Sourdough Brownies
Indulge in the rich and fudgy flavors of sourdough brownies, where the tangy notes of sourdough elevate classic chocolate goodness. These brownies are not only a delicious treat but also a fantastic way to use up sourdough discard. With a crisp top and a moist center, these brownies will surely impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor a dessert that’s both comforting and unique!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 brownies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 brownie) contains approximately 180 calories, 7g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the sourdough starter and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in optional chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Also, dairy-free butter can be used to make these brownies vegan-friendly. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve them warm for a decadent dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Underbaking may result in a gooey center.
- Using cold eggs can impact batter consistency.
- Not letting the brownies cool before cutting can lead to messy squares.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor.
- Let the sourdough starter come to room temperature for better blending.
- Adjust the baking time based on your oven’s accuracy.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or dried fruits for variety.
- For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can use fresh sourdough starter, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Just ensure it is active and bubbly for the best results.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to make them gluten-free.
What can I serve with sourdough brownies?
These brownies are delightful with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Pair them with a cup of coffee for a perfect treat.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Sourdough brownies are a delicious way to make use of sourdough discard while enjoying a rich, chocolatey dessert. Their unique flavor and texture will make them a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with ice cream, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Sourdough Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sourdough starter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in optional chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
