There’s a special kind of happiness that fills the kitchen when chocolate treats are on the way. Like many other home bakers, I often find myself with sourdough starter discard after feeding my beloved starter. One day, while trying to avoid waste, I had a lightbulb moment that brought these Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies to life! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, perfectly chewy on the inside with a delightful crust on top, and realizing you just pulled off a gourmet dessert in under an hour.
These brownies not only taste like a decadent treat but are also a genius way to elevate your baking while reducing food waste. With just a handful of ingredients, including your sourdough discard, you’ll whip up a delightful dessert that even your non-baking friends will crave. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s bound to become a new family favorite, promising both ease and unforgettable flavor!
Why are Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies irresistible?
Decadent flavor: These brownies blend rich chocolate with a unique tang from the sourdough discard, creating a complex taste that’s simply unforgettable.
Quick to make: In under an hour, you can indulge in this luxurious dessert, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
Zero waste: Transforming your sourdough discard into a delicious treat is a win for both your palate and the planet!
Fudgy texture: Enjoy the soft, chewy center with a delightful, slightly crispy crust that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Versatile delight: Serve them warm with ice cream or as a coffee companion—these brownies suit every occasion!
Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies Ingredients
Get ready to create a dessert that will impress everyone!
For the Brownie Batter
• 2 tsp vanilla essence – Adds a warm, inviting flavor that enhances the chocolate.
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides rich, gooey goodness that makes these brownies melt in your mouth.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture while keeping flavors balanced.
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and lends a deep color to the brownies.
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter discard – This ingredient not only reduces waste but also adds complexity to the flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Contributes moisture and a slight caramelness that complements the chocolate.
• 1 cup white sugar – Sweetens the brownies, balancing out the richness of the cocoa and chocolate.
• 1 egg yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together for that perfect chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs – Provides structure and stability to the brownies, ensuring they rise beautifully.
• 1 cup plain flour – Gives the brownies the right amount of structure without making them dry.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor, making the sweetness pop even more.
These Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies are just steps away from being the next star of your dessert table!
How to Make Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies
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Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a 9″x9″ baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up later.
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Melt: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla essence, and cocoa powder, mixing until everything is beautifully smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.
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Beat: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs, brown sugar, and white sugar together for about 7-10 minutes until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Add in the cooled chocolate mixture and sourdough discard, mixing gently on low speed until combined.
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Fold: Carefully fold in the flour and salt with a spatula. Be gentle! You want a thick batter that’s well combined but not overworked.
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Pour: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with the spatula to ensure an even bake.
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Bake: Place your brownies in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies
- Let it Cool: Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly before adding to the eggs to prevent cooking them.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in flour and salt, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Texture Check: For fudgy results, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean.
- Use Fresh Discard: Make sure your sourdough discard is fresh to achieve the best flavor and texture in these brownies.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chunks to the batter for extra texture and flavor in your Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies
Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture and rich flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer your brownies chilled, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent dryness.
Freezer: Freeze brownies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You’ll get that freshly-baked goodness to savor once more!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies are a wonderful recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a rich dessert with minimal effort! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe through to the pouring stage, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld beautifully while maintaining the quality of your brownies. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the chilled batter into your lined baking dish and pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. You’ll end up with fudgy brownies that taste just as fresh and indulgent!
What to Serve with Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies?
Enjoying brownies is a delightful experience, and pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert game!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream balances the warm, fudgy brownies, creating a heavenly flavor combination.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a pop of color and a tart contrast, enhancing the overall sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can crown your brownies beautifully, adding a luscious texture that complements their richness.
- Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or a rich espresso brings out the chocolate notes while providing a satisfying finish to your meal.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the ultimate chocoholic, drizzling chocolate sauce over your brownies intensifies their decadent flavor.
- Nuts: Add toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy texture of the brownies.
- Caramel Sauce: A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate your brownies to new heights, adding a sweet and buttery touch.
- Mint Tea: Complement the chocolatey goodness with a refreshing mint tea, providing a nice balance without overwhelming flavors.
- Fried Bananas: Super sweet caramelized bananas served alongside the brownies provide warmth and additional sweetness for a cozy touch.
Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies Variations
Feel free to give your brownies a personal twist with these delicious options!
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Nutty Surprise: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the fudgy texture.
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Flavored Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or peanut butter chips to explore new flavor profiles that delight the taste buds.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
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Extra Decadence: Mix in 1/2 cup of caramel or dulce de leche for an indulgent twist that creates gooey pockets of sweet goodness throughout.
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Minty Fresh: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract with the vanilla for a refreshing mint chocolate brownie experience that’s perfect for the holidays.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising hint of heat that complements the rich chocolate.
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Fruit Burst: Fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries or cherries before baking to infuse a tart fruitiness that enhances the overall flavor.
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Coffee Infusion: Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the melted chocolate for an aromatic depth that intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my sourdough discard is still good to use?
Absolutely! Make sure your sourdough discard looks fresh—no signs of mold or dark spots, and it should have a pleasant, slightly tangy smell. If your discard has been sitting a while, you might want to give it a good stir to wake it up.
How should I store the brownies to keep them fresh?
To keep your brownies at their fudgy best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you place them in the refrigerator, they can last up to a week, though they might lose some of their gooeyness. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped!
Can I freeze my Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies for later?
Very much so! To freeze, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and then pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What can I do if my brownies turned out too dry?
If your Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies came out dry, there are a few tricks to bring them back to life! Warm them up a bit and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to add moisture. For next time, avoid overbaking—aim for that toothpick to come out with just a few moist crumbs!
Are these brownies suitable for everyone, including those with allergies?
These brownies contain gluten from the flour and dairy from the butter, so they may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or dairy allergies. However, you can easily swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use dairy-free butter to create a delicious alternative. Always check that your ingredients are safe for your dietary needs!
Can I use any other type of chocolate besides semi-sweet?
Of course! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are fantastic for these Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter twist. Just remember that the type of chocolate will alter the overall sweetness and richness of your brownies!
Decadent Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a 9"x9" baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla essence, and cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Beat the eggs, brown sugar, and white sugar together for 7-10 minutes until light and creamy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and sourdough discard, mixing gently on low speed.
- Fold in the flour and salt with a spatula until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares.