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Sourdough Elephant Ears

Crispy Sourdough Elephant Ears: A Fairground Treat at Home

Enjoy homemade Sourdough Elephant Ears, a delightful carnival-inspired dessert with a crispy, sugar-dusted exterior.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 3 cups All Purpose Flour Substitution Note: Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (Warm) Can substitute with non-dairy milk, but may alter flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Butter (Melted) Substitution Note: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Sugar Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.
  • 1 cup Sourdough Starter or Sourdough Discard For younger starter, add commercial yeast.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for balancing sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Yeast Omitting will extend rise time with active starter.
Topping
  • 1/2 cup Cinnamon Sugar Topping Provides a sweet and aromatic finish.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Deep fryer
  • thermometer
  • slotted spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. If using dried yeast, sprinkle it into the warm mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Add flour and salt to the mixture, followed by sourdough starter. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours if using commercial yeast, or 4-8 hours for active starter.
  5. After rising, deflate the dough, divide into 8-10 pieces, shape into balls, and rest for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Heat vegetable oil to 170°C (340°F) in a large pot or deep fryer.
  7. Roll out each dough ball to 1/4-inch thickness, fry 1-2 pieces at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  8. Remove from oil and coat immediately with cinnamon sugar while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh after frying to maintain crispy texture.

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