Sourdough Discard Brownies One Bowl

Name: Sourdough Discard Brownies One Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 1 cup sourdough discard; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love creating treats that not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also use up my sourdough discard. These Sourdough Discard Brownies are not only easy to make, but they also pack a rich flavor that I can’t resist. In just one bowl, I can mix everything together, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. The addition of sourdough adds a unique twist, providing a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. Trust me, these brownies have become a staple in my home, and I know they’ll win over your taste buds too!

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:16:15.873Z

When I first decided to make brownies with my sourdough discard, I was honestly unsure of how they would turn out. I knew that using the discard would add a depth of flavor, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The brownies turned out fudgy and decadent, with that lovely tang enhancing the overall experience.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. All you need is one bowl to combine the ingredients, which saves so much time in both preparation and cleanup. I recommend letting them cool a bit before cutting—this helps them set and achieve that perfect chewy texture.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Deliciously fudgy texture with a unique sourdough twist
One-bowl recipe means easy cleanup and quick prep
Uses leftover sourdough discard, minimizing waste

      

Understanding the Role of Sourdough Discard

Sourdough discard brings an unexpected depth to these brownies, introducing a subtle tang that complements the sweetness beautifully. The lactic acid in the sourdough interacts with the sugars during baking, creating a rich, fudgy texture that is simply irresistible. If you're new to baking with sourdough, don't worry; the flavor is not overpowering, and it seamlessly integrates into the chocolate base.

Moreover, by utilizing sourdough discard, you’re not just reducing waste but enhancing the nutritional profile of your dessert. Sourdough is known for its probiotics, which can aid digestion. While this won't erase the fact that we're baking brownies, it does add a feel-good element to the indulgence!

Tips for Achieving Perfect Brownies

To ensure your brownies turn out perfectly fudgy, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined prevents the development of gluten, which can lead to tougher brownies. The goal is a smooth batter with a few lumps remaining from the flour and cocoa powder, keeping the end result tender and soft.

For an additional flavor boost, don’t hesitate to personalize your brownies! Adding a splash of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor dramatically without making them taste like coffee. You can also experiment with nuts or a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for variation, making each batch uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

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

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Pour into a prepared baking pan.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Incorporate Sourdough Discard

Stir in the sourdough discard until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 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, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool fully on a rack before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

Storage and Freezing

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 3-4 days but can last up to a week if stored properly. If you're looking to preserve their freshness longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cooled brownie square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheating in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can revive their fudginess, making them taste as good as fresh out of the oven!

Possible Troubleshooting

If your brownies come out too cakey, it’s likely due to overbaking or mixing the batter too much. It’s essential to stick to the recommended baking time and to remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This is your indicator that they’re perfectly fudgy and gooey inside.

On the other hand, if you're experiencing a problem with the brownies not rising, check your baking powder or baking soda if you made adjustments in your recipe. While this recipe doesn’t require either, a common mistake is not incorporating sufficient leavening in other variations, which can affect the texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or flax eggs as a replacement for eggs in this recipe.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! These brownies freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer.