Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies

Name: Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakehouse

I’ve always loved brownies, but when I discovered the magic of sourdough in baking, it opened up a whole new world of flavor and texture. These Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies are rich, decadent, and have an incredibly fudgy center that just melts in your mouth. The sourdough adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness without overpowering it. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want to impress friends or simply indulge in something extraordinary. Whether paired with ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these brownies never disappoint.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-16T00:41:35.843Z

When I first experimented with adding sourdough to my brownie batter, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. The tangy notes from the sourdough really enhance the chocolate flavor, making each bite rich yet balanced. I recommend letting the brownies rest for a bit after baking to intensify the fudginess and help them set properly.

Another tip that I learned along the way is to use high-quality cocoa powder. This really makes a difference in achieving that intense chocolate flavor. I also found that using a mix of bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate creates the perfect depth of flavor, so don't skip that step!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with the unique tang of sourdough
Incredibly fudgy and moist texture that satisfies chocolate cravings
Easily customizable with nuts or chocolate chips for added decadence

Understanding the Role of Sourdough

Sourdough starter contributes more than just flavor to these Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies; it also enhances the texture and moisture content. The natural fermentation process not only provides a slight tang that complements the sweetness but also creates a soft, chewy consistency that makes these brownies irresistible. If using discard from your sourdough starter, ensure it's been fed recently for the best flavor and baking performance.

An important consideration when integrating sourdough into your baking is the hydration level. Depending on your starter's consistency, you might need to adjust the flour and liquid ratios. If your starter is particularly runny, consider reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the rich, fudgy texture characteristic of brownies.

Customizing Your Brownies

While this recipe delivers a decadent chocolate experience, feel free to experiment with mix-ins to elevate it further. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while adding extra semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips intensifies the chocolate flavor. If you're in the mood for something different, consider incorporating flavors like espresso powder or peppermint extract—both of which pair wonderfully with chocolate.

For a more unique treat, try swirling in a layer of peanut butter or salted caramel before baking. Drop spoonfuls of your chosen ingredient on top of the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it in. This not only adds flavor but also creates an appealing marbled visual that makes for an impressive presentation.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugars until well combined.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Let the butter-sugar mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sourdough starter.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips for extra fudge factor.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate taste without making the brownies taste like coffee.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking these brownies, it’s crucial to monitor them closely during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 20-minute mark. You want the brownies to have a slightly puffed top and edges that feel firm while the center remains moist and fudgy. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

If you find yourself dealing with underbaked or overbaked brownies, note that they can still be salvageable. If underbaked, return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, checking frequently. To salvage overbaked brownies, you can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream, which helps soften their texture slightly.

Storing and Serving Your Brownies

For optimum freshness, store your Thick Sourdough Fudge Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Once completely cooled, cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen brownies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave them for a few seconds for a warm treat. Serving them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup, transforms the humble brownie into a luxurious dessert that’s sure to impress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use regular sourdough starter. Just make sure it’s active for the best results.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

→ What can I add to customize my brownies?

You can fold in nuts, caramel bits, or additional chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture!