Sourdough Discard Brownies One Bowl

Name: Sourdough Discard Brownies One Bowl
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; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sourdough discard; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Sugar-Kissed Bakes

I love using up my sourdough discard in creative ways, and these brownies have become one of my favorite treats! The combination of rich chocolate and that slight tanginess from the sourdough creates a wonderfully unique flavor profile. Plus, they come together in just one bowl, making clean-up a breeze. Whether I'm baking for friends or just indulging myself, these brownies are always a hit. The fudgy texture combined with the ease of preparation makes them a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:07:16.377Z

My journey with sourdough discard began with a quest to reduce waste. After trying different recipes, I discovered that using sourdough in brownies not only prevents waste but also elevates the flavor. The slight acidity balances out the sweetness, creating a delightful treat loved by family and friends.

One tip I learned through practice is to ensure that your butter is melted and slightly cooled before mixing it with the sugar. This step helps the sugar dissolve better, resulting in an ultra-fudgy brownie. The texture is divine, and each bite just melts in your mouth!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with sourdough's unique tang
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Simple one-bowl recipe for easy preparation and clean-up

Understanding the Role of Sourdough Discard

Sourdough discard may seem like an afterthought, but it plays a crucial role in these brownies. Its natural acidity not only contributes to the tangy flavor that elevates the chocolate but also helps to keep the brownies moist and fudgy. When baking with sourdough, the unique fermentation process means there are inactive yeasts that enhance the overall texture without making the brownies rise too much, resulting in a dense and satisfying treat.

Another key aspect of the sourdough discard is its ability to provide a subtle complexity to sweetness. When mixed with sugar, the tang balances out the sweetness, making each bite nuanced and rich rather than overwhelmingly sweet. If you don’t have any sourdough discard on hand, a similar effect can be achieved by mixing 1/4 cup of yogurt or buttermilk with 1/4 cup of water to mimic the slight tang.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Fudge Texture

To ensure your brownies have that perfect fudgy consistency, be sure not to overmix the batter once you add the flour and cocoa powder. Mixing just until you see no dry streaks is key. This prevents the formation of excess gluten, which can lead to a cakey texture instead of the desired fudginess. The visual cue to watch for is a thick batter that glistens slightly, indicating it's ready for the baking pan.

Another tip for maintaining that fudgy texture is to bake at the correct temperature and for the right amount of time. Ovens can vary, so check your brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, rather than being completely clean. This signals that the brownies will remain moist as they cool.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sourdough discard
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir until well combined. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Add Sourdough Discard

Mix in the sourdough discard until fully incorporated. This will add a lovely tang and depth to the brownies.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

Storage and Freezing

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to make them ahead of time or store leftovers, they freeze beautifully. Slice the cooled brownies and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or a quick dessert fix.

When you're ready to enjoy a previously frozen brownie, simply leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for 15-20 seconds until just warm. This brings back the fudgy texture as if they were just baked!

Variations to Try

Feel free to mix things up by incorporating different types of chocolate or add-ins. Swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or use white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast. You could also fold in chopped nuts or swirl in peanut butter before baking for added texture and flavor. Experimenting with different flavors keeps this recipe fresh and exciting each time you make it.

Another fun variation is to add spices like a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. These spices can add depth without overwhelming the original flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a little twist in their brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover 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 individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?

You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.