Creamy Chocolate Sourdough Brownies

Name: Creamy Chocolate Sourdough Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Artisanal Baking Recipes

I can't get enough of these creamy chocolate sourdough brownies! They are the perfect combination of rich, chocolatey indulgence and the delightful tang of sourdough. Each bite is incredibly moist and fudgy, with a hint of sourdough flavor that adds depth to the sweetness. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or want to impress guests at a gathering, these brownies are sure to become a favorite. Plus, I love that they use leftover sourdough starter, making them a delicious way to reduce food waste!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-27T13:34:29.123Z

When I first experimented with sourdough in desserts, I never imagined I would stumble upon such a gem as these brownies. The twists of sourdough blended seamlessly into the chocolate, resulting in a rich, fudgy treat that's unlike anything I've tasted before. I tried varying the chocolate percentages, and I found a balance that accentuates the sourdough's tanginess perfectly!

The key to achieving their creaminess is to use high-quality chocolate, melted with care. It creates a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the slight tartness of the sourdough. The first time I served these to friends, they were amazed at how unique yet delicious they were!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a delightful tang from sourdough
Incredibly fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing your guests

      

The Role of Sourdough Starter

Using sourdough starter in brownies doesn’t just reduce food waste; it also brings a unique depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. The natural fermentation process in sourdough adds a subtle tang that contrasts the sweetness, enhancing the overall taste experience. If you're worried about the sourdough's acidity affecting the brownies' rise, rest assured that the balance between baking soda within the starter and the eggs will help achieve that perfect fudgy texture.

When incorporating the sourdough starter, make sure it is at room temperature for the best blending. Cold starter can lead to clumpy batter, preventing an even distribution throughout the mixture. Simply take your starter out of the fridge a couple of hours before baking to bring it to the desired temperature.

Technique for Perfect Fudgy Brownies

The key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture lies in the temperature at which you melt the chocolate and butter. Keep the heat low, as overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy. Stir the mixture continuously until it is perfectly glossy, and remove it from heat immediately after achieving this smooth consistency. This ensures that the chocolate's silky qualities are preserved, which is essential for the brownies’ rich texture.

Additionally, mixing in the dry ingredients should be done gently and just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a cakey texture instead of that desired dense, fudgy feel. The batter should still have a few streaks of flour left when you pour it into the pan, as it will continue to mix while baking.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Melt the chocolate and butter

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth.

Combine sugars

Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.

Add eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

Incorporate sourdough starter

Stir in the sourdough starter until combined.

Mix dry ingredients

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

Bake the brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent twist, try adding chocolate chunks or nuts to the batter before baking. You can also serve the brownies warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!

Storing and Freezing

If you find yourself with leftover brownies (which can be a rarity!), they can be easily stored to maintain their freshness. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, then cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, but for longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For extended preservation, brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours or warm it briefly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your creamy chocolate sourdough brownies by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the chocolate’s rich flavor and balances the sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle them with a homemade chocolate ganache or serve them alongside fresh berries for a tart contrast.

These brownies are also versatile for gatherings. You can cut them into bite-sized squares for a dessert platter or serve them warm with toppings during a cozy movie night. Experimenting with add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chunks can create delightful variations that make your brownies even more memorable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use my active sourdough starter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use active sourdough starter. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly if it's particularly sweet.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

→ What is the best way to tell if the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.