Sourdough Brownies with Sprinkles

Name: Sourdough Brownies with Sprinkles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Highlighted under: Baking Favorites

I love making Sourdough Brownies with Sprinkles because they offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The tangy flavor from the sourdough balances perfectly with the rich chocolate, creating a unique profile that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, the vibrant sprinkles add a fun touch, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a casual gathering or a special celebration, these brownies are always a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-27T11:10:28.241Z

When I first decided to experiment with sourdough in my brownies, I was amazed by the results. The natural fermentation adds a depth of flavor that elevates the chocolate without overpowering it. I learned that the key is to balance your sourdough starter with enough sugar and cocoa to create a harmonious blend.

Another tip that truly makes these brownies shine is the addition of quality chocolate. I found that using semi-sweet chocolate not only enhances the richness but also complements the subtle tang of the sourdough. Trust me, once you try these, you'll wonder how you ever baked brownies without sourdough!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
The unique combination of sourdough and chocolate creates a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.
Vibrant sprinkles make them visually appealing and fun for all ages.
These brownies are incredibly moist and have a perfect chewy texture.

Understanding Sourdough's Role

The sourdough starter in these brownies does more than just add flavor; it also contributes to the overall texture and moisture of the finished product. The fermentation process in sourdough introduces a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the sugars, making each bite complex and satisfying. Additionally, the acidity from the sourdough helps to create a tender crumb, preventing the brownies from becoming overly dense or cakey.

If you find yourself with leftover sourdough starter, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up. Just make sure your starter is active and bubbly, as this ensures maximum flavor and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. If your starter has been dormant, consider feeding it at least a few hours prior to starting this recipe for the best results.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When baking these brownies, pay attention to your oven temperature. Every oven has its unique quirks, so if you notice your brownies are overbaking in less time than specified, consider investing in an oven thermometer for accurate readings. The goal is to have glossy, slightly cracked tops that signal a perfectly baked brownie. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit while cooling, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaking them.

Using a 9x13 inch pan is essential for achieving the right thickness and texture; anything narrower might result in overly thick brownies that take longer to bake, while a wider pan could turn them into thin, dry treats. Ensure you grease the pan well, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal, as this helps retain moisture and promotes even baking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious brownies.

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Once you have everything ready, you’re just a few steps away from delicious brownies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your sourdough brownies.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your delicious sourdough brownies!

Pro Tips

Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add nuts for added texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Sourdough Brownies can be enjoyed on their own, or you can elevate them by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. Additionally, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce or caramel over them for extra richness. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing in other add-ins like chopped nuts or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique flavor twist.

For a festive touch, swap out the rainbow sprinkles for seasonal varieties, such as pumpkin-shaped sprinkles in the fall or heart-shaped ones for Valentine's Day. This simple swap allows these brownies to fit right in with any celebration while maintaining their delicious sourdough flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare these brownies in advance, they store exceptionally well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies; just cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic, and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient treat for unexpected guests.

To enjoy brownies straight from the freezer, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to reheat. This not only revives their original moist texture but also enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use discard sourdough starter?

Yes, discard starter works well for this recipe!

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.