Gooey Sourdough Brownies

Name: Gooey Sourdough Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup active sourdough starter; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Soft Planning

I absolutely love experimenting with sourdough, and these gooey brownies are a delightful result of that passion! The tanginess from the sourdough starter elevates the chocolate flavor, making each bite truly unique. I’ve made them for gatherings and they always disappear quickly. The secret lies in combining the starter with rich cocoa and butter to create a fudgy texture that is both chewy and satisfying. You won’t believe how delicious these brownies turn out!

Created by

Zara Ellington

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:49:34.794Z

As a baker, I love incorporating unexpected ingredients into classic recipes, and sourdough is one of my favorites. When I decided to use sourdough in brownies, I was thrilled with how the slightly tangy flavor contrasted beautifully with the rich chocolate. My friends couldn’t get enough, and I’ve been asked to make them for every gathering since!

One thing I discovered was to make sure my sourdough starter is active for the best results. This ensures that the brownies rise properly and develop that wonderful gooey texture. Trust me, it’s not just a twist on a classic; it’s a decadent treat you’ll want to make again and again!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies:
        The rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of sourdough tang
An incredibly gooey texture that’s hard to resist
Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee

      

The Role of Sourdough Starter

Using an active sourdough starter not only adds a unique tang to these brownies but also contributes to a remarkably moist texture. Unlike other brownie recipes that rely solely on fats for richness, the starter introduces a slight fermentation which enhances flavor complexity. This means you can enjoy a decadent chocolate experience that is not overly sweet and boasts depth. Make sure to choose a well-fed starter for the best results; an underactive starter might limit the flavors and texture you achieve.

When adding sourdough starter, ensure it's at room temperature for optimal mixing. Cold starter can create lumps, leading to inconsistent texture. It's best to take it out of the fridge a few hours before you begin, allowing for a smoother incorporation into the wet ingredients. This step is crucial in ensuring a uniform batter, which will bake evenly and yield that coveted gooey interior.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To create the gooey texture that everyone raves about, be careful not to overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can add too much air, resulting in cakier brownies rather than the dense, fudgy ones we're aiming for. Stir just until you see no dry flour—this will help maintain that rich, moist center. Also, the baking time is critical: check for doneness at around 25 minutes. The edges should be just set, while the center remains slightly wet, ensuring a gooey finish.

If you prefer an even fudgier brownie, consider reducing the flour by a couple of tablespoons. This swap allows for more chocolate flavor and a slightly denser texture. However, if you find the batter too runny, you can increase the flour gradually until you reach a consistency that feels right, but remember to taste the chocolate goodness throughout the process!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious gooey brownies!

For the Brownies

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup active sourdough starter
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your gooey brownies!

Preheat the Oven

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Stir in the active sourdough starter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 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 for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!

Enjoy these brownies while they're fresh and gooey!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top just before baking for a delightful contrast in flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, which makes them perfect for a quick snack or dessert. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the brownies into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature; they will retain their gooey texture beautifully.

If you're planning to serve these brownies at a gathering, you can also prepare the batter a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When you're ready, allow the batter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the pan—this helps achieve a consistent bake.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further with toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple yet classy finish, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delightful contrast to the warm brownie. For a flavor twist, consider drizzling caramel or raspberry sauce over each square before serving; the sweet and tart flavors complement the chocolate beautifully.

For those looking to experiment with variations, try swapping out half of the chocolate chips for nuts like walnuts or pecans—they add crunch and richness. You could also infuse the batter with spices, such as a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder, to heighten the chocolate flavor. These small tweaks can personalize the recipe to suit your cravings while keeping that signature gooey texture intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but it may slightly change the texture.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these brownies without sourdough?

You can replace the sourdough starter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or yogurt for a different flavor.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding nuts, caramel swirls, or spices like cinnamon for added depth.