If you’re looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that also puts your sourdough discard to good use, these Gooey Sourdough Discard Caramel Brownies are exactly what you need. Deeply chocolatey, irresistibly fudgy, and layered with silky homemade caramel, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a bakery-style treat that feels truly special.
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a family gathering, or a well-deserved night-in dessert, these brownies deliver big flavor with surprisingly little effort.
Why You’ll Love These Gooey Sourdough Discard Caramel Brownies
- Ultra-fudgy texture: Thanks to cocoa powder, oil, and chocolate chips, these brownies stay moist and gooey.
- Perfect use for sourdough discard: Adds depth and moisture without tasting sour.
- Homemade caramel layer: Sweet, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert: Ideal for parties, bake sales, and holidays.
- No fancy tools needed: Just bowls, a pan, and simple ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownies
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- ½ cup sourdough starter (discard)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
How to Make Gooey Sourdough Discard Caramel Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, eggs, vanilla essence, and sourdough discard until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Do not overmix—this keeps the brownies fudgy.
Step 5: Make the Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns amber. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring carefully. Continue stirring until smooth, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Assemble
Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle with caramel sauce, then spread the remaining batter over the top. Add extra caramel if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. Let cool completely before slicing for clean, gooey brownies.

Tips & Variations
- Extra gooey center: Slightly underbake and let brownies set as they cool.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Caramel shortcut: Use high-quality store-bought caramel if short on time.
- Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream.
- Chocolate boost: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these brownies slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
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Gooey Sourdough Discard Caramel Brownies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
Gooey Sourdough Discard Caramel Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies made with sourdough discard and finished with a silky homemade caramel layer. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a cozy dessert night.
Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
⅔ cup neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
4 eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla essence
½ cup sourdough starter (discard)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, vanilla, and sourdough discard until smooth.
4. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Make the caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup sugar until amber, stirring as needed. Slowly pour in cream while stirring carefully until smooth. Remove from heat.
6. Pour half the brownie batter into the pan. Drizzle caramel over the batter.
7. Spread remaining batter over the top. Add extra caramel drizzle if desired.
8. Bake 35–40 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft.
9. Cool completely before slicing for clean, gooey squares.
Notes
For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting as they cool.
Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate chips for the richest flavor.
Caramel safety: melted sugar is extremely hot—pour cream in slowly while stirring.
Storage: keep airtight at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320-350
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320–350 | 4 g | 45 g | 15 g | 3 g | 180 mg |
Final Thoughts
These Gooey Sourdough Discard Caramel Brownies prove that baking with sourdough discard can be both practical and indulgent. Rich chocolate flavor, a fudgy crumb, and buttery caramel make this recipe one you’ll come back to again and again.