°F using a thermometer for even frying.
Crowding the pot during frying	Fry 2–3 donuts at a time max. Overcrowding lowers oil temp, resulting in soggy donuts.
Glazing donuts when too hot	Wait 5–10 minutes before glazing to avoid melting it right off.
Not chilling the dough long enough	Chill at least 1 hour before rolling. Warm dough is harder to shape and fries poorly.

Pro Tip: Always test one donut first. Use it to tweak frying time or glaze consistency before going full batch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

While sour cream donuts are best eaten fresh, here’s how to make them last:

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days. Avoid the fridge—it dries them out.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then glaze just before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back that just-fried softness. If glazed, the coating may melt slightly—so avoid overheating.

Want your glaze to stay glossy even after storage? Add a little extra corn syrup when making it.

Looking for more make-ahead-friendly recipes? Don’t miss our coconut mojito recipe for a refreshing drink that can chill for hours without losing flavor.

Sour Cream Donuts at Popular Chains

It’s no secret that big-name chains like Dunkin’ have helped make the sour cream donut a household favorite. But what’s really behind that signature flavor—and how does your homemade version compare?

What is the Sour Cream Donut at Dunkin’?

At Dunkin’, the sour cream donut is part of their classic cake donut lineup. It features:

• A dense, cakey center
• A slightly tangy flavor from sour cream in the batter
• A crackly glaze coating that dries to a sugary sheen

Unlike some of their yeast-based donuts, this one is heavy, rich, and satisfying—perfect for pairing with coffee. It’s not fried to puffiness but instead maintains a uniform thickness and a slightly crisp crust.

Interestingly, Dunkin’ doesn’t publicize its full ingredient list, but the tell-tale taste confirms that sour cream plays a vital role. Fans love it for its old-fashioned charm and consistent texture.

Quick Fact: The Dunkin’ sour cream donut is often labeled as “Old-Fashioned Glazed.” That term usually points to cake donuts made with sour cream or buttermilk.

How Store-Bought and Homemade Compare

Let’s see how your homemade sour cream donut stacks up next to Dunkin’s version:

Feature	Dunkin’ Sour Cream Donut	Homemade Sour Cream Donut
Texture	Dense and slightly dry	Moist, tender, and soft on the inside
Flavor	Mild sweetness, light tang	Rich tanginess with warm notes of nutmeg
Glaze	Crackled sugar shell	Silky, customizable glaze (vanilla, maple, etc.)
Freshness	Often made in batches, not daily	Fresh out of the fryer with a crisp outer layer
Ingredient control	Unknown additives and preservatives	All-natural, pantry-friendly ingredients

Bottom line? Homemade wins in flavor, freshness, and customization. Dunkin’s version may be convenient, but once you’ve made your own, it’s hard to go back.

Check out our delicious blue cheese dressing if you love customizing flavor profiles with bold, tangy ingredients.

Donut Flavor Favorites & Trends

Donuts have come a long way from simple sugar rings. With so many wild and creative options available, where does the humble sour cream donut stand in the flavor hierarchy? You might be surprised.

What Is the Most Liked Donut Flavor?

Across the U.S., certain donut flavors always rank high on the favorites list. According to surveys from donut shops and national chains, here are the top contenders:

Top Donut Flavors (USA)	Why People Love It
Glazed Yeast Donut	Light, fluffy, and universally appealing
Chocolate Glazed	Rich cocoa flavor meets sugary glaze
Boston Cream	Cream-filled with a chocolate topping—decadent and nostalgic
Jelly-Filled	Fruity, messy, and fun
Maple Bar	Sweet and slightly smoky flavor with a unique shape
Sour Cream Glazed Donut	Tangy, rich, and perfectly balanced with a crackly glaze

The sour cream glazed donut consistently appears in the top 10. Why? Because it bridges the gap between traditional and gourmet. It delivers on flavor without relying on over-the-top fillings or excessive sweetness.

Its cake-like texture and signature tang make it a favorite among classic donut lovers and foodies alike. It’s especially popular in the Midwest and Northeast, where old-fashioned donut styles still dominate local bakeries.

Looking for something fun and nostalgic? Our rice krispie treat recipe is another all-American favorite with a twist.

Where Sour Cream Ranks Among Donut Lovers

In blind taste tests, sour cream donuts often surprise participants. Even those who gravitate toward filled or chocolate-topped donuts end up loving the smooth, not-too-sweet profile of sour cream. Its crackly glaze offers that perfect contrast to the moist center, something many donuts just can’t replicate.

Plus, the tanginess from the sour cream balances the glaze, making it feel less sugary overall—a huge win for people who don’t like overly sweet desserts.

Why sour cream holds its place:

• Consistent flavor and texture
• Great with coffee or milk
• No messy fillings
• Old-school feel with modern versatility

And thanks to recipes like the one in this article, sour cream donuts are making a serious comeback in home kitchens.

Want another bold, tangy treat? Don’t miss our hidden valley ranch dressing recipe—perfect for pairing with savory snacks or game-day meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To wrap up our deep dive into the sour cream donut, let’s answer some of the most commonly searched questions. These FAQs cover both curiosity and technique—so whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your recipe, we’ve got you covered.

What is the sour cream donut at Dunkin’?

The sour cream donut at Dunkin’ is a cake-style donut made with sour cream in the batter. It has a dense, moist crumb and is coated with a sweet, crackly glaze. Unlike yeast donuts, it doesn’t rise much and delivers a rich, slightly tangy flavor. It’s often labeled as an “Old-Fashioned Glazed Donut” and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.

Fun Fact: Many donut lovers call this their “underrated favorite” at Dunkin’ due to its simplicity and nostalgic taste.

Why are sour cream glazed donuts so good?

Sour cream glazed donuts are loved for three main reasons:

1. Texture: They’re dense yet soft, offering a satisfying bite that isn’t too airy or dry.
2. Flavor: The sour cream adds depth with a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness.
3. Glaze: A thin, glossy glaze that sets beautifully and cracks just enough when you bite in.

This combo of richness, slight tang, and a not-too-sweet profile makes them incredibly satisfying.

Why is it called sour cream glazed?

The name “sour cream glazed” simply reflects the two defining components of the donut:

• Sour cream is used in the batter to add richness and tang.
• Glazed refers to the sugar-based topping that gives the donut its shiny, crackly finish.

Together, they create a donut that’s not only delicious but also distinct from your average cake or yeast donut.

What is the most liked donut flavor?

While glazed yeast and chocolate frosted donuts tend to top the national charts, the sour cream donut remains a consistent crowd-pleaser. Its popularity comes from its balanced flavor, old-school appeal, and texture that pairs beautifully with coffee. It might not always be the “trendiest,” but it’s definitely one of the most reliable and comforting choices out there.

Pro Tip: For those who find yeast donuts too light or jelly-filled ones too messy, the sour cream donut hits the perfect middle ground.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make This Sour Cream Donut Recipe

There’s something timeless and comforting about a well-made sour cream donut. It delivers all the best parts of a donut experience—crisp exterior, tender crumb, and that nostalgic, sugary glaze. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, impressing guests, or recreating your favorite café flavors at home, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Here’s why this sour cream donut recipe stands out:

• No yeast required – Faster and simpler than raised donuts
• Bold, rich flavor – Thanks to sour cream and warm spices like nutmeg
• Versatile glaze – Easily customizable with flavors like maple or citrus
• Beginner-friendly – No special equipment beyond a mixer, cutter, and thermometer

If you’ve been intimidated by homemade donuts, this one is your perfect entry point. With just a bit of chilling, mixing, and frying, you’ll have donuts that rival your favorite bakery’s—and the satisfaction of knowing you did it from scratch.

Don’t miss our other crowd-pleasers:

• Looking for a nostalgic treat? Try our toll house cookie recipe.
• Craving something chocolatey and smooth? Check out this creamy chocolate frosting.

Start with this sour cream donut and see just how easy it is to bring pro-level pastries to your home kitchen.

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