If you’re looking for a rich chocolate dessert that also helps reduce kitchen waste, these Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies are exactly what you need. Using unfed sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that intensifies the chocolate flavor, making these brownies deeply fudgy, moist, and unforgettable. This is the kind of recipe that feels special but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight bake.
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies
- Ultra-fudgy texture with a dense, brownie-shop bite
- Rich chocolate flavor balanced by gentle sourdough tang
- No waste baking that puts leftover sourdough discard to good use
- Simple pantry ingredients with no fancy tools required
- Family-friendly dessert perfect for sharing or gifting
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the sourdough discard and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold the mixture together just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and enhances the fudgy texture.
Tips & Variations
- Extra fudgy: Slightly underbake by 2–3 minutes.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-free: Choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
- Deeper flavor: Swap ¼ cup of sugar for coconut sugar.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these brownies as-is, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
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Easy Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fudgy sourdough discard brownies are ultra rich, deeply chocolatey, and have a subtle tang that makes the cocoa taste even bolder. A perfect no-waste dessert for using up leftover sourdough discard.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8-inch pan.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth and slightly glossy.
3. Stir in sourdough discard and vanilla until fully combined.
4. Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold gently just until no dry streaks remain.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and the center is slightly soft; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely in the pan, then slice and serve.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, underbake by 2–3 minutes and let them cool fully before slicing.
Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free option.
Store airtight at room temp up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
Final Thoughts
These Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies prove that sourdough discard isn’t just for bread. With their rich cocoa flavor, soft centers, and crackly tops, they’re a dessert you’ll come back to every time your starter needs feeding.