Sourdough Brownies

If you’re looking for the best sourdough brownies, this recipe is for you! These fudgy sourdough brownies are rich, chewy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re using sourdough discard or active sourdough starter, this is an easy way to create a delicious treat while reducing waste.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Brownies

• Perfect for Sourdough Discard – A great way to use up leftover sourdough starter.
• Rich & Fudgy – Melted chocolate and cocoa powder create a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
• Naturally Fermented (Optional) – A long fermentation process enhances digestibility and flavor.
• One-Bowl Recipe – Simple ingredients and easy to make!

What Makes These Brownies So Fudgy?

The key to ultra-fudgy sourdough brownies is the butter, sugar, and chocolate ratio, combined with a low amount of flour. Using sourdough starter also helps keep them moist and chewy!

Ingredients for Sourdough Brownies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)

How to Make Fudgy Sourdough Brownies

1. Melt the Butter & Chocolate

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder.

4. Fold Everything Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.

5. Ferment (Optional)

If using active sourdough starter, cover the batter and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-12 hours for deeper flavor. If using discard, bake immediately.

6. Bake the Brownies

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour batter into a 9×9-inch lined baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool & Serve

Let brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sourdough Brownies

• Use High-Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the brownies!
• Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep them fudgy.
• Cool Before Cutting – This helps them set and keeps them from crumbling.
• Try a Long Ferment – Letting the batter ferment overnight enhances flavor and digestibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Sourdough Discard Instead of Active Starter?

Yes! If using sourdough discard, mix and bake immediately without fermenting.

How Do I Store Sourdough Brownies?

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

What does sourdough do to brownies?

Sourdough adds a subtle tang and extra depth of flavor to brownies. It also helps create a tender, moist texture thanks to the fermented flour and natural acidity. If you’re using sourdough discard (unfed starter), it can enrich the flavor without making the brownies taste sour, especially when balanced with sugar and chocolate.

Are sourdough brownies healthier than regular brownies?

Sourdough brownies can be slightly healthier, depending on the ingredients used. The fermentation process in sourdough can break down gluten and phytic acid, which may make nutrients easier to absorb. Plus, using sourdough discard helps reduce food waste. However, since brownies are still a dessert high in sugar and fat, they should still be considered an occasional treat—not a health food.

Can you add sourdough discard to boxed brownies?

Yes! You can absolutely add sourdough discard to boxed brownies. A good starting point is adding about ½ cup of discard. You may need to slightly reduce the amount of water or oil in the mix to keep the consistency right. The discard will add moisture and a mild tangy flavor, which complements the chocolate really well.

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For the best results, try these recommended baking tools:

1. 9×9 Nonstick Baking Pan
2. Digital Kitchen Scale
3. Mixing Bowls
4. Cooling Rack

Final Thoughts

These homemade sourdough brownies are the perfect mix of fudgy and chewy, with a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Whether you make them immediately or let them ferment overnight, they’ll be a hit with your family. Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out in the comments!

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