Dense Fudge Brownies With Discard

Name: Dense Fudge Brownies With Discard
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup sourdough discard; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I love baking, and there’s something truly delightful about creating desserts that not only taste amazing but also use up kitchen scraps. These dense fudge brownies made with discard are a perfect example. Each bite is rich and decadent, satisfying my chocolate cravings while minimizing waste. The combination of cocoa and the unique textures from the discard creates a brownie that is both fudgy and chewy. This recipe has become a favorite, allowing me to indulge guilt-free while contributing to sustainable cooking practices.

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:33:34.543Z

When I first experimented with these brownies, I wanted to use up some leftover discard from my sourdough baking. The result was surprisingly delightful! The brownies emerged richer than I had anticipated, and I realized the discard contributed a distinct depth of flavor.

This recipe not only satisfies my chocolate cravings, but it also plays a crucial role in minimizing waste. I remember the moment I served these at a gathering, and everyone raved about how dense and fudgy they were—little did they know they were made from a kitchen leftover!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Intense chocolaty goodness that hits the sweet spot
Uses up discard, reducing kitchen waste
Perfectly fudgy texture that sticks to your fork
Simple ingredients that come together effortlessly

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The use of cocoa powder in this recipe not only deepens the chocolate flavor but also adds to the fudgy texture we all crave in a brownie. Opt for a high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste; the richer the cocoa, the more intense the chocolate flavor will be. Additionally, using unsweetened cocoa allows you to control the sweetness of the brownies more effectively, balancing beautifully with the sugar in the recipe.

Sourdough discard may seem unconventional for brownies, but it plays a significant role in creating a chewy texture. The acidity in the discard interacts with the baking soda released during the baking process, resulting in a rich depth of flavor. If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can substitute it with a similar amount of plain yogurt or applesauce, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When baking the brownies, keep a close eye on the time. It's essential to pull them out of the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. This ensures that the brownies remain fudgy rather than dry. As ovens can vary, start checking at around 22 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Cooling the brownies in the pan helps them set, which is crucial for achieving that perfect fudgy texture. If you have time, let them cool completely before cutting. If you're in a hurry, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes; this will still give you delicious squares while retaining some of that gooeyness.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sourdough discard
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Gather these ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the melted butter, sourdough discard, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine Both Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 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 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.

Storage Tips

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, though this may slightly alter the texture. When you're ready to enjoy, allow them to come to room temperature to bring back that fudgy consistency.

If you want to save some for later, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to three months. Thaw the brownies in the fridge or at room temperature for a delightful treat on demand.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dense fudge brownies, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing the ice cream to melt slightly into the warm brownie. Drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce can also add a decadent finishing touch that complements the rich chocolate flavor.

For a fun twist, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking. This adds a pleasant crunch and pairs beautifully with the fudgy texture. Alternatively, sprinkle some sea salt on top after they come out of the oven to enhance the chocolate's flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture may be denser. A combination of both flours works well too.

→ Can I freeze leftover brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for the chocolate chips?

You can use nuts, dried fruits, or even white chocolate chips as a substitute for a different flavor profile.

→ Is the sourdough discard necessary?

While it adds a unique flavor and texture, you can leave it out and replace it with an equivalent amount of yogurt or buttermilk if preferred.