Copycat Sidecar Donuts Recipe

30

If you’ve ever bitten into a warm, perfectly crafted doughnut from Sidecar Donuts, you know you’re experiencing something truly extraordinary. The delicate crunch of their signature glaze, the bold flavors that surprise your taste buds, and the unmistakable freshness that sets them apart—it’s a doughnut lover’s dream come to life.

How to make Sidecar Donuts

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is a premium doughnut and coffee shop that specializes in scratch-made, small-batch doughnuts prepared fresh throughout the day.

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

• 3 1/2 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
• 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze Base (Customizable)

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Cooked and crumbled bacon (for Maple Bacon doughnuts)
• Freeze-dried berry powder (for Huckleberry doughnuts)
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture
• Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for about 2–3 inches depth in a frying pot)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until foamy. This step activates the yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until combined into a sticky dough. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6–8 minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand for about 10 minutes on a well-floured surface. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
2. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter (or a large glass and a small round cutter for the center), cut out doughnut shapes. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
3. Place the shaped doughnuts on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until slightly puffed.

Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
2. Carefully drop 2–3 doughnuts into the hot oil at a time, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on both sides.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnuts and place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to catch any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze and Decorate

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Divide into portions if you want to flavor each glaze differently (e.g., add maple syrup for Maple Bacon, freeze-dried berry powder for Huckleberry, or cinnamon for a spiced variation).
2. Dip the doughnuts into the glaze while they are still warm, allowing excess glaze to drip off. Place them back onto the cooling rack.
3. Add toppings while the glaze is still wet—such as crumbled bacon, sprinkles, or powdered spices—to achieve the unique flavors for which Sidecar is known.

Tips for Perfect Sidecar Doughnuts

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Sidecar is particular about using premium, natural ingredients like real maple syrup and high-quality butter. Replicating this at home will elevate your doughnuts.
• Keep It Fresh: Sidecar serves their doughnuts fresh every hour, which makes a huge difference. These doughnuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
• Play with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal or creative flavor combinations such as lavender-honey, pistachio-cardamom, or salted caramel.
• Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to monitor both your frying oil and the rising space for the dough. Doughnuts fry best at 350°F; too hot, and they’ll burn—too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
• Recreate the Fun: Part of Sidecar’s charm is the creativity behind each doughnut. Get the family involved in decorating or make small batches with various flavors.

What to serve with

Sidecar Donuts are known for their vibrant flavors and fresh, artisanal quality, making them a standout on their own. However, pairing these doughnuts with complementary beverages and sides can take your indulgence to the next level.

1. Premium Coffee

Sidecar Donuts pairs their creations with carefully curated coffee blends, so you’ll want to serve a high-quality coffee alongside your doughnuts. Here are a few ideas:

• Latte or Cappuccino: The creamy, frothy texture of a latte balances the sweetness of the Sidecar Donuts beautifully. Add cinnamon or nutmeg on top if you’re serving a spiced or maple flavor.
• Cold Brew or Iced Coffee: For a refreshing contrast, serve smooth cold brew with a splash of cream or sweetened condensed milk.
• Espresso: The rich boldness of espresso enhances the sweetness of glazed Sidecar Donuts like Huckleberry or Vanilla Bean.

2. Tea

If coffee isn’t your thing, Sidecar donuts pair just as well with flavorful teas:

• Chai Tea Latte: The warm spices in chai complement Sidecar Donuts like Cinnamon Crumb.
• Matcha Latte: Bright, grassy matcha pairs perfectly with Sidecar Donuts, complementing them with citrus or floral notes.
• Earl Grey or English Breakfast: These teas offer a classic, refined pairing for gourmet handmade doughnuts.

3. Milk

Good old-fashioned milk is an underrated doughnut sidekick:

• Whole Milk or Oat Milk: The creamy richness pairs well with chocolate or vanilla doughnuts.
• Flavored Milk: Serve strawberry or chocolate milk for a fun twist that kids and adults alike will appreciate!

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving the signature quality of Sidecar donuts but have dietary restrictions, preferences, or need to work with what you currently have in your pantry, don’t worry! There are plenty of ingredient substitutes that can fit your needs without compromising the flavor or texture of your doughnuts.

Flour Substitutes

All-Purpose Flour Alternatives:

• Bread Flour: If you want a chewier texture than standard all-purpose flour, bread flour is an excellent choice due to its higher protein content.
• Cake Flour: For an even more delicate and tender crumb, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with cake flour (e.g., 2 3/4 cups all-purpose + 3/4 cup cake flour for a softer doughnut).

Gluten-Free Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to maintain the dough’s elasticity. Adjust liquid quantities slightly if the dough feels too dry.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These are great options for low-carb or keto-style doughnuts, but they will require more eggs or binders since they lack gluten. Use a specific recipe designed for almond or coconut flour doughnuts for the best results.

Sugar Substitutes

Refined Sugar Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener adds a hint of caramel flavor and can replace granulated white sugar 1:1.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use these in place of refined sugar, but reduce the liquid in your dough by 1–2 tablespoons to compensate for the additional sweetness. They pair nicely with flavors like vanilla and cinnamon.

Low-Calorie Alternatives:

• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These zero-calorie sweeteners are good for reducing sugar content. Just be aware that they’re significantly sweeter than sugar, so reduce the quantity (check the package for conversion ratios).
• Erythritol or Xylitol: These sugar alcohols are great for baking and mimic the texture of sugar quite well.

Milk Substitutes

Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives:

• Almond Milk, Oat Milk, or Soy Milk: Replace whole milk 1:1 with these plant-based alternatives. Oat milk is creamier and closer in texture to whole milk, making it ideal for doughnuts.
• Coconut Milk: If you’re after a richer flavor with a subtle tropical hint, full-fat coconut milk can be a great substitute.

Butter Substitutes

Dairy-Free/Plant-Based Butter Alternatives:

• Vegan Butter: Use high-quality vegan butter sticks for a similar texture and flavor (e.g., Earth Balance).
• Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil works well and won’t leave a strong coconut taste. Use it 1:1 in place of butter.

Healthier Alternatives:

• Avocado: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the butter with mashed avocado. This works best with doughnuts that have bold flavors like chocolate or spices.
• Unsweetened Applesauce or Greek Yogurt: These can replace butter in more subtle-flavored doughnuts but may slightly alter the texture (making the doughnuts softer and denser).

Egg Substitutes

Plant-Based or Vegan Replacements:

• Flaxseed “Egg”: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
• Chia Seed “Egg”: Similar to flaxseed, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water.
• Unsweetened Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana. These work particularly well in sweeter, denser doughnuts.

Yeast Substitutes

• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: If you want to skip the yeast, you can make a quick doughnut using a mixture of 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. This works best for cake-style doughnuts rather than fluffy, yeasted ones.
• Sourdough Starter: If you have a sourdough starter on hand, you can use it as a natural leavening agent instead of commercial yeast. Note that the dough will require a longer fermentation period.

Oil Substitutes for Frying

Healthier Alternatives:

• Avocado Oil: A heart-healthy option with a high smoke point, perfect for frying doughnuts.
• Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil (not virgin) is another healthier frying oil that doesn’t add a noticeable flavor.

Powdered Sugar Substitutes for Glazing

• Homemade Powdered Sugar: Blend granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch in a high-speed blender until fine and powdery. This is great if you run out of store-bought powdered sugar.
• Sugar-Free Glaze Options: Use powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to create a sugar-free glaze. Combine with plant-based milk or water for the right consistency.
• Other Sweet Alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup as a glaze substitute. You can thin them out with a little warm water if needed.

Final Thoughts

With these pairings and serving ideas, you can recreate the dynamic, gourmet experience Sidecar Doughnuts is famous for, right in your own home.

More Donut Recipes:

• Harry Potter Donuts Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Pumpkin Donut Recipe
• Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights Recipe
• Copycat Krispy Kreme Superhero Donuts Recipe