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Fudgy sourdough discard brownies with crackly tops.
Summer Dempsey

Fudgy Sourdough Brownies

These fudgy sourdough brownies are rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly moist with crackly tops and chewy centers. Made with sourdough discard for extra depth (no sour taste!), they’re an easy one-bowl dessert that turns leftover starter into the ultimate brownie trea
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Cooling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 23 minutes
Servings: 9 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, experimental baking
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temp
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup sourdough discard
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup chocolate chunks or chips optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • 9X9 Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Line a 9x9 pan with parchment.
Make the chocolate base
  1. In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolate chips over low heat, heat just until melted.
  2. Mix in salt and remove from heat.
  3. Whisk in both sugars while mixture is hot.
  4. Let cool 2–3 minutes (so eggs don’t scramble).
  5. Whisk in eggs vigorously for 30–45 seconds.
  6. Add vanilla and sourdough discard. Mix smooth.
  7. Fold in flour just until combined. Stir in chocolate chunks. Do not overmix.
  8. Spread batter into pan.
  9. Bake 28–33 minutes:
  10. Center should look set but still soft
  11. Toothpick = moist crumbs, not wet batter
  12. Cool in pan at least 45 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • No sour taste: These brownies use sourdough discard for moisture and depth, not tang. Even sourdough skeptics love them.
  • Crackly tops tip: Whisking the eggs vigorously while the batter is still warm helps create that classic shiny, crackled brownie top.
  • Do not overbake: Pull the brownies when the center looks just set and slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
  • Chocolate choice matters: Use good-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the richest flavor.