Crispy Sourdough Discard Brownies

Name: Crispy Sourdough Discard Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup sourdough discard; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Oven Sweets

I love making treats that not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also help reduce food waste. These Crispy Sourdough Discard Brownies are my go-to recipe when I have extra sourdough starter on hand. The combination of ingredients gives these brownies a wonderfully unique texture and depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, they come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a cozy night in. I always feel good serving them because they’re a perfect way to create something delicious from what would otherwise be discarded.

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:43:16.093Z

When I first experimented with sourdough discard, I never imagined I could create something as delightful as these brownies. I found that incorporating the discard into the batter adds a subtle tanginess that beautifully complements the rich chocolate flavor. Additionally, letting the brownies sit for a few minutes after baking really enhances their texture, making them perfectly crispy on the edges while remaining fudgy in the middle.

One tip I've learned through trial and error is to ensure that your sourdough starter is active but not too bubbly. This balance helps achieve the ideal consistency and flavor without overwhelming the batter. Trust me, once you've made these brownies, you'll be hooked on this ingenious way to use up your sourdough discard!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by the tanginess of sourdough
Crispy edges and fudgy center for the perfect texture
An innovative way to use sourdough discard and reduce waste

      

Understanding Sourdough Discard

Sourdough discard is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of these brownies. Its natural acidity not only adds a slight tang that complements the richness of the chocolate but also contributes to a unique depth of flavor. This recipe invites you to embrace this ingredient instead of tossing it away, giving your dessert an uncommonly delightful taste. Plus, incorporating sourdough discard creates a brownie that's moist and fudgy, contrasting beautifully with the crispy edges.

Using sourdough discard can also improve the texture of your brownies. The fermentation process in sourdough breaks down gluten, which can result in a chewier, more complex crumb structure. This is particularly important in brownies, where you want that satisfying contrast between the fudgy center and the crispy edges. By utilizing discard, you are not only reducing waste but also crafting a decadent treat with an extraordinary textural profile.

Baking Technique Tips

When preparing the brownie batter, take care not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies due to excessive gluten development. Stir gently until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips for additional pockets of melting chocolate. This technique maintains the brownies' rich fudginess while ensuring they bake evenly. Aim for a thick but smooth batter before spreading it into your baking pan.

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your brownies. An oven that’s too hot can cause the edges to set too quickly, resulting in a dry interior. Conversely, if your oven isn’t hot enough, the brownies may not rise properly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, and keep a close eye on the baking time. When done, the brownies should have glossy tops and slightly golden edges, indicating they’re ready for cooling.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect brownies!

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup sourdough discard
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious brownies.

Melt the butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.

Combine wet ingredients

Add the sourdough discard and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well, then add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Mix dry ingredients

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

Combine and fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts or swirls of caramel into the batter before baking. You can also adjust the sweetness by using dark chocolate chips or reducing the sugar.

Storing and Serving

Once your brownies are cooled and cut into squares, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer preservation, consider freezing them. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds; they’re delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These brownies also lend themselves wonderfully to customization. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or swirl in some peanut butter or caramel for a unique flavor twist. For those looking to make these brownies dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Play around with additional flavors, such as espresso powder or sea salt sprinkled on top before baking, to elevate your brownie experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out denser than expected, it might be due to too much stirring after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Remember to mix gently and stop as soon as you see no dry flour. On the other hand, if they’re too cake-like, it could be because of overbaking. Keep an eye on your brownies toward the end of the baking time and pull them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, rather than completely clean.

Another common issue is dryness, which can happen if the brownies remain in the oven for too long or if the batter has insufficient fat. To avoid this, ensure your measurements are precise, particularly for the butter and sugar. If you find yourself with dry brownies, try serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream to soften the texture and enhance the flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free flour, though the texture will vary slightly.

→ How long do these brownies last?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Just wrap them well and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I do with leftover sourdough starter?

These brownies are a great way to use it up, but you can also add it to pancakes, waffles, or even bread.