Are you ready to turn sourdough discard into something sweet? In this post, I’ll show you how to make Sourdough Discard Salted Caramel Brownies that burst with flavor. This easy recipe mixes rich chocolate with a touch of salted caramel. You’ll love how simple it is to create a gooey, decadent treat while reducing waste. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start baking these delightful brownies!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of sourdough discard and salted caramel creates an irresistible depth of flavor that elevates traditional brownies.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Great Use of Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose sourdough discard, minimizing waste while creating a delicious treat.
- Decadent Texture: The brownies are rich and fudgy, with a delightful swirl of salted caramel that adds a luxurious touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
The sourdough discard gives these brownies a unique flavor. The butter adds richness. Brown sugar brings moisture, while granulated sugar sweetens them. Eggs help bind the mix, and vanilla adds warmth and depth.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
All-purpose flour provides structure. Cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate taste. Baking powder helps the brownies rise. Fine sea salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Toppings
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Coarse sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Salted caramel sauce adds a sweet and salty kick. The coarse sea salt flakes finish these brownies perfectly, making each bite special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grab a 9x9-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the brownies later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In a big bowl, combine melted butter with brown and granulated sugars.
- Use a whisk to mix until it's smooth.
- Add two large eggs, one at a time. Whisk well after each egg.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Finally, add the sourdough discard and mix until everything blends nicely.
Combining Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
- Gradually mix this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix!
Layering and Baking
- Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly.
- Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the brownie layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel into the batter.
- Add the rest of the brownie batter on top and smooth it out.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and swirl it in again.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should have moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Once done, let the brownies cool for at least 15 minutes. Before cutting, sprinkle coarse sea salt flakes on top. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Brownies
To make perfect brownies, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can make the brownies tough. Stir just until you see no dry flour. This keeps them soft and fudgy.
Check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If there is wet batter, bake a bit longer.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts with the warm brownie. This makes each bite a treat.
Drizzle extra salted caramel on top before serving. This adds an indulgent touch. It enhances the rich flavor of the brownies.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Sourdough Discard: Ensure your sourdough discard is fresh for the best flavor and texture in your brownies.
- Don't Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to achieve clean edges and prevent them from crumbling.
- Customize Your Caramel: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce before drizzling for an extra salty kick!
Variations
Flavor Tweaks
You can easily switch up the flavors in these brownies. Here are a couple of tasty ideas:
- Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also fold in chocolate chips for an extra chocolate boost. Dark chocolate chips work well, adding richness to the brownies.
- Switching up the caramel flavor: If you want a twist, try flavored caramel. You can use a vanilla or coffee caramel for a new taste. You can also mix in a bit of sea salt to the caramel for a deeper flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
These brownies can fit many diets with some simple changes:
- Gluten-free alternatives: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture. This keeps the brownies moist and chewy.
- Vegan substitutes: Replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option. You can also find vegan caramel sauce for a fully plant-based treat.
With these tweaks, you can make these brownies fit your taste and diet. Enjoy the fun of creating your own unique versions!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. If you want, you can separate layers with parchment paper.
The brownies will stay good for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a week there. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
To warm up your brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This makes them soft and gooey again.
You can also use the microwave. Heat one brownie for about 15 to 20 seconds. Check to ensure it's warm but not too hot. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste!
FAQs
Can I make brownies without sourdough discard?
Yes, you can make brownies without sourdough discard. Use 1 cup of applesauce instead. This keeps the moisture and adds a nice sweetness. You may miss that tangy flavor, but the brownies will still taste great!
How do I know when brownies are done baking?
To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter, give it more time. Typically, they take 25-30 minutes.
Can I use homemade salted caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl. The flavor will be richer, and you can adjust the salt to your taste.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil. Use the same amount, about ½ cup. If you want a richer taste, try using ghee. Each option will change the flavor just a bit, but they work well!
In this post, we explored how to make delicious brownies using sourdough discard. We discussed the main ingredients, from essential wet components to dry ingredients. I shared a step-by-step guide for mixing, layering, and baking. I also included tips for perfecting your brownies, serving ideas, and variations for your taste.
In conclusion, these brownies are easy to make and fun to customize. Try these ideas to impress friends and family with your baking skills. Enjoy every bite!
