How Many Calories in an Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donut? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single glazed sour cream donut from popular chains can range from 300 to over 400 calories, depending on its size and retailer. This article provides a comprehensive answer to the question, 'how many calories in an old fashioned sour cream donut?', detailing the factors that influence its nutritional content.

Quick Summary

An old fashioned sour cream donut typically contains between 230 and 480 calories, with significant variations influenced by brand, preparation, and glazing. The calorie count is primarily driven by high fat, sugar, and carbohydrate content.

Key Points

Calorie Range: Calorie counts for old fashioned sour cream donuts vary widely, typically falling between 230 and 480 calories based on size and glazing.
Macronutrient Breakdown: These donuts are primarily high in carbohydrates (sugar) and fat, with a low protein content.
Brand Matters: Calorie figures differ significantly by retailer; for example, a Starbucks version may have substantially more calories than a donut from a smaller bakery.
Preparation Impacts Calories: Frying the donut contributes significantly to its high-fat content, which can be mitigated by baking it at home instead.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying this treat in moderation and being aware of the nutritional details are crucial for fitting it into a balanced diet.
Healthier Swaps: Consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream or baking instead of frying for a lower-calorie, less-fat version of the donut.

Understanding the Caloric Content of an Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donut

The calorie count for an old fashioned sour cream donut is not a single, universal figure; it depends heavily on where it's made, its size, and how it is prepared. Unlike fluffy, yeast-based donuts, the old fashioned version is a denser, cake-style donut made with a leavening agent (often baking powder) and sour cream, which gives it a distinct tang and tender crumb. This recipe, combined with deep-frying and a sugar glaze, makes for a calorie-dense treat.

Calorie Comparison: Brand vs. Brand

To illustrate the variance, here is a comparison of the old fashioned sour cream donut from different sources, based on available nutrition data:


Retailer	Donut Type	Estimated Calories	Additional Notes
Dunkin'	Sour Cream Donut	360	Figures can vary by location and time.
Krispy Kreme	Glazed Sour Cream Doughnut	300	Nutritional data can be specific to item name.
Starbucks	Old-Fashioned Glazed Doughnut	480	Note the higher count for the Starbucks version.
Generic Bakery	Sour Cream Donut	340	Based on a sample from Bakery Fresh Goodness.
Amazon Fresh	Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts	230	Reflects a smaller, 61g serving size.
Homemade Recipe	Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts	335	Based on a standard recipe, can be controlled.

The Macronutrient Breakdown

The calories in an old fashioned sour cream donut come from its three primary macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and protein. A typical sour cream donut is high in both carbs and fats, with lower protein content. For example, one variation might contain:

Total Fat: Around 11-18g, with a significant portion being saturated fat from the frying oil and sour cream.
Total Carbohydrates: Often ranging from 30-50g, a large portion of which comes from sugar in the glaze.
Protein: Usually a very low amount, around 2-4g.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors can cause the calories to fluctuate, even within the same brand:

Glazing: A donut with a thick sugar glaze will have a higher calorie count than a plain, unglazed old fashioned donut.
Size and Weight: The physical size and weight of the donut directly impact its calorie density. A larger donut, like the one from Starbucks, is reflected in its higher calorie count.
Frying Method and Oil: The type of oil used for frying and the duration can influence the fat and calorie absorption. Homemade donuts offer greater control over this process.
Recipe Variations: The ratio of ingredients, especially the sour cream, sugar, and flour, varies by recipe and baker. Using full-fat sour cream versus a low-fat version or altering the sugar content will affect the final calories.

The Role of Ingredients

The specific ingredients contribute directly to the donut's calorie load. A basic old fashioned sour cream donut recipe often includes:

Flour
Sugar
Egg yolks
Butter
Sour cream
Baking powder
Nutmeg and other spices
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for glaze

Each of these components adds calories, with the deep-frying process significantly increasing the overall energy density. The sour cream provides fat and a tangy flavor, while the sugar in both the dough and glaze contributes substantially to the carbohydrate and total calorie count.

Tips for Enjoying Donuts in Moderation

For those who want to enjoy this classic treat without overindulging, a few strategies can help. The key is moderation and context within a balanced diet.

Split the Donut: Share the donut with a friend or save half for later to reduce your portion size and calorie intake.
Choose Plain: Opt for an unglazed version to significantly cut down on the sugar and carbohydrate content.
Bake at Home: Making donuts at home allows you to control the ingredients and preparation method. Consider baking instead of deep-frying to reduce the amount of absorbed oil.
Try Healthier Alternatives: Experiment with substitutes like Greek yogurt for sour cream or almond flour for regular flour to create a lower-calorie, lower-fat version.

Conclusion

The number of calories in an old fashioned sour cream donut is not a fixed number but rather a range, typically falling between 230 and 480 calories, depending on the source and preparation. While it is a high-calorie, sugar-dense treat, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Understanding the nutritional breakdown and the factors that influence it allows for more informed choices. By being mindful of portion sizes, considering alternatives, or even trying a healthier homemade version, you can satisfy your craving without compromising your wellness goals. For more healthy baking ideas, you can explore resources like the Food Network website.

Frequently Asked Questions

An unglazed old fashioned sour cream donut will have a lower calorie count than a glazed version, with estimates from different retailers suggesting around 300 calories or less, depending on the donut's size and recipe.

Based on nutritional data, a typical old fashioned sour cream donut can contain a high amount of carbohydrates, with figures often ranging from 30g to 50g per donut, largely dependent on the sugar content.

Yes, a healthier alternative is to make a baked version at home. Baking reduces the amount of oil absorbed during cooking, lowering the overall fat and calorie count.

Yes, the size of the donut is a major factor. A larger donut will inherently contain more ingredients and therefore more calories than a smaller one.

To reduce calories, you can try using a lighter glaze, substituting Greek yogurt for full-fat sour cream, or even replacing some flour with a lower-carb alternative like almond flour.

Calorie counts are often comparable, but it varies by brand and size. An old fashioned donut is a cake-style donut, which is generally denser and can be higher in fat, while a yeast-based glazed donut is lighter. Comparison tables from retailers show similar ranges.

Yes, enjoying a donut occasionally as part of an otherwise balanced and healthy diet is perfectly fine. The key is moderation and being mindful of your overall calorie and sugar intake.