Sourdough Discard Brownies with Toffee Bits

Highlighted under: Dessert Recipe Collection

These Sourdough Discard Brownies with Toffee Bits are a delicious way to use up leftover sourdough starter, creating a rich, fudgy treat that will delight your taste buds.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-27T20:34:27.448Z

Discover the magic of using sourdough discard in these decadent brownies. The toffee bits add a delightful crunch and sweetness, making these brownies a favorite among family and friends.

Why You'll Love These Brownies

  • Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by tangy sourdough
  • Chewy texture with delightful toffee bits
  • Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while reducing waste

The Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard

If you've been baking bread at home, you likely have some sourdough starter sitting in your fridge. Instead of tossing it out, why not transform it into these scrumptious brownies? Using sourdough discard not only helps reduce waste but also adds a unique tangy flavor that elevates the chocolate experience. It’s a win-win situation for both your taste buds and the environment!

These brownies are an excellent way to incorporate your sourdough starter into sweet treats. The subtle acidity from the sourdough enhances the chocolate flavor, giving the brownies a depth that’s hard to resist. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and that delightful, unexpected hint of tang.

Texture and Flavor Profile

One of the standout features of these Sourdough Discard Brownies is their wonderfully chewy texture. The combination of butter, sugar, and eggs creates a fudgy base, while the addition of toffee bits introduces a delightful crunch. This contrast makes every bite exciting and satisfying, catering to both chocolate lovers and those who enjoy a bit of texture in their desserts.

The toffee bits not only provide a sweet, buttery flavor but also melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness. This feature ensures that you won’t just taste chocolate; you'll enjoy layers of flavor and texture that make these brownies truly indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party, looking for a special dessert for a family gathering, or just treating yourself. They can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, creating a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for an added flavor kick.

For a fun twist, consider drizzling some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the brownies before serving. This extra touch not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds another layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and toffee. Your guests will be raving about these brownies long after the last bite!

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup toffee bits

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Melt the Butter

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

Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth. Then, stir in the sourdough discard.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Add Toffee Bits

Fold in the toffee bits gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake 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 cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Storing Your Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to four days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that freshly baked taste. No matter how you store them, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Experimenting with Add-Ins

While toffee bits add a delightful flavor to these brownies, feel free to experiment with other mix-ins! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a nice crunch and complement the chocolate richness. You could also try adding chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience or even dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.

If you're a fan of spices, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more. These simple tweaks can personalize the recipe to your liking and make every batch of brownies uniquely yours!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to use milk or dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder for a different flavor.

→ How do 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 these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for the eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs if you want to make it egg-free.

Sourdough Discard Brownies with Toffee Bits

These Sourdough Discard Brownies with Toffee Bits are a delicious way to use up leftover sourdough starter, creating a rich, fudgy treat that will delight your taste buds.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Dessert Recipe Collection

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

Brownie Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1 cup sourdough discard
  6. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  7. 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup toffee bits

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth. Then, stir in the sourdough discard.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Fold in the toffee bits gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 3g