Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120g) sourdough starter discard (or active sourdough starter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Add-ins
- ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7 x 11 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sourdough starter discard; the mixture will appear slightly lumpy, which is normal.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to remove clumps and ensure even distribution.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Avoid overmixing; stir only until no visible streaks of flour or cocoa remain. Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently. Optionally, cover the batter and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to ferment and deepen flavor before baking.
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be slightly soft in the center as they will firm up while cooling.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes after cooling. Cut into squares and serve.
- Optional finishing touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving for an extra chocolatey presentation.
Notes
- If your sourdough discard is thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to loosen the batter, but avoid making it runny.
- The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting sour.
- Feel free to customize with add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or swirls of peanut butter or caramel prior to baking.
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder for the best depth of chocolate flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American