Sourdough Discard Brownies Peanut

There's something wonderfully resourceful about transforming sourdough discard into a rich, fudgy dessert that rivals any bakery brownie. These Sourdough Discard Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl combine the tangy depth of unfed starter with deep chocolate flavor and a creamy peanut butter ribbon that swirls through every bite. Instead of tossing your leftover starter, you'll create an indulgent treat that's moist, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make. The sourdough adds complexity without overwhelming the chocolate, while the peanut butter swirl provides the perfect salty-sweet contrast.

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The magic of these brownies lies in how the sourdough discard contributes to their incredibly moist crumb. Unlike traditional brownies that can sometimes turn out cakey or dry, the unfed starter adds moisture and creates a dense, fudgy texture that stays soft for days. The slight tang from the sourdough enhances the chocolate rather than competing with it, creating a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile. And that peanut butter swirl? It's not just beautiful—it transforms each bite into a combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that chocolate-peanut butter lovers will absolutely adore.

Ingredients

• Chocolate & Butter: 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, 170 g (1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• Wet Ingredients: 120 g (1/2 cup) sourdough discard (unfed), 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Dry Ingredients: 65 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour, 30 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• Swirl: 80 g (1/3 cup) creamy peanut butter, 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for a sweeter swirl)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) square pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Melt chocolate and butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 4: Add chocolate mixture

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate dry ingredients

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Transfer to pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 7: Create peanut butter swirl

In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter and powdered sugar (if using) until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to perfectly fudgy brownies is to avoid overbaking—they should still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. The residual heat will continue cooking them as they cool. When melting the chocolate and butter, make sure to let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding it to the eggs; this prevents the eggs from scrambling. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the brownies for an hour before cutting, and wipe your knife clean between each cut. The sourdough discard works best when it's at room temperature, so take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start baking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These brownies are wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a nut-free version, simply omit the peanut butter or replace it with sunflower seed butter for a similar swirl effect. If you want extra texture, fold in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the batter before pouring it into the pan. Dark chocolate lovers can use bittersweet chocolate instead of semisweet for a more intense chocolate flavor. For an even more decadent treat, add a layer of caramel sauce between the brownie batter and peanut butter swirl, or top the finished brownies with a light dusting of sea salt flakes to enhance the sweet and salty combination.

Serviervorschläge

These brownies are delicious on their own, but they become absolutely irresistible when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. For an elegant dessert presentation, cut them into small squares and serve alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a special occasion, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over individual servings and garnish with chopped peanuts. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week—they actually taste even fudgier the next day as the flavors meld together.

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These Sourdough Discard Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl prove that sustainability and indulgence can coexist beautifully in your kitchen. By transforming what would otherwise be waste into a show-stopping dessert, you're not only reducing food waste but creating something truly special. The combination of rich chocolate, tangy sourdough, and creamy peanut butter creates layers of flavor that make these brownies unforgettable. Whether you're an experienced sourdough baker with discard to spare or simply looking for an exceptional brownie recipe, this is one treat that deserves a permanent place in your baking repertoire. So the next time you're about to discard your sourdough starter, reach for your baking pan instead—your taste buds will thank you.

Recipe Guide

→ How does sourdough discard affect the brownies?

Sourdough discard adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the richness of these brownies, contributing to a tender, fudgy texture.

→ Can I substitute peanut butter in the swirl?

Yes, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be used for a nut-free or different nutty flavor while maintaining the creamy swirl effect.

→ What type of chocolate works best?

Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate provide the ideal balance between sweetness and deep cocoa flavor for fudgy brownies.

→ How do I know when the brownies are done?

Bake until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, ensuring a soft and fudgy interior.

→ Can I add extra texture ingredients?

Yes, mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking adds delightful texture and flavor variations.