Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies (Printable)

Decadent brownies made with sourdough discard, rich chocolate, and sea salt for an indulgent treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chocolate & Fats

01 - 6 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
03 - ¼ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

→ Sugars

04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

→ Eggs & Sourdough

06 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
07 - 1 large egg yolk
08 - ½ cup sourdough discard, unfed and at room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

10 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
11 - ⅓ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
12 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Topping

13 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
02 - In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in oil.
03 - Whisk in granulated sugar and light brown sugar until glossy and fully combined.
04 - Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Continue whisking vigorously for 1–2 minutes until mixture becomes thick and shiny.
05 - Stir in sourdough discard and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
06 - Sift flour, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
08 - Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until edges are set but center is still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect way to use sourdough discard without waste
  • Ultra-fudgy texture that rivals any traditional brownie
  • The subtle tang from sourdough adds unexpected depth
  • Sweet and salty balance from flaky sea salt is absolutely addictive
  • Simple one-bowl method ready in just 45 minutes
  • Vegetarian-friendly dessert perfect for sharing
02 -
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for the deepest, darkest chocolate flavor without bitterness
  • Don't skip the vigorous whisking after adding eggs—this creates that coveted shiny, crackled top
  • Let the chocolate and butter mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling
  • The sourdough discard should be unfed and at room temperature for best results
  • Flaky sea salt is essential—regular table salt won't provide the same textural contrast
  • A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, for perfect fudginess
Go Back