Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies No Waste

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

Delight in these rich and fudgy brownies that make excellent use of sourdough discard, ensuring no waste in your baking endeavors.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-27T22:34:28.140Z

These Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies are the perfect solution for anyone looking to minimize waste in the kitchen. By incorporating sourdough discard into a classic brownie recipe, you achieve a deliciously fudgy texture and a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

Why You'll Love These Brownies

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of sourdough tang
  • Fudgy texture that satisfies every chocolate craving
  • No waste: a delicious use for your sourdough discard

The Charm of Sourdough Discard

Sourdough discard is often overlooked, yet it holds a treasure trove of flavor and texture that can elevate your baking. By incorporating sourdough discard into your brownies, you not only minimize waste but also add a unique tang that complements the rich chocolate. This little twist is what makes these brownies stand out from traditional recipes.

Using sourdough discard in baking is a fantastic way to embrace sustainability in your kitchen. Instead of tossing the discard, you’re transforming it into a delicious treat that everyone will love. It’s a win-win situation: you get to enjoy fudgy brownies, and your kitchen stays eco-friendly.

Fudgy vs. Cake-Like Brownies

When it comes to brownies, there are two camps: fudgy and cake-like. Fudgy brownies are dense, rich, and packed with chocolate, while cake-like brownies are lighter with a more airy texture. This recipe leans heavily towards the fudgy side, ensuring that each bite is a decadent chocolate experience.

The secret to achieving that perfect fudgy texture lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The combination of melted butter, eggs, and sourdough discard contributes to a moist and chewy consistency. This makes them perfect for satisfying those chocolate cravings without being overly sweet.

Perfect Pairings

These brownies are delicious on their own, but there are numerous ways to elevate your dessert experience. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delectable sundae. The contrast of the warm brownie and cold ice cream creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

For a more gourmet touch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the brownies before serving. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor and provide a sophisticated twist. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a cozy treat at home, these brownies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sourdough discard, and sugar. Mix well until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in 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 to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Tips for Success

To ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even small variations can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and cocoa powder.

Another tip is to always preheat your oven. Baking in a properly heated oven helps the brownies rise and bake evenly. Avoid opening the oven door during the first half of baking to maintain the temperature, which is crucial for achieving that fudgy texture.

Storage and Freezing

These brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to four days in an airtight container, making them a perfect treat for meal prep or snacks throughout the week. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option.

To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use active sourdough starter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Just make sure to adjust other liquid ingredients if necessary.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a vegan alternative.

Easy Sourdough Discard Brownies No Waste

Delight in these rich and fudgy brownies that make excellent use of sourdough discard, ensuring no waste in your baking endeavors.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Sweet Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

Brownies

  1. 1 cup sourdough discard
  2. ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  3. 1 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  7. ½ cup cocoa powder
  8. ½ teaspoon baking powder
  9. ¼ teaspoon salt
  10. 1 cup chocolate chips

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sourdough discard, and sugar. Mix well until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.

Step 03

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 04

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 05

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g