Mixing sourdough with fudgy brownies gives you a weird but awesome treat. These sourdough brownies bring rich chocolate goodness and a tangy sourdough twist all in one. Its like normal brownies but with a sassy, tangy flavor that surprises you, and bakers who like trying new stuff totally loves it.
In the last few years, people have been really into sourdough for more than just bread. Home bakers and cooking fans started using their bubbly starter in muffins, pancakes and yes, even brownies. This trend shows how sourdough's natural fermentation can make sweet treats taste more interesting and it gets people excited to bake new things.
Using sourdough starter in brownies not only amps up the flavor but also might make them a bit healthier. The fermentation process helps break down some carbs so they can be easier to digest. It could mean the brownies gives a steadier energy release versus regular ones. And when you swap part of the flour for whole grain or cut down refined sugar, you get a treat that feels less guilty and more wholesome.
What are Sourdough Brownies?
Sourdough brownies are basically chocolate brownies with a sourdough kick. They have that fudgy, rich texture you expect but with a subtle tang from the starter. It makes a sweet and sour combo that kinda wakes up your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Regular brownies usually mix butter, sugar and chocolate but sourdough brownies add a bubbly starter into the mix. This little change gives a new layer of taste and even a bit of airiness. Plus it adds some good bacteria from the fermentation so they might sit easier in your belly.
The starter is also the main rising agent here, it keeps the brownies moist and tender. If youve played around with sourdough baking before, you know how versatile that starter can be. Here it transforms your brownies into something creative and fun.
Ingredients for Sourdough Brownies
To make these brownies youll need:
- Flour: All purpose flour or a mix of whole wheat and all purpose for extra fiber.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar and some brown sugar for moisture and deeper taste.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened coco powder for rich chocolate flavor.
- Sourdough starter: Active bubbly starter for taste and moisture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter or coconut oil or vegan butter if you want.
- Eggs: Large eggs for binding and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract for more sweet flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to make all flavors pop.
Optional add-ins you can toss in:
- Nuts like walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate chips, dark, milk or white
- Dried fruit such as cherries or cranberries
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you bake, make sure you have:
- Mixing bowls to combine ingredients
- A baking pan (9x13 inch) or similar size for your batter
- Whisk and spatula for mixing and folding
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray to line the pan
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sourdough Brownies
Preparing the Sourdough Starter
If you don’t have active sourdough starter yet, its easy to make. Mix equal weights of all purpose flour and water (about 100 grams each) until smooth. Let it sit at room temp for 4 to 12 hours until bubbly. Keep feeding it with fresh flour and water every day and soon youll have enough for brownies.
Directions for Making Sourdough Brownies
- Preheat oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease your pan. Optionally line it with parchment paper.
- Mix dry items: In a bowl whisk flour, coco powder and salt together.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a larger bowl beat softened butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and kinda fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in eggs one by one then stir in vanilla extract until blended.
- Fold in starter: Mix in your sourdough starter gently so it gets evenly spread.
- Combine mixtures: Slowly add the dry stuff into the wet mix, stir until just combined this avoids tough brownies.
- Add extras: If you want, fold in nuts or chocolate chips now.
- Pour into pan: Spread your batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan before you slice them.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Brownies
- Dont overmix the batter or brownies can turn out tough.
- If your oven runs hot or cold adjust the baking time by a few minutes.
- Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temp to keep them fresh.
Flavor Variations
You can tweak these brownies lots of ways:
- Cocoa options: Try dark coco powder for extra depth or milk coco for sweeter taste.
- Alternate sweeteners: Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of normal sugar.
- Extra flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder.
- Frosting ideas: Spread cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache on top.
Health Benefits of Sourdough Brownies
Sourdough fermentation brings some perks:
- It makes carbs easier to digest since bacteria start breaking them down.
- If you use whole grain flours you get more fiber which is good for your gut.
- Using less refined sugar and more natural ingredients can make brownies feel less like junk food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these usual slip ups:
- Dont overmix or you get dense, chewy brownies.
- Make sure your starter is active and bubbly or you might get flat brownies.
- Check your oven temp with a thermometer so you dont bake at the wrong heat.
- Dont swap ingredients without tweaking amounts, you might mess up texture.
FAQs
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of sourdough starter? Yeast wont give you the same tangy flavour or fermentation benefits. Brownies will taste and feel different.
- How do I store leftover brownies? Keep them in a sealed container at room temp up to a week or refrigerate to last longer.
- Can I make sourdough brownies gluten-free? Sure, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour but you might need to change the liquid amounts.
- What do I do with extra sourdough starter? Use it in pancakes, waffles or pizza crust so it doesnt go to waste.
Conclusion
Sourdough brownies are a fun, flavourful twist on a classic dessert. Theyre rich, tangy, and full of possibilities for tweaks. Give this recipe a shot and see how creative you can get!
sourdough brownies recipe
Equipment
- 1 8x8 inch baking pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or electric mixer
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- ½ cup chocolate chips or walnuts Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it cool slightly.
- Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the sourdough starter until everything is well incorporated. If using, add chocolate chips or walnuts at this stage.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut into squares and serve.
