Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my new obsession: sourdough brownies! Yes, you heard that right—sourdough in brownies. It might sound a bit quirky, but trust me, the tangy twist from the sourdough starter elevates the rich chocolate flavor to a whole new level. I remember the first time I experimented with this recipe; I had some sourdough starter left over and thought, why not? The result was a fudgy, decadent brownie that had everyone asking for the secret ingredient. The combination of chocolate and that slight tang is just divine! These brownies have become a staple in my baking routine, perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while using up that sourdough starter. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients for Sourdough Brownies
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making the most delicious sourdough brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sourdough starter: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor and texture. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a good feeding a few hours before using it.
- 1 cup sugar: This adds sweetness and balances out the tanginess of the sourdough. I usually use granulated sugar, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter gives the brownies a rich, fudgy texture. Just don’t let it cool too much before mixing it in!
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the brownies structure. Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely aroma and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate taste. Quality matters, so choose one you love!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides the necessary structure. Don’t over-measure; spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little bit of leavening helps give the brownies a slight lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch of salt brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate! I love using semi-sweet chips for that perfect balance.
Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re all set to bake these delightful treats! Trust me, the combination of these ingredients will create a brownie that’s utterly irresistible.
How to Prepare Sourdough Brownies
Prepping Your Ingredients
Let’s kick things off by prepping all our ingredients! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your brownies to bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan, grease it, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later—trust me, it makes life so much easier! Now, take your active sourdough starter and give it a good stir; we want it nice and bubbly. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature, as this helps everything mix together seamlessly. Having everything ready to go will make the next steps a breeze!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s dive into mixing! In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, and melted butter. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until you have a luscious batter. In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. This is where the magic happens! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those brownies to stay fudgy and dense. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for that extra indulgence!
Baking Instructions
Time to bake! Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and set a timer for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter! Once they’re baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here; let them cool completely before cutting into squares. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines rich chocolate flavor with a delightful tang from the sourdough starter.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth—seriously, it’s heavenly!
- Perfect way to use up leftover sourdough starter without sacrificing flavor.
- Great for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.
Tips for Success
To make sure your sourdough brownies turn out absolutely fabulous, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, always use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. It really makes a difference in flavor—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Also, when measuring your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping, to avoid packing it down and ending up with dry brownies. And remember, don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; we want that fudgy texture, not cake-like! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. If you see a few moist crumbs on your toothpick, it’s time to take them out. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delicious sourdough brownie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, when you’re enjoying these fudgy chocolate treats, who’s counting calories, right? Just savor the deliciousness!
FAQ About Sourdough Brownies
Got questions about making these delightful sourdough brownies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use any type of sourdough starter?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s active and bubbly. Whether it’s whole wheat or white, your brownies will still turn out delicious.
What if my brownies are too cakey?
That might mean you overmixed the batter or baked them too long. Remember, we want fudgy, not cake-like! Check for doneness a bit early.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to toss in some chopped walnuts or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them well!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your sourdough brownies properly is key to keeping them delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a brownie, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will keep that fudgy goodness intact, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sourdough Brownies: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious sourdough brownies that combine rich chocolate flavor with a tangy twist from sourdough starter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together sourdough starter, sugar, and melted butter.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These brownies can be frozen for longer storage.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sourdough brownies, chocolate brownies, baking recipes