If you are a fan of decadent pastries and the subtle tang of fermented dough, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Recipe. This delightful creation marries the buttery flakiness of croissant dough with the lively tanginess of sourdough and a burst of fresh raspberry flavor in every bite. These donuts are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and airy inside, with a luscious vanilla custard and raspberry jam filling that elevates every mouthful. Believe me, once you try these, they will become your new favorite brunch or dessert treat that’s worth every minute of effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six uncooked pink croissants placed on white parchment paper on a metal baking tray. Each croissant has several visible layers, tightly rolled and showing a smooth texture with small red spots scattered through the dough. The croissants are arranged in two rows of three on the tray, which sits on a wooden table with a white marbled background wall. The lighting is soft, enhancing the pastel pink color of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts starts with a handful of simple, yet crucial ingredients. Each one plays its role in building the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, airy, and rich flavors that make this recipe truly unforgettable.

All-purpose flour (500 g / 4 cups): The foundation for a tender, flaky dough structure.
Active sourdough starter (100 g / ½ cup): Adds delightful tanginess and natural leavening for a light crumb.
Whole milk (110 g / ½ cup + extra for custard): Enhances moisture and enriches the dough and custard’s creaminess.
Fresh or frozen raspberries (120 g / 1 ⅓ cups), pureed: The star ingredient that infuses the dough with natural fruit flavor and beautiful color.
Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and contribute to golden color and richness.
Softened butter (85 g / 6 tablespoons): Provides incredible flakiness and buttery taste reminiscent of classic croissants.
Salt (9 g / 1 ½ tsp): Balances sweetness and boosts flavors.
Sugar (55 g / ¼ cup): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough, complementing the tart raspberries.
Freeze-dried raspberry powder (optional, 2 tbsp): Adds an intense raspberry punch and lovely texture on the dough’s surface.
Plant-based pink food coloring (optional): For that irresistible, pretty pink hue that makes these donuts visually stunning.
Granulated sugar (200 g / 1 cup) for tossing: Coats the finished donuts for a sweet, sparkly crunch.
Raspberry jam (200 g / ⅔ cup): The fruity filling that bursts with flavor inside each donut.
Coconut oil or beef tallow (1-2 quarts): For frying, responsible for crispy, golden exteriors.
For the vanilla custard: Egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla bean seeds or extract, milk, and salt come together to create a silky, luscious filling that pairs perfectly with the raspberry jam.

How to Make Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Puree the raspberries

Start by giving life to the dough with fresh raspberry flavor. Puree your fresh or previously thawed frozen raspberries using a blender or food processor. Be sure to capture all the juices as they add moisture and enhance the dough’s vibrant color.

Step 2: Mix the dough

Into your stand mixer bowl, combine flour, whole milk, active sourdough starter, pureed raspberries (including all liquid), eggs, sugar, and salt. If you want to amp up the raspberry flavor or add a playful pink tint, toss in freeze-dried raspberry powder and your choice of natural pink food coloring. Blend on low speed until everything comes together into a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Add butter and knead

Next, add the softened butter and crank the mixer up to medium speed. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is silky smooth and elastic. If it still feels sticky and doesn’t quite form, sprinkle in a little extra flour, 2 to 5 tablespoons in small increments, until it reaches the perfect texture that’s soft yet workable.

Step 4: Let the dough rise

Transfer your dough into a lightly greased bowl. For a fun twist, press extra freeze-dried raspberries onto the dough’s surface for a marbled, textured look full of flavor. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for four to six hours. Every thirty minutes during the first 1.5 hours, perform gentle stretch and folds to develop the structure and strength of the dough. It’s ready when doubled in size and airy.

Step 5: Cold-proof the dough overnight

For that distinctive sourdough tang and better flavor development, pop your dough into the fridge for 8-12 hours. This slow, cold fermentation enhances the dough’s texture and complexity, setting the stage for perfectly flaky donuts.

Step 6: Roll and freeze the dough

Take the chilled dough and roll it into a large rectangle about 24 by 14 inches, with a thickness of around ¼ to ⅓ inch. Wrapping it in plastic wrap and freezing it for an hour firms it up nicely, making it easier to cut and shape into perfect croissant triangles.

Step 7: Cut the triangles

Trim the dough edges for clean lines and cut your rectangle into six strips. Then, slice each strip diagonally to form 12 long triangles ready to be shaped. This meticulous cutting ensures even sized pieces that bake and fry uniformly.

Step 8: Roll the croissant donuts

Take each triangle and gently stretch the base before rolling it up tightly from base to tip, mimicking a traditional croissant shape. This technique traps layers of dough that will puff beautifully when fried.

Step 9: Final rise

Place your croissant-shaped donuts on parchment squares on a lined baking sheet. Let them rise at room temperature until doubled and puffy—it may take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. If you have a proofing box, 90 degrees for about 1-2 hours works like a charm.

Step 10: Fry the croissant donuts

Heat your chosen oil (coconut oil is a favorite here!) to 375°F in a heavy pot. Fry the donuts in small batches, about 1 minute per side, until gloriously golden. Transfer to a cooling rack as you go to keep them crisp and draining excess oil.

Step 11: Coat with sugar

While still slightly warm, toss the donuts in granulated sugar, covering every curve for a perfectly sweet and textured finish that’s irresistible.

Step 12: Prepare and pipe the fillings

Using a chopstick or skewer, create a hole about three-quarters deep from the donut’s bottom. Ladle luscious vanilla custard two-thirds full, top that with bright raspberry jam, and finish off with more custard if you want an extra creamy bite. This multilayered filling makes these donuts so memorable.

How to Serve Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Recipe

The image shows six pink croissants placed on a silver baking tray lined with white paper. Each croissant has multiple spiral layers with a soft and fluffy texture. The surface of the croissants is smooth and slightly shiny, with small darker pink spots scattered across. The tray is on a wooden table with a white marbled background in the setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts truly pop, sprinkle fresh freeze-dried raspberry bits, edible rose petals, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These delicate touches add a lovely contrast in texture and elevate the visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of rich coffee, a fresh fruit salad, or a dollop of whipped cream for breakfast or brunch. The creamy and fruit-forward sides balance the dough’s buttery crumb and tangy zing beautifully, creating a well-rounded indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra raspberry jam and custard for dipping. Or stack them into a tempting tower, drizzling warm raspberry sauce over the top for wow factor. These presentation ideas turn this treat into a showstopper for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts taste best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This prevents them from drying out while keeping their tender crumb and crispy edges.

Freezing

To keep them longer, freeze cooled donuts individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet treat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat donuts in a low oven at 300°F for 5-8 minutes or use a toaster oven to restore their warmth and slight crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy. Adding a few minutes brings back that freshly-made joy.

FAQs

Can I use any type of sourdough starter?

Absolutely! Any active sourdough starter with a tangy profile will work beautifully. Just make sure it’s fed and bubbly for best leavening results.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried raspberries?

While freeze-dried raspberry powder adds extra flavor and texture, you can skip it without losing too much on taste. Fresh raspberry puree still provides fantastic flavor to your donuts.

Is there a dairy-free option for the custard?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with coconut or almond milk and use a plant-based thickener. The custard won’t be quite as rich but still deliciously creamy and flavorful.

Can I bake the croissant donuts instead of frying?

While traditional croissant donuts are fried for that crispy exterior, you can bake them at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway for even color. They’ll be lighter but won’t have that same crunchiness.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to reach 375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil; it should bubble actively and rise quickly. Frying at the correct temperature ensures golden, non-greasy donuts.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to make the Raspberry Croissant Sourdough Donuts Recipe is absolutely worth it for the reward of stunningly flaky, flavorful, and indulgent donuts. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these donuts bring a charming twist to classic pastries with their tangy sourdough base and luscious raspberry custard filling. I can’t wait for you to enjoy the magic of this recipe and make it a warm, delicious staple in your kitchen!