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Sourdough Brownies Recipe
Isabella

Sourdough Brownies Recipe – Rich, Fudgy Chocolate Brownies Using Sourdough Discard

These sourdough brownies are rich, dense, and irresistibly fudgy, with deep chocolate flavor and a subtle tang from sourdough discard. Designed to stay moist for days, they feature a glossy crackly top and bakery-quality texture, making them the perfect way to use up discard while baking an indulgent dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 brownies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Base
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Batter
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup sourdough starter discard unfed
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Melt the butter over low heat. Add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and vanilla, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, egg yolk, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 7–10 minutes, until pale, thick, and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the sourdough discard on low speed until just incorporated. Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture and mix briefly until smooth.
  5. Gently fold in flour and salt with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
  7. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Notes

Use unfed sourdough discard for best results—no fermentation is required. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy texture. Brownies slice best once fully cooled. Add chocolate chunks or a pinch of espresso powder for extra depth of flavor.