How many calories are in one sour cream donut?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

A single glazed sour cream donut can contain between 300 and 360 calories, depending on its size and recipe. The rich, dense, and crispy texture of this popular baked good comes with a significant caloric cost, largely from its high fat and sugar content.

Quick Summary

This article details the average calorie count for a single sour cream donut, examines the breakdown of its macronutrients, and explores why its ingredients contribute to a higher calorie count. It also offers a comparison to other popular donut types.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single glazed sour cream donut typically contains between 300 and 360 calories, varying by size and specific recipe.
High in Fat: A significant portion of a sour cream donut's calories comes from its fat content, often around 16 to 18 grams, which is elevated by the sour cream and frying process.
High in Sugar: These donuts are also high in carbohydrates and sugars, particularly due to the sweet glaze that is typically applied.
Denser Texture: Unlike lighter, yeast-raised donuts, the use of sour cream results in a denser, richer cake-like texture, which contributes to its higher calorie count per serving.
Comparison with Other Donuts: Sour cream donuts tend to be higher in calories than a simple glazed yeast donut but comparable to or slightly higher than other filled or frosted varieties.
Exercise Equivalent: Burning off the calories from one sour cream donut could require an estimated 49 minutes of moderate exercise like jogging.

The Caloric Reality of a Sour Cream Donut

While it's a beloved treat, understanding how many calories are in one sour cream donut reveals it's a high-energy snack. The specific caloric value can vary by brand and preparation method, but most standard-sized, glazed sour cream donuts fall into a range of 300 to 360 calories. The primary caloric sources are the ingredients used to create its unique, rich texture and sweet flavor.

Breaking Down the Calories: What's Inside?

The high-calorie count in a sour cream donut is primarily driven by its macronutrient composition. A typical serving is packed with carbohydrates, fats, and a small amount of protein. This balance of fat and sugar is what provides both its indulgent taste and a hefty energy load.

Here is a general breakdown based on nutritional data for an average glazed sour cream donut:

Total Fat: Around 16 to 18 grams, which can account for roughly 40-50% of the total calories. Saturated fat makes up a significant portion of this total.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40 to 49 grams, with a large percentage coming from sugars.
Protein: Typically a modest 2 to 4 grams per donut.

The inclusion of sour cream in the recipe is a key factor. Unlike a yeast-raised donut, which is lighter and airier, the sour cream lends a denser, cake-like crumb. The high fat content of the dairy product contributes significantly to the overall calorie and fat content. This is further compounded by the frying process, which adds substantial fat from the cooking oil. Finally, the generous sugary glaze adds a final layer of carbohydrates and calories.

Comparison Table: Sour Cream Donut vs. Other Donuts


Donut Type	Estimated Calories	Primary Texture	Key Caloric Drivers
Sour Cream Donut	300-360	Dense, cakey, with a crisp exterior	High fat from sour cream and frying, high sugar from glaze
Glazed Yeast Donut	240-260	Light, fluffy, and soft	Lower fat content, but still high in sugar from glaze
Jelly-Filled Donut	320-370	Soft, fluffy, filled interior	Added fruit filling increases sugar content
Plain Cake Donut	270-300	Denser, more crumbly	Less sugar from no glaze, but still has fat from frying

How to Burn Off the Calories in a Sour Cream Donut

For those curious about the energy expenditure required to counteract a single sour cream donut, the estimates can be surprising. Based on average calorie burn rates, it could take a significant amount of physical activity. For example, burning off around 340 calories from a Tim Hortons sour cream donut might take about 49 minutes of jogging or bicycling, or over 2 hours of walking. The duration will depend on a person's weight and the intensity of the exercise.

Conclusion

While a sour cream donut can be a delicious, occasional indulgence, it is a calorie-dense food primarily composed of fats and sugars. Its decadent, cakey texture is a direct result of ingredients that drive up its nutritional numbers, placing it on the higher end of the calorie spectrum for donuts. Understanding this breakdown allows for informed choices and helps balance occasional treats with regular, healthy dietary habits.

For further reading on donut nutrition and health considerations, you can explore the information on Healthline: How Many Calories Are in Glazed Doughnuts? Nutrients and More.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average glazed sour cream donut contains approximately 300 to 360 calories, though this can vary based on the specific recipe and size.

The high calorie count is due to a combination of factors, including the high fat content from the sour cream and frying oil, and the high sugar content from the sweet glaze.

One sour cream donut typically contains around 16 to 18 grams of total fat.

Sour cream donuts are generally higher in calories than a standard glazed yeast donut, which usually has around 240-260 calories. The difference is primarily due to the denser, fat-rich cake batter.

No, the calorie count can differ significantly between brands. For example, a Dunkin' sour cream donut has about 360 calories, while a Krispy Kreme glazed sour cream donut has around 310.

The primary sources of calories are the refined carbohydrates from sugar and flour, and the fats from the sour cream and the deep-frying process.

As an ultra-processed, calorie-dense food, sour cream donuts should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a diet.