Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies

Name: Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Bakes

I’ve always been a fan of rich, fudgy brownies, and when I discovered the magic of using sourdough starter, I was hooked. The addition of sourdough not only enhances the flavor profile but also gives the brownies a wonderfully chewy texture. After several attempts to perfect this recipe, I found that balancing the sweetness with a hint of tang from the sourdough is key. If you’re looking to elevate your brownie game while utilizing that extra starter, these Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies are a must-try!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-16T11:10:37.094Z

During my quest to create the ultimate brownie, I experimented with various ingredients until I stumbled upon my sourdough starter. The richness it adds is unlike anything else! Incorporating sourdough creates a delightful depth of flavor and gives the brownies an irresistible chew. I couldn't believe how something so simple could transform this classic treat.

A tip I learned along the way is to slightly underbake these brownies. This way, they remain fudgy and dense on the inside while forming a perfect crust on the outside. Trust me, they are best enjoyed straight from the oven with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of tang from the sourdough
Decadently thick texture that satisfies every chocolate craving
Perfect for entertaining or simply indulging yourself

Understanding the Role of Sourdough

In these Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies, sourdough starter does more than just replace a simple ingredient; it brings a unique flavor and chewy texture that distinguishes these brownies from others. The slight acidity of the sourdough balances the sweetness from the sugars, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. It's important to use an active or well-fed starter for the best results, but even discard from your previous baking endeavors can work wonders if that's what you have on hand.

The fermentation process in the sourdough contributes to the moistness of the brownies, preventing them from becoming too dense. When using sourdough, you might notice that the batter has a slightly thicker consistency than traditional brownie recipes—a sign that the starter is doing its job. Embrace this texture; it will lead to a rich end product that’s both fudgy and chewy.

Baking to Perfection

Achieving the perfect brownie texture can be tricky, but key visual cues will guide you. As your brownies bake, keep an eye on the edges; they should be set and just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan. The center will look slightly underbaked but should not be wet. Use the toothpick test: insert it into the centre and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. This ensures they’ll remain fudgy after cooling.

Cooling the brownies is crucial as well. Allow them to stay in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting; this waiting time allows the edges to firm up while the inside continues to set. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan on a wire rack to speed up the cooling process, but resist the urge to cut them while they are too warm to maintain clean edges.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

For optimal freshness, store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to five days. If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate them and serve them cold for a different texture experience. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, where they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

Try serving these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert experience. If you want to elevate your serving game, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving; it brings out the chocolate flavor even more and adds a delightful contrast in texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Ensure everything is at room temperature for better mixing.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add eggs, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

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

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

These brownies are best served warm, but they also keep well in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent treat, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in need of substitutions for allergies or preferences, there are several swaps you can consider. For a dairy-free option, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. You can also use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, although you may want to reduce the quantity to balance the moisture it brings to the batter.

Gluten-free baking can be achieved by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring that the blend contains xanthan gum to replicate the structure usually provided by gluten. By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the rich, fudgy texture of these brownies without compromising on flavor or consistency.

Variations to Try

For a fun twist on the traditional brownie, consider adding mix-ins to the batter such as crushed nuts, caramel swirls, or a splash of espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor. Incorporating a tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the wet ingredients can deepen the chocolate flavor without overpowering the original taste profile.

Another delicious variation is to layer a cheesecake filling within, creating a brownie-cheesecake hybrid. Simply prepare a basic cheesecake mixture and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking, ensuring the cheesecake is slightly firmer than the brownie mixture to prevent it from sinking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too cake-like, it may be due to overmixing the batter, especially after adding the flour and cocoa powder. Always mix until just combined to maintain that ideal fudgy texture. Another reason could be the oven temperature; using an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy, as an overheated oven can lead to a drier brownie.

On the other hand, if your brownies are too gooey in the center, they may require additional baking time. You can also opt to bake them at a slightly lower temperature for a longer duration, allowing the inside to fully set without overcooking the edges. Keeping an eye on the visual cues previously mentioned will also guide you to the perfect bake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use my active sourdough starter?

Yes, just use an equal amount of active sourdough starter in the recipe.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly.

→ What if I don't have cocoa powder?

You can substitute with extra melted chocolate, but adjust sugar accordingly.