Sourdough Discard Brownies With Cocoa

Name: Sourdough Discard Brownies With Cocoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup sourdough discard; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Delightful Desserts

I love finding creative ways to reduce food waste, and that's exactly what inspired me to make these Sourdough Discard Brownies with Cocoa. By incorporating leftover sourdough starter into the batter, I not only added incredible flavor but also created a rich, fudgy treat. These brownies are perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without any guilt about wasting that precious discard. Each bite is a delightful combination of chocolatey goodness and the subtle tang from the sourdough, making them an irresistible indulgence!

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:25:15.249Z

When I first experimented with using sourdough discard in baked goods, I was surprised by how well it complemented traditional recipes. It adds a unique depth of flavor that elevates simple brownies to something truly special. I’ve tried many brownie recipes, but this one, in particular, struck a perfect balance between sweetness and richness. The sourdough enhances the chocolate, creating a tempting contrast.

One crucial tip I learned is to mix the batter just enough to combine the ingredients—overmixing can lead to chewy brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Trust me, you want that melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by tangy sourdough
Fudgy texture that satisfies chocolate cravings
A clever way to use up sourdough discard

A Clever Use of Sourdough Discard

Incorporating sourdough discard into these brownies not only minimizes waste but also adds depth to the flavor profile. The tangy notes from the sourdough complement the sweetness of the sugars, creating a balanced dessert. As the brownies bake, the subtle acidity from the discard helps enhance the chocolate flavors, resulting in a richer and more complex taste that stands out compared to traditional brownies.

Furthermore, the moisture from the sourdough discard contributes to the fudgy texture that these brownies are known for. This makes them perfect for those who appreciate a dense chocolate treat. If you find the discard too tangy, you can offset it slightly by adding a bit more sugar or vanilla extract to the batter.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

To ensure your brownies come out perfectly every time, monitor your baking time closely. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, while underbaking may cause them to be too gooey. You should aim for a toothpick test where the inserted toothpick comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter. This usually takes about 25 minutes, but keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.

If you want to enhance the texture, consider slightly cooling the melted butter before mixing it with the sugars. This helps avoid the risk of cooking the eggs when they are added. Mix until just combined to keep your brownies from becoming cakey. A few lumps are perfectly fine, as they contribute to a delightful fudginess.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your Sourdough Discard Brownies:

Ingredients

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

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, mixing until well blended. Add the sourdough discard, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy your deliciously fudgy treat!

Let the brownies cool completely for the best texture before cutting.

Pro Tips

For extra indulgence, top your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Sourdough Discard Brownies are delicious on their own, but there are several ways to elevate them for serving. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For a richer experience, serve them warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top—vanilla or salted caramel pair beautifully with the chocolate notes.

For an even more indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate or a homemade ganache over the cooled brownies before slicing. Simply melt chocolate with a bit of cream until smooth, then let it cool slightly before pouring it over the brownies.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To store your brownies, simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, you can refrigerate them, but make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If you decide to freeze the brownies, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them up briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder, but it may change the flavor slightly.

→ What if I don’t have sourdough discard?

You can substitute with applesauce or yogurt for a similar texture, though it won’t have the sourdough flavor.

→ 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?

Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.