There’s something magical about recreating a favorite fair food right in your own kitchen, and sourdough elephant ears do exactly that. If you’ve been looking for a fun and delicious way to use up extra sourdough discard, these sweet treats are sure to become a family favorite.
Sourdough elephant ears have that classic county fair flavor we all know and love. They are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping that makes every bite irresistible. The best part? You can make them at home for a fraction of the cost of buying them at a fair or festival.
The Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard
If you’re a sourdough baker, you know how quickly sourdough discard can add up. Instead of throwing it away, turning it into elephant ears is a wonderful way to reduce waste while creating something truly special. The sourdough discard adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these homemade treats even better than the traditional version.
The dough comes together easily and transforms into a golden, crispy dessert that tastes like it came straight from your favorite summer fairground. It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone gather in the kitchen asking when the next batch will be ready.
A Fun Summer Treat for the Family
Summer is all about making memories, and sourdough elephant ears are perfect for family gatherings, backyard cookouts, movie nights, or lazy afternoons at home. Kids love helping roll out the dough and sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar. It’s a simple activity that turns into a delicious reward.
These sweet pastries are also incredibly budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples and some sourdough discard, you can create a large batch that feeds the whole family without spending much money. That’s especially helpful during the summer when snacks and treats seem to disappear faster than ever.
Better Than the Fair
While there’s always something special about visiting the county or state fair, these homemade sourdough elephant ears bring that same nostalgic flavor right to your kitchen. Fresh, warm, and covered in cinnamon sugar, they’re every bit as satisfying as the ones sold at food stands.
Whether you’re trying to use up extra sourdough discard or simply looking for a fun homemade dessert, sourdough elephant ears are a delicious choice. They’re sweet, crispy, inexpensive, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table all summer long.
Sourdough Elephant Ears
Bring the county fair home with these easy and delicious sourdough elephant ears! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with buttery cinnamon sugar, they're the perfect way to use up extra sourdough starter.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups active sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour heaping cup
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
For Frying & Topping
- oil for frying
- melted butter
- white sugar
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and warm milk. Stir until well mixed.
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Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Mix until a dough forms. The dough should come together into a soft ball. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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Divide the dough into portions depending on the size you'd like:
4 large elephant ears
6 medium elephant ears
8 small elephant ears
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Lightly flour your work surface and flatten each dough portion into a thin oval or circle shape. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
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Heat several inches of oil in a heavy skillet or pot. When the oil is hot and lightly bubbling, carefully add one flattened dough portion.
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Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until golden. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
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In a small bowl, mix white sugar and cinnamon. Use as much cinnamon as you like to create your perfect cinnamon-sugar blend.
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While the elephant ear is still warm, brush it generously with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- These taste just like the elephant ears from a county or state fair.
- Adjust the thickness of the dough for a softer or crispier texture.
- Best served fresh and warm with plenty of cinnamon sugar.
