Sourdough Discard Brownies with Salted Caramel

Name: Sourdough Discard Brownies with Salted Caramel
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sourdough starter, unfed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sea salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts

Sourdough Discard Brownies with Salted Caramel are a delicious way to use leftover sourdough starter, creating a fudgy treat with a delightful twist of salted caramel flavor.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-27T21:46:28.204Z

These brownies are not just any ordinary dessert; they are a culinary delight that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of chocolate and salted caramel. Perfect for using up sourdough starter, they offer a unique twist that will impress your family and friends.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of sourdough tang
Decadent salted caramel that takes these brownies to the next level
Perfect for using up sourdough starter while indulging your sweet tooth

      

The Magic of Sourdough Discard

Sourdough discard is often overlooked in baking, but it can truly elevate your treats. By incorporating unfed sourdough starter into your recipes, you introduce a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile. This is especially true in desserts like brownies, where the rich chocolate can beautifully balance the slight acidity of the sourdough. Not only does this method reduce waste, but it also adds a unique depth to your baked goods that you won't find in traditional recipes.

Using sourdough discard also contributes to a moist texture in your brownies. The hydration from the starter ensures that your brownies remain fudgy and rich, making every bite decadent. This recipe showcases how versatile sourdough starter can be, turning a common waste product into a key ingredient in a luxurious dessert. Plus, you'll impress friends and family with your creative use of leftover starter!

Decadent Salted Caramel

The salted caramel sauce is the crowning glory of these brownies. Its rich, buttery flavor perfectly complements the chocolatey base, creating a symphony of tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Making salted caramel at home may seem intimidating, but it’s quite simple. With just a few ingredients and careful attention to temperature, you can achieve that perfect amber hue and smooth texture that will elevate your brownie experience.

Adding sea salt to your caramel enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast that lingers on the palate. This balance of flavors is what makes these brownies so irresistible. Drizzling the warm salted caramel over the cooled brownies not only adds a stunning visual appeal but also creates a perfect bite, where the gooey caramel and rich chocolate harmonize beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Brownies

To achieve the perfect brownies, it’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with the flour and cocoa powder. Too much of either can lead to dry brownies, while too little can result in a gooey mess. Remember to mix the batter gently; overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.

Another tip for baking success is to let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This allows the fudgy center to set properly, resulting in clean, beautiful squares. If you're in a hurry, placing the pan in the refrigerator for a short time can help speed up the cooling process without compromising texture. Enjoying these brownies fresh out of the oven might be tempting, but patience will reward you with the best results.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sourdough starter, unfed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips

Salted Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla, then mix in the sourdough starter until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter. Once melted, add the heavy cream and sea salt, stirring until smooth.

Let the caramel cool slightly.

Assemble and Serve

Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top. Allow it to set before cutting into squares. Enjoy your decadent sourdough discard brownies!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Sourdough Discard Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their fudgy texture fully.

For serving, consider pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, gooey brownies perfectly. You could also sprinkle some extra sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. These brownies are perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or simply as a delightful treat for yourself!

Variations to Try

While the classic combination of chocolate and salted caramel is hard to beat, feel free to get creative with your brownies! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch and additional flavor. You could also mix in some chunks of your favorite chocolate for a triple chocolate experience.

For those who enjoy a hint of spice, consider adding a dash of espresso powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brownie batter. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and add an unexpected kick that chocolate lovers will appreciate. Experimenting with these variations can lead to new favorites and keep your baking adventures exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fed sourdough starter?

Yes, you can use fed sourdough starter, but unfed starter gives a better texture.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in the caramel sauce?

You can use coconut cream or half-and-half as a substitute for heavy cream.