This Sourdough Discard Brownies recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and can be made all in one pot for a quick dessert that your family will love! Switch up the chocolate to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal with whatever sweet bits you have lying around. Seriously, these brownies are so adaptable, you might just find yourself making them on repeat!
The Magic of Sourdough Discard
Here’s the best part: Every time you make sourdough bread, you’re left with that precious “discard.” Instead of tossing it out, turn that sourdough discard into something magical, like brownies! Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up these gooey delights.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Sourdough Discard
- Unsalted Butter
- Sugar
- two large eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Cocoa Powder
- Salt
- Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Let’s get these delicious brownies baking!
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me; that warm air will work wonders for your brownies!
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over low heat until it’s all just melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and it’s time to take that butter off the heat, don’t let it brown!
Mix in the Sugars and Eggs: Stir in 1 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is glossy.
Add the Sourdough Discard: Now, toss in 1 cup sourdough discard and mix well. The batter is already starting to look incredible!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This is the secret to keeping those brownies fluffy!
Mix it All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing; lumps are okay!
Fold in the Chocolate Chips: If you’re feeling extra chocolaty, fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips at this stage. Trust me; they’re a game changer!
Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. It’s like a big ol’ chocolate hug in there!
Bake: Pop those lovelies into the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A few crumbs are perfectly fine, better than overdone brownies!
Cool Down: Allow them to cool before cutting into squares and serving. Just letting them rest for a bit helps set that fudgy texture!
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore these brownies, they’re my go-to recipe whenever I have sourdough discard to use up (or, let’s be real, whenever I just need an excuse for a chocolate treat!). They’re the epitome of comfort food for me, rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible. Plus, it’s genuinely amazing how you can whip them up in 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
And the best part is you can customize them however you like! Sometimes I toss in some nuts or even swirl in a bit of peanut butter or Nutella (if I’m naughty). You can literally use whatever you’ve got on hand, which makes this even more fun and creative!
If You Loved This Recipe. Be sure to check out my Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins, my Sourdough Apple Fritter Discard Loaf, or my Sourdough Discard Naan! These recipes will surely have your family asking for seconds!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These brownies come together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, from gathering ingredients to putting them in the oven, it’s straightforward and manageable for any busy weeknight. Get the kids involved; it’s a perfect activity.
Minimal Cleanup Required
You’ll love that this recipe requires only one saucepan for mixing. I mean, who wants to deal with a mountain of dishes after getting your chocolate fix? Not me!
Budget-Friendly
Everything you need is affordable and probably already in your pantry! That makes it a perfect last-minute dessert when you don’t feel like making a special trip to the store.
Crowd-Pleaser
These brownies are super rich, fudgy, and so good, even the pickiest eaters will be begging for seconds! Toss them out at a family gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
Customizable
I absolutely love how versatile this recipe is. Want to add some shredded coconut or chopped nuts? Go for it! Make it your very own. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your creativity!
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are divine on their own, or you can serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that extra indulgent touch! Drizzle with chocolate sauce, if you’re feeling fancy.
How Long They Keep
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. But honestly, they probably won’t last that long, they’re too good to resist!
Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up, nothing beats that melted chocolatey goodness!
Freezer Friendly
Yep! These brownies freeze beautifully. Just cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Food is all about comfort, memories, and community. So next time you bake these incredible Sourdough Discard Brownies, I hope you think of all those warm family gatherings and joyful moments around the dinner table.
Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Sourdough Discard Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat until completely melted, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted butter until well combined.
- Mix in 1 cup of sourdough discard until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool before cutting into squares and serving.