Fudgy Brownies Using Sourdough Discard

Name: Fudgy Brownies Using Sourdough Discard
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup sourdough discard; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sugar Studio

When I first discovered that I could turn my sourdough discard into fudgy brownies, I was intrigued. The idea of transforming something typically tossed away into a decadent treat felt both creative and resourceful. After several trials, I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich chocolate combined with the slight tang from the sourdough creates a unique depth that regular brownies just can't match. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them my go-to dessert when I want to impress or simply indulge.

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:19:09.899Z

Every time I make these fudgy brownies, I’m amazed at how well the sourdough discard works alongside chocolate. The slight tanginess cuts through the sweetness, creating an unforgettable flavor profile that leaves everyone asking for seconds. I remember the first time I baked these, I used the last of my discard and was both nervous and excited to see how they would turn out.

The secret lies in not overmixing the batter. I mix until just combined to ensure a chewy texture. Each bite delivers a rich, moist experience that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Clean-up is a breeze, too, which makes baking even more enjoyable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with the unique tang of sourdough
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite
An eco-friendly way to use up sourdough discard for delicious desserts

Understanding the Sourdough Discard

Utilizing sourdough discard in brownies not only minimizes waste but also enriches the flavor of your baked goods. The natural fermentation in sourdough adds a slight tang that enhances the sweetness of chocolate while also contributing to a fudgier texture. Thus, instead of discarding that feeding leftover, think of it as a secret weapon in your baking arsenal.

If you're new to baking with sourdough, ensure that your discard is active and at room temperature for optimal results. This will prevent any drastic temperature drops in your batter, which could affect the baking process. You can even experiment with different hydration levels of the discard to see how it alters the final product.

Tips for Perfectly Fudgy Brownies

Achieving the perfect fudgy brownie requires attention to mixing techniques. When combining wet and dry ingredients, only mix until the flour is just absorbed—overmixing can lead to a cakey texture. Look for a batter that is thick and glossy, which indicates it will create a rich mouthfeel after baking.

Another important factor is the baking time. Keep an eye on your brownies starting at the 20-minute mark; every oven is different, and you want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This means they will continue to set slightly as they cool, ensuring that perfect fudgy consistency.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple and commonly found in most kitchens, making it easy to get started!

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup sourdough discard
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix these together, and you're one step closer to brownie heaven!

Instructions

Let's start the baking process and bring these brownies to life!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth, then add the sourdough discard, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips to the brownie batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy!

Now that you know the steps, prepare to indulge in these delicious brownies!

Pro Tips

For extra fudgy brownies, take them out of the oven just before a toothpick comes out clean. They will continue to cook a bit more while cooling.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to prolong their freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to 10 days. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to maximize their fudginess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Simply cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the refrigerator overnight or leave them out on the counter for a couple of hours.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these brownies to suit your taste! If you're looking for a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter. For a salted caramel twist, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over the top before cutting the brownies, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

You can also try swapping half of the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile. This introduces a delightful contrast that pairs well with the sourdough’s tang, making each bite an exciting combination of sweet and savory.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute if you want to make these brownies vegan.