Sourdough Discard Brownies with Maple Glaze

Name: Sourdough Discard Brownies with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup sourdough starter; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

Delight in the rich chocolate flavors of these Sourdough Discard Brownies, perfectly complemented by a sweet maple glaze. A delicious way to use leftover sourdough starter!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-27T19:46:27.917Z

These Sourdough Discard Brownies are a wonderfully decadent treat that not only satisfy your chocolate cravings but also help reduce food waste by using leftover sourdough starter. The addition of a maple glaze elevates the flavors, making these brownies a standout dessert for any occasion.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of sourdough tang
Moist and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family

      

The Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard

If you’ve been baking sourdough bread at home, chances are you’ve encountered the dilemma of how to use your leftover sourdough starter. Rather than tossing it out, why not incorporate it into a delightful dessert? These Sourdough Discard Brownies not only help reduce waste but also introduce a unique flavor profile that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

The slight tang from the sourdough adds depth and complexity to the brownies, creating a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate. This recipe is an excellent way to transform what would otherwise be kitchen scraps into a decadent treat that everyone will love.

Why Maple Glaze Makes It Special

The addition of a sweet maple glaze elevates these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary. This simple yet flavorful topping enhances the chocolate and sourdough flavors, creating a dessert that is both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. The glaze adds a glossy finish that makes the brownies look bakery-worthy and ready to impress your guests.

Using real maple syrup in the glaze gives it a depth of flavor that artificial syrups simply can’t replicate. The combination of sweetness and the earthy notes of maple pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, making each bite a delightful experience.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

For the best results, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix; you want to stir until just combined for that perfect fudgy texture.

Another tip is to check your brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that your brownies are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

For the Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons milk

Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.

Instructions

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, sugar, sourdough starter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the brownies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.

Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the maple glaze over the top and let it set before cutting into squares.

Enjoy these delicious brownies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Serving Suggestions

These Sourdough Discard Brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, or allow them to cool and set for a more traditional brownie experience. Either way, they're sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

For an extra touch, consider serving the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy brownies, creating a dessert that is not only delightful but also indulgent.

Storage Tips

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, though we doubt they will last that long! If you wish to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them.

To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ Can I omit the maple glaze?

Yes, the brownies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a lovely sweetness and finishing touch.