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The first bite into these raspberry croissant sourdough donuts transports you straight to pastry heaven. Imagining the warmth of the crispy exterior giving way to a luscious, creamy filling is enough to make anyone’s morning! When I first tried my hand at blending the beloved croissant with the airiness of a donut, I never expected such a magical flavor combination. Picture this: a slightly chewy, sourdough base infused with the bright sweetness of raspberries and the rich depth of vanilla custard. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful brunch treat, these donuts are not only easy to prepare but are also guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Trust me, once you taste the buttery flakiness and fruity explosion, you’ll find these donuts making regular appearances in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring some joy to your mornings!

Why are Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: The sweet-tart burst of raspberry combined with rich vanilla custard makes each bite a flavor explosion that will brighten your morning.
Unique Twist: This recipe beautifully merges two classic treats, croissants and donuts, for an unforgettable pastry experience.
Easy Baking: With a straightforward method and ingredients, you don’t need to be a pro to impress your family and friends.
Perfect for Sharing: These delightful donuts are sure to become the centerpiece of your brunch gatherings or special occasions.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with different fillings or fruit for a donut tailored to your taste. Enjoy them warm for that bakery-fresh experience!

Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Ingredients

For the Donut Dough

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture. Note: Can use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Active Sourdough Starter – Acts as the leavening agent, providing flavor and helping the donuts rise. Fresh starter recommended for optimal leavening power.
• Whole Milk – Adds moisture and richness to the dough. Can substitute with plant-based milk for lactose-free options.
• Fresh or Frozen Raspberries (Pureed) – Infuses the dough with raspberry flavor and color. Frozen berries should be thawed and pureed for incorporation.
• Large Eggs – Provide richness and help bind the ingredients together. Egg replacers can be used for a vegan option.
• Softened Butter – Adds richness and flavor, making the dough tender. Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Salt – Enhances flavor balance. Essential for rounding out the sweetness of the dough.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with browning during frying. Can adjust amount to taste or substitute with a sweetener for a different flavor profile.
• Optional Freeze-Dried Raspberry Powder – Adds extra raspberry flavor and color to the dough. Can omit if unavailable; provides an aesthetic enhancement.

For the Vanilla Custard Filling

• Vanilla Bean or Extract – Infuses the pastry cream with aromatic vanilla flavor. Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the vanilla custard filling. Can replace with flour if cornstarch is not available.
• Raspberry Jam – Acts as a filling for the donuts, enhancing the overall raspberry flavor. Any fruit jam can be used as a filling alternative.

For Frying

• Coconut Oil or Preferred Frying Oil – Used for frying the donuts, providing a crispy texture. Avoid using oils with low smoke points for frying.

These Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts will surely add joy to your mornings, blending the best of both worlds from pastries. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

How to Make Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts

Prepare Raspberry Puree: Blend your fresh or thawed raspberries until smooth, keeping those delightful juices handy. This will infuse your donuts with vibrant flavor!
Mix Dough: In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, whole milk, sourdough starter, raspberry puree, eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated and a dough forms.
Incorporate Butter: Add the softened butter into the dough mixture. Keep mixing until the dough becomes smooth and elastic; if it feels sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour as needed.
First Rise: Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 4-6 hours in a warm spot. Remember to perform stretch and folds every half hour to develop that lovely texture.
Cold Proof: After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight for 8-12 hours. This slow fermentation process enhances flavor.
Roll Dough: Take the chilled dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Pop it in the freezer for an hour to firm it up for cutting.
Cut into Triangles: Once firm, slice the dough into triangles. Aim for a size that allows a nice croissant shape when rolled up.
Shape Donuts: Roll each triangle tightly from the base to the tip, forming a croissant shape. Ensure the point of the triangle is tucked underneath.
Second Rise: Place your shaped donuts on a lined baking sheet and let them rise until puffy, approximately 2-5 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
Fry Donuts: Heat your frying oil to 375°F. Carefully fry the donuts for 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Coat in Sugar: Once fried, toss the warm donuts in granulated sugar until they’re evenly coated—this sugary finish makes them even more delightful!
Fill Donuts: Using a piping bag, poke a hole in each donut to fill it with luscious vanilla custard and raspberry jam. Let the sweet filling spill out!
Serve: Enjoy these treats warm for the best flavor experience, and delight in the heavenly fusion of croissant and donut!

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts are ideal for busy mornings and meal prepping! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first rise and refrigerating the dough for an overnight cold proof (8-12 hours). Simply roll and shape the donuts the next day and let them rise until puffy (2-5 hours) before frying. If you’d like to further streamline your process, you can also create the vanilla custard filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. To maintain quality, ensure the dough is covered tightly during refrigeration to prevent drying out. When ready, fry and fill your donuts, and you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly made pastries with minimal morning effort!

Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these delightful donuts your own with some fun twists!

Berry Bliss: Substitute raspberry with blueberries or strawberries for a deliciously different fruity flavor experience. The sweetness of strawberries will give your donuts a bright, refreshing taste!
Chocolate Indulgence: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey version. Replace the vanilla custard with chocolate ganache for a decadent filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like hazelnuts or almonds, into the dough for added texture and a delightful crunch with each bite.
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the raspberry. Just a hint will elevate the whole experience!
Citrus Zest: Brighten the flavor by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough, creating a refreshing contrast with the raspberry filling. The citrus notes will dance on your taste buds!
Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil for a delicious dairy-free option without compromising on flavor or texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts accessible for gluten-sensitive bakers. Just keep an eye on the texture while mixing!
Maple Swirl: Drizzle pure maple syrup over the donuts instead of sugar after frying for a sweet and unique finishing touch that adds a delicious depth of flavor.

With these variations, every batch of raspberry croissant sourdough donuts will surprise and delight!

Expert Tips for Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts

Perfecting the Dough: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise in your raspberry croissant sourdough donuts. Fresh starters yield the tastiest results.
Keep It Cold: After the first rise, chilling the dough overnight allows flavors to develop and makes it easier to roll out. Don’t skip the cold proof!
Watch the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain frying oil at 375°F for evenly cooked donuts. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
Flour Adjustments: If the dough becomes too sticky, sprinkle in flour gradually until you reach a smooth texture. Avoid adding too much at once to keep the donuts light!
Serving Fresh: These donuts are best when enjoyed warm. If you have leftovers, store them in a paper bag and reheat briefly before serving for a fresh taste!

What to Serve with Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts?

Indulging in these delightful donuts opens the door to a full breakfast experience that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of your favorite brew complements the sweetness of raspberry and cuts through the rich custard, enhancing every bite.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast and provide a healthy balance, making your breakfast feel complete and vibrant. Great options include berries, melons, and citrus!
Sweet Cream Cheese Spread: Spread this luscious cream on the side for an extra creamy element, providing a deliciously smooth pairing that perfectly enhances the tangy raspberry.
Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea with hints of berries or mint makes for a light, refreshing beverage that pairs wonderfully with the rich textures of the donuts.
Warm Vanilla Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm vanilla sauce over the donuts elevates the dessert experience, adding a luscious layer of sweetness that melts into each croissant-like bite.
Homemade Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful contrast in textures, allowing the buttery croissants to harmonize beautifully with the creamy yogurt.

Each pairing heightens the experience of your raspberry croissant sourdough donuts, ensuring a delightful morning treat that everyone will love!

How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts

Room Temperature: Place leftover donuts in a paper bag for optimal freshness; they last up to 2 days without losing that delightful texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, store donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but be aware they may lose some of their crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a zip-top bag. They can last up to 1 month; reheat in the oven for a warm treat!

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior while keeping the raspberry croissant sourdough donuts’ fluffy interior intact.

Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Recipe FAQs

What type of raspberries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen raspberries for these raspberry croissant sourdough donuts. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and puree them before adding to the dough. Fresh raspberries will provide a vibrant color and flavor, while frozen berries can be just as delicious and convenient!

How should I store my leftover donuts?
To keep your raspberry croissant sourdough donuts fresh, store them in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also place them in an airtight container, but be advised that doing so may cause them to lose some of their delightful crispiness.

Can I freeze these donuts?
Very! To freeze your donuts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then seal them in a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in your oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste!

What if my dough feels too sticky while preparing?
If your dough seems sticky, don’t fret! Gradually sprinkle in a little all-purpose flour as you mix until you reach a smooth, elastic texture. It’s important not to add too much flour at once, as you want to keep that airy quality that makes these raspberry croissant sourdough donuts so delightful!

Are these donuts suitable for people with allergies?
Yes! To make these raspberry croissant sourdough donuts allergy-friendly, consider using egg replacers and plant-based milk for those with egg or dairy allergies. It’s always a good idea to check with your guests regarding specific allergies to ensure a safe and enjoyable treat!

What’s the best way to reheat leftover donuts?
For the best results, pop your donuts in a toaster oven or conventional oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and delicious, making them feel freshly made again!